JudgeCast

Welcome back our Judge of the Week interviewer and level 2 judge Jacob Milicic (From episode #166) to talk about his experience Head Judging a recent StarCityGames.com Classic event. We ask him a lot of questions and get even more answers. How did his judge career get to this point? What did he do to prepare? How did he even get on a list to do that? Is the proper plural of staff "staves"? Find out more about Tour events at StarCityGames.com/content/scgtour. (We're not affiliated with them, it's just topical)

On this episode, we're joined by the amazing Billy Willy to discuss the numerous parts of a card. Find out about the rules for illustrations (yes, there's a rule for that!) and how set symbols used to be relevant in the game! Bprill reminisces about the good old days before color indicators and tells you about his new puppy, pictured below. You can more or less follow along in the comprehensive rules section 2, also titled "Parts of a card".

On this episode, we have special guest and representative of Judge of the Week Jacob Milicic on to interview us for Judge of the Week! You can consider a future Judge of the Week spoiled! Jacob asks us a fantastic range of questions, including how we got started, what we do to edit, if each of us was to name a Magic card to represent the others what would it be, and we talk about our future as well. This is also CJ's final episode on JudgeCast. Hard to believe it's over. I (yes I'm swapping from third person to first person you'll be fine) kinda rambled at the end of the episode and I didn't really have my thoughts straight, so here's one last opportunity to correct that. Thank you so much to the fans of JudgeCast! Each and every one of you I've met has made events better, and I really appreciate it. I also appreciate all the e-mails, facebook posts, tweets, and the support we've gotten over the past 5 years. And thank you so much to Jess and Bryan. They give me a lot of credit in the episode, but the reality is the show wouldn't be the show without the two of them. I wouldn't have wanted to do it with anyone else. So thank you everyone, and be excited for what JudgeCast has in store for the future! I'm excited to be listening right along side of you. Links from the show: Judge of the Week: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/jotw/ Feedback Loop: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/feedback/ Our theme music! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a0pplmtW6w

On this episode, we cover quite a bit of news and policy updates! So much, that we have to bring special guest Erik Aliff on to help! Some mysterious changes to hidden card error, some tweaks to looking at extra cards, and some exciting changes to deck decklist error! If you're not excited about minor policy tweaks then honestly what can you be excited for? We also cover some changes in the MTR, like the new "you can only pile shuffle at the start of a game" rule. And we read a few policy related e-mails from listeners just like you or who are you. Links from the show: Toby's blog about changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2017/01/16/policy-changes-for-aether-revolt/ Article about MTR updates: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/magic-tournament-rules-release-notes-2017-01-16 Great page about disqualifications: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/disqualification-process/

We're back with the Aether Revolt release notes episode, and this time we're joined by judge Amanda Coots, who helps us go over the mechanics and favorite cards from the new set. She also tells us what it's like when the rodeo's in town. Oh and Emrakul was banned. That wily Emrakul. Here's the full release notes for your reading pleasure: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/aether-revolt-release-notes-2017-01-06

On this episode, we take a look at the various changes to the Judge Program over the year. Policy changes, Program changes, personal changes; we run the gambit. We also discuss our favorite episode from 2016 and what 2017 holds for us personally and for the podcast. It gets surprisingly heavy for such a light topic. Note: No celebrities were harmed during the recording of this podcast

On this episode, we take the time to go over listener e-mails! We cover rules, policy, and some mysterious "other" questions. The mysteries of transform are revealed, and how many Emrakuls are too many Emrakuls? Also, everyone's second favorite weird red card Illicit Auction is here (the first favorite is of course Goblin Game). This episode may hold the record for our shortest ever (but maybe not)...and it may also hold the record for longest amount of bonus material after the episode is done. In other words, this episode was so rubber. Links from the show: http://www.xnotestopwatch.com/ http://www.online-stopwatch.com/ http://challonge.com/

We combine our deep and vast wealth of knowledge to talk about all the "other" stuff you need to know to head judge your first PPTQ. Sure, you know there are 50 minute rounds with a 40 minute minimum. But what do you do before the day of the event to prepare? When do you show up? What should you bring and what should you make sure the TO has? How should you handle player seatings and top 8? All this and so much more in this action packed episode! Episode on HJ Announcements: https://judgecast.com/?p=982

