2 Conduct Infractions

This category of infractions addresses inappropriate actions by players or spectators at an event, always assuming the actions are intentional. A player can receive an Unsporting Conduct penalty even if they are not actively participating in a match. While enjoyment is encouraged, participants must be mindful that their behavior can negatively affect others.

2.1 Match and Tournament Manipulation

Match and Tournament Manipulation occurs when a player attempts to influence the outcome of a game, match, or tournament through methods other than normal gameplay as intended under the rules.

This category includes actions that undermine competitive integrity through incentives, agreements, coordination, or other external factors. Unless clearly accidental, actions in this category are assumed to be intentional.

Infractions in this category are treated as severe violations of tournament integrity.

2.1.1 Bribery

Bribery occurs when a player offers, requests, or accepts any incentive, reward, or consideration in order to influence the outcome of a game, match, or tournament decision.

The incentive does not need to be monetary and may be tangible or intangible. Any offer or acceptance of value tied to match outcomes is prohibited.

Examples include:

• Offering cash, prizes, or items in exchange for a concession
• Proposing a prize split to influence the outcome of a match
• Offering future favors, considerations, or advantages tied to a result
• Accepting any incentive to concede, draw, or alter play

2.1.2 Collusion

Collusion occurs when two or more players, or any combination of players and non-players, coordinate actions in order to improperly influence the outcome of games, matches, or tournament standings.

Collusion may occur even if no incentive is offered and even if a specific match outcome is not explicitly decided.

Examples include:

• Coordinating wins, losses, or draws across multiple matches
• Knowingly reporting or confirming false match results
• Manipulating standings through coordinated dropping or non-participation
• Influencing matches a player is not participating in through prior agreement
• Collusion involving spectators, dropped players, or non-participants

2.1.3 Improperly Determining a Winner

Improperly Determining a Winner occurs when a player attempts to determine the outcome of a game or match by any method other than playing the game as intended under the rules.

A match result must be determined solely through normal gameplay, concessions permitted by tournament rules, or a legal intentional draw declared in accordance with tournament policy. Random methods of determining a winner are not permitted.

Examples include:

• Agreeing in advance who will win or lose a game or match
• Determining a match outcome based on standings math or tiebreakers
• Randomly determining a winner or draw using dice, coin flips, or similar methods
• Agreeing to concede or draw in a manner not permitted by tournament rules
• Attempting to decide a winner or draw after the start-of-game procedure has begun

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Disqualification
• Professional: Disqualification

2.2 Cheating

Because cheating directly undermines the integrity of the game, it is treated with the utmost severity.

A player is considered to be