On this episode, the three amigos cover everything anyone could ever want to know about copy effects. If by the end of this there is some corner of copy effects you don’t understand, then you just weren’t listening. On this episode, the three amigos cover everything anyone could ever want to know about copy effects. If by the end of this there is some corner of copy effects you don’t understand, then you just weren’t listening. (By the way, you’re going to want this: Mirrorweave – Each other creature becomes a copy of target nonlegendary creature until end of turn.) Got a rules question, comment, concern? E-mail us at [email protected] Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/judgecast Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/judgecast

On this spooookky episode (That came out after Halloween, but what're you gonna do) we talk all about the Graveyard! We go into random rules around it, talk about a mish mash of graveyard abilities, and talk about a few of our favorite graveyard cards. You know, like Savannah Lions!

It's important, when you have a podcast, to come up with great memorable titles for your episodes. On this episode, we have fungus expert, L2, and prolific judge blogger Nik Zitomer on to talk about balancing out your work, judging, playing, and family life. We also talk about some of the advantages that Magic can give in all of those! Nik's article on the topic: https://theelvishfarmer.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/magic-the-balancing-judging-family-and-career/

We spend this episode going over a mish-mash of policy updates and news! First, we cover some of the new IPG updates. Nothing earth-shattering, but some new changes to HCE, tweaks to Missed Trigger, some clarifications on DDLP downgrades, and some changes to the MTR which apparently ruined Magic! After that we cover the L2 Tester position and how you can certify for it. We also welcome a new Program Coordinator to the program! Toby's Description of Changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2016/09/26/policy-changes-for-kaladesh/ L2 Tester: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/09/29/announcing-the-level-2-tester-certification/ New PC: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/coordinators/2016/09/30/your-new-program-coordinator/

Tabak and Mox, attorneys at law. Tabak and Mox, chefs extraordinaire. Tabak and Mox, crime fighting duo. Whatever they may be to you, we have Matt Tabak (Some random editor at WotC who would agree to be on. I think he writes some stories on the website?), Sara Mox (The judge manager at WotC and contender for #1 fan of the show), and a silent and mysterious Kayla (who attempts to, behind the scenes, reign the first two in but also knows deep in her heart that it is impossible) on the show to talk about the release notes for Kaladesh! With this much greatness on, something had to give and CJ was not able to make this episode and he's deeply sad about it. You won't notice him missing though. HIS COHOSTS SURE DIDN'T NOR DO THEY MENTION IT AND THEY QUICKLY REPLACE HIM. Oh yeah. Kaladesh. We go over the new mechanics! We talk card by card for the cards of interest! I'm told there is some form of wrestling game in the middle for some reason! Warning: If you're not someone who enjoys shows where we have fun, this might not be the episode for you. You can jump in 21 minutes to where mechanics talk starts. Matt's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tabakrules Matt's Tumblr: http://tabakrules.tumblr.com/ Sara's Twitter: https://twitter.com/serranalaar ExtraLife Charity: http://tinyurl.com/magicextralife This link too why not: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/making-magic/ramp-approval-2016-05-16 And finally, the release notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/kaladesh-release-notes-2016-09-16 * Matt doesn't have a pinterest...I think.

On this episode, we cover the pregame procedure! You already know the pregame procedure, you say? Just listen and see, I have a feeling you'll learn something that surprises you. We also cover everything that can go wrong in the pregame procedure, and occasionally a quick overview on how to fix it. There's a lot that can go wrong for something that's done so often! We also cover some modifications to the L2 "checklist," and talk about how to become get the L2 Team Leader Certification. L2 Changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/08/30/the-level-2-in-the-nnwo/ L2 Team Leader Certification: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/08/15/the-level-2-team-leader-certification/

We talk about the newest Conspiracy set! We discuss what Conspiracy is and what to look out for, and give a brief refresher on multiplayer rules. We then cover the new mechanics, including the king of all new mechanics: Monarch! We fight over the pronunciation of melee and goad each other over the pronunciation of orchard. We then go over some of the more interesting cards and conspiracies in the set, and make Ghostbusters 2 references. Release Notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/conspiracy-take-crown-release-notes-2016-08-22

We have L2, frequent e-mailer, and pirate aficionado Kali Rainwater to help us get through our backlog of e-mails. We cover policy questions like how to handle if someone actually drew out of their sideboard, or if you can scry 3 infinite times to order your library. On the rules front we cover a ton of cards from Eldritch Moon and some wacky Blood Moon shenanigans, among others. We even have a special sidebar on what's apparently the most confusing card in Standard: Spell Queller. We even have some great discussions on what it means to be an L2, how to handle counterfeits, and what to do when you make an incorrect ruling. Kali's Blog: http://masteringcommander.com/

On this episode, we have L3, RC, and swell guy extraordinaire Rob McKenzie on to talk about Judge Projects! We cover what are judge projects, how to join them and be involved in the judge community, how to start them, and talk about some of our favorites (Sorry if we didn't mention your favorite project...there's so many!) We also cover the newest IPG changes and GPTs being switched to Regular REL. Jump in to a little over an hour in if that's all you're interested in, you monsters. Some of the projects mentioned in this episode: Mystical Tutor Judge of the Week Cranial Insertion Judge Buddy Judge Classes (Outdated, you should update them!) Exemplar Program Annotated IPG List of Other Projects Toby's blog post on IPG changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2016/07/18/policy-changes-for-eldritch-moon/

As per the pact made with 4 demons, we are back yet again with another Release Notes episode! We cover our top picks of cards that we think are interesting rules-wise or maybe just interesting. We seem to really like cards that make spirits, and we make sure everyone knows a new card isn't a one-turn-kill. Oh and Emrakul. That wily Emrakul. Release Notes: https://judgecast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/JudgeCast_151.mp3

It's that spooooookkkkyyyy time again! The Release Notes for Eldritch Moon will be emerging soon, and to prevent our episodes from escalating in length too much, we decided to go ahead and cover the rules ahead of the release notes being released! Just meld this episode with the one after it to get the entire Eldritch Moon rules experience. Mechanics article with delightful videos: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/eldritch-moon-mechanics-2016-06-27

We're missing Bryan this episode, so take the opportunity to go over one of our oldest ideas for a show topic: Head Judge announcements! We cover what you should think about saying in your announcements, how you should prepare, and how you should actually present the announcements. Here is CJ's outline for the last event he was HJ of (An SCG Legacy Classic), and you can get a feel for how he outlines his announcements and how brief he's trying to be: What did the cannibal get when he was late for dinner? A cold shoulder Welcome Judges - Chris, Taylor, Nicholas, Yuval (Name, table number, minute for deck list checks.) ***Take up deck lists*** REL Competitive 50 minute rounds 0/10 Tardiness policy Match slips Calling a Judge Have fun Round 1: # of Players ____ # of Rounds ____ Also CJ wrote an article on this topic quite a while ago: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/articles/2014/06/24/head-judge-o-pun-ing-announcements/

Release notes: the eternal punishment for being a JudgeCast host. We cover all the exciting abilities in Eternal Masters, and a wide selection of our favorite nostalgia-filled and most-dreaded cards! Animate Dead! Werebear! Sylvan Library! Isochron Scepter! All these and so much more in this action packed episode. Release Notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/eternal-masters-release-notes-2016-06-02

Much like SBAs, we post every time you're about to get priority. That makes no sense. But we're here and covering State Based Actions again! Learn all about these little critters that help keep the game clean and fresh. GP Charlotte SK Article: http://www.mtgscorekeeper.com/2016/05/gp-charlotte-2016-saturday.html Why does Bryan hate CJ?

We're back with another e-mail episode! We cover a variety of rules topics and touch on a couple of policy questions as well. How does converge work with clones? How much information is too much on the back of a match slip? Who is our most prolific e-mailer? Can we ever be wrong in an answer? These questions and more are answered on this very special episode!

As promised, we discuss the new level redefinition in this episode. We cover why the changes were made and what it means for each level of judge. We also make weird wrestling references? Blog Announcing the Reasoning: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/04/11/the-new-new-world-order/ Explanations of current level requirements: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/judge-levels-redefinition/ AMA on the redefinition: https://www.reddit.com/r/mtgjudge/comments/4ebe89/judge_program_redefinition_ask_us_anything/ Program Coordinator announcement: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/04/11/meet-your-program-coordinators/

New set, new IPG, new infractions! We go in depth on Hidden Card Error and how it looks now. It's much more clear and generally we're all a lot happier with it, and you will be too after you listen to us! We also cover a brand new infraction - Mulligan Procedure Error. And throw in some other odds and ends like minor changes to GRV, D/DLP, and the MTR. Links from the show: Article about policy changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2016/04/04/soi-policy-changes/ Article about HCE corner cases: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2016/04/04/revisiting-the-hidden-corners-of-hce/

CJ Shrader Creature — Human 1/2, UG Defender At the beginning of each upkeep, if CJ isn't available to record, transform into Matt Williams. Matt Williams Creature — Human 2/1 (White/Red) Haste, Indestructible, Vigilance Matt Williams must attack each combat if able. At the beginning of your upkeep, put a hustle counter on Matt Williams. This turn, there is an additional combat step for each hustle counter on Matt Williams. It's that time of the season again! Ghosts skulk in the basements, men transform into beasts, delirium and madness drive the crowds to riot, and we record another release notes episode! We cover all the cards we deem interesting in the interest in getting you ready to play or judge in your prerelease, and try to cover some of the wackier stuff that can happen with the new rare cards. SOI Release Notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-release-notes-2016-03-30

Ok maybe that show title is a stretch. What's this? An episode a week after our previous episode? It's some kind of miracle! On this episode, we have a stacked crew of W. Matt Williams, Jared Sylva, and Riki Hayashi on all to talk about their experiences in planning, judging, and playing in GP DC (The largest team sealed event to date) over this past weekend. Also this video for some reason: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlhOUyy4wbs

Skulk into a comfy chair and listen to this episode! We investigate the new Shadows over Innistrad Mechanics. Reading this is basically a promise to listen, so you have to now. You don't want to be a double-faced liar about it. You'd have to be delirious or struck by some form of madness to not listen to us. SOI Mechanics Article: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/shadows-over-innistrad-mechanics

On this episode, we talk about appeals in depth! What is an appeal? As the floor judge, what you should you do when you get appealed (And some tips on how to avoid it)?. As the head judge, what should you do when a floor judge comes to you with an appeal (Or doing the appeals dance)? And even as a player, what are your responsibilities before you appeal? We also cover the fact that Wave 5 Exemplar nominations are open! More info here: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/exemplar/wave-5-opens-and-other-updates/

Another episode in a long and sordid history of forcing Bryan Prillaman's name into the title. On this episode, we cover the Exemplar program in depth with its convenient leader, Bryan Prillaman! We talk about the history of the program and where it is today. We also spend some time discussing what a recommendation should look like, what makes a bad one, and what makes a good one. We also learn that "exemplar" doesn't really mean what we think it means. Whoops! There was SO MUCH JUDGE NEWS this episode too. Here are some of the links: New L3 Luca Romano - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/01/31/luca-romano-promoted-to-l3-at-gp-vancouver/ New L4 Riki Hayashi - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/02/05/riki-hayashi-promoted-to-l4/ New RCs and new regions in the Midwest USA - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/blog/2016/02/03/the-usa-north-and-usa-great-lakes-regions/ Sean Catanese's article about the JCC's perspective on the recent judge/player suspensions - http://blogs.magicjudges.org/seacat/applying-a-lens-of-clarity-to-the-us-southeast-suspensions/

Warning: Explicit language in this one As promised, we dedicate this episode entirely to Bryan and CJ's judge suspension. We cover what happened, discuss why we didn't report anything, and where we are today. If you're more interested in fancy book-learnin', then this episode is not for you. That's why #138A is released at the exact same time! Give it a listen.

A new IPG is out, and with it some new changes! The most major is Hidden Card Error, which we cover in detail here. What is it? When to apply it? And examples galore abound! There are also some small tweaks to GRV and D/DLP, and we cover those as well. Toby released two articles on the changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2016/01/18/ogw-policy-changes/ http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2016/01/25/the-hidden-corners-of-hce/ And you can always find the latest policy documents at judgecast.com/docs

Another set, another set of release notes. It's our oath to you to have these episodes. In this one, we cover the more interesting tidbits of the Oath of the Gatewatch Release Notes! Looking for in-depth coverage on the new mechanics? TOO BAD. That's in the previous episode. But want to hear thoughts on specific cards! Oh we got you covered. Release Notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/oath-gatewatch-release-notes-2016-01-13 The day after we recorded this, Bryan and CJ got unsuspended! We'll have an episode on that soon, but Wizards also posted this article on the topic: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/learning-opportunities-2016-01-13

a.k.a. "The non-suspension stuff starts at 32:10" Bryan and CJ got player suspensions for 3 months oh no! We spend some time talking about what that means, what happened (as much as we can say right now) and what the future is going to look like. However, if you don't care about any of that then just jump to 32:10 and we'll talk about the new mechanics in Oath of the Gatewatch! Current JudgeApps page on the suspensions: http://apps.magicjudges.org/suspended.html mtgfocus podcast with Helene Bergeot: http://mtgfocus.tumblr.com/post/135825890598/mtg-focus-ep-39-inside-a-leak-ft-helene Oath of the Gatewatch Mechanics: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/oath-gatewatch-mechanics-2015-12-28

It's time again for another e-mail show! We cover a wide variety of topics from listeners just like you, such as: what is appropriate on a decklist, copy effects, random cards from Portal and 9th edition, blocking order, how to handle game losses during the second game, and so much more! Plus! Stay until the end to hear the Forbidden Question, the question we weren't going to discuss but ended up discussing anyway. I'm definitely overselling it. AutocardAnywhere: http://www.autocardanywhere.com/ Also! The affectionately named "JudgeCast Open" is coming. CJ, Jess, and Bryan are all head judges at the upcoming SCG Atlanta on January 23-24. If you're a judge, we'd love to have you apply to the event here (Deadline is December 23): http://apps.magicjudges.org/events/4318/ If you're a player, we'd love to see you there! http://www.starcitygames.com/content/schedule

Is triggers are wonderful things! In this episode, we take a deep dive into triggers. You might know how to identify a trigger, but did you know there are different types of triggers? State triggers, zone change triggers, intervening if triggers...the list is endless! Ok it's just like seven or something, but it's a good list. Exemplar Wave 3 Announcement and Updates: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/exemplar/exemplar-wave-3-published-and-wave-2-and-wave-4-updates/

All three hosts were at GP Atlanta! We spend this episode to talk about our experiences, including what our roles were and what we ended up doing throughout the weekend. It was a big GP and a lot of fun, and our experiences range from the main event to every portion of side event. If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look of how a GP is run, this is it. And stay until the end for an abject lesson on reading Oracle text from CJ!

On this episode, the equivalent of the Avengers for deck checking assembles to share our great bounty of knowledge upon you. We talk about what deck checks are and why we do them (Beyond just the fact that the MTR says to). We also cover our favorite methods for performing a deck check, all the way from the swoop to the check to the return. After that, we discuss the infractions that can come up as the result of a deck check. Become a deck check master. Learn the secrets.

We decide to cover a topic we did in one of our very first episodes all over again, but this time we bring special guest Justin Turner (L3, RC of the SouthEast) into the mix to help us. Hear some of the most common mistakes judges make, and some of our own stories of our own mistakes (Mostly Turner's). CJ's article on HJ announcements: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/articles/2014/06/24/head-judge-o-pun-ing-announcements/ Feedback Loop on writing reviews of higher level judges: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/feedback/2015/05/06/a-coworker-is-a-coworker-no-matter-the-level/ New sealed deck procedure: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/news/sealed-pool-procedure-update-starting-gp-sydney-and-gp-madison-2015-10-08 Toby's post on DEC tweak: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2015/10/14/tweaking-the-new-dec-rules/

On this episode, we cover the brand new IPG in all its glory! We take another deep dive into the changes made for DEC, talk about handling scry with mulligans (And a new tournament shortcut built around scry), and a bunch of miscellaneous changes up to and including it now being illegal to bribe a judge! New IPG: http://wpn.wizards.com/sites/wpn/files/attachements/mtg_ipg_02oct15_en.pdf Article on Changes: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2015/09/28/bfz-policy-changes/ Article about Scrying Improperly During Mulligans: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2015/10/03/the-forbidden-look/

In our quarterly tradition, we're back with an episode all about the Battle for Zendikar release notes! We cover every mechanic in depth, and pick out the juiciest looking cards to give you a boost for playing in and judging your prerelease. Want to learn how Awakening a spell might not always be the best move? How about how it interacts with manlands? How colorless is devoid? Converge, what's the deal with that? How to handle "processing" when there are multiple piles of facedown exiled cards, I know that's been eating away at you. Come for the knowledge, stay for the awkward segues! Release notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/battle-zendikar-release-notes-2015-09-23

JudgeCast is excited to introduce Molten Nursery to the world! We spend this special episode discussing the card in-depth, including everything rules-related for the card and our own personal thoughts on all parts of the card, down to the flavor text. Here's the card you'll all skip the episode to see: If you're interested in becoming a judge, please visit http://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/judge-levels/become-a-magic-judge/

Ahoy! We take an episode to get caught up on e-mails, and with the help of Nicolette Apraez, L2 from Wiscons (you'll get it soon), we are able to knock out a whopping 12 e-mails in one short, action packed hour! We cover questions from all corners of policy and the rules. Exemplar Blog: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/exemplar/ CJ's cats, as cardified by Josh Carr:

We have L4, 15 year judge, and head of the Conference Sphere Damián Hiller on to talk about conferences. We cover what to expect from attending and presenting at a conference, how the entire conference system works, and how a being a judge for 15 years can make you lose your hair. Conferences blog: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/conferences/ Bryan's seminar on giving seminars: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FkWLtwbia0&app=desktop

We have special guest Riki Hayashi on to talk about cover letters, and applying to events in general on Judge Apps! We talk about how to prepare your profile, and what to include in your applications, and what not to include. We also get weird at the end and learn the secret of why CJ's name is CJ.

Yes I know I used this title on episode 38. YOU COME UP WITH NEARLY 100 TITLES AND KEEP THEM FRESH. Speaking of fresh, we have a brand new IPG out! This one has some big changes, and we go in-depth on the biggest: Drawing Extra Cards is now a warning! We go in deep on what this means with a few examples. We also discuss some of the other miscellaneous changes to the IPG and some small changes to the rules (A change to casting spells?! Will we need to learn a new mnemonic?), and read the spiciest of e-mails. Toby's Blog: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/2015/07/13/magic-origins-policy-changes/ Tabak's Rules Update: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/magic-origins-update-bulletin-intro-2015-07-16

The release notes for Magic Origins are here! Learn about double faced cards, spell mastery, and renown! Want to hear our thoughts on Lorwyn for some reason? Well they are in this episode! How about an extremely unlikely corner case involving two copies of a mythic? People love those, and JudgeCast gives them to you for free! Release notes: http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/feature/magic-origins-release-notes-2015-07-08 Application to apply for SCG Charlotte, where Jess and CJ will be: http://apps.magicjudges.org/events/2984/

On this JudgeCast SPECIAL, CJ tried something different: To capture the usual judge chats that happen after a GP and have them recorded for all of posterity. The problem? Those chats are made in a moving car, and the sound quality was not good. As such, we decided to release this one as a bonus episode outside of our normal every-two-week schedule! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the soothing road noises haphazardly edited out as you follow along with driving with JudgeCast. We even answer some road e-mails!

We take an episode to talk about all the judge levels, up to and including levels 1, 4, and even 2! Yep, all 5 of the levels are here. We talk about the roles and responsibilities of each level, what's expected of someone in that level, and how someone becomes that level. For an even deeper dive into the Level 3 process, see episode 73. We also cover a bunch of news (HoF! Exemplar! And sadder things). Article on Judge Levels: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/o/judge-levels/ Gofundme to support Carsten Haese's family: http://www.gofundme.com/xctx6pk

On this very special episode, we have Toby Elliott (one of the many head judges of GP Vegas, L5, and all around swell guy) on to give us a debrief of GP Vegas. We talk about some of the planning that went in from a head judge perspective, some of the problem cards from the event, and even talk about a ruling Toby had that he'd never had before. We also read a few policy-based e-mails, and one single e-mail about everyone's favorite card: Precursor Golem. Toby's Twitter: https://twitter.com/tobyelliott Toby's Blog: http://blogs.magicjudges.org/telliott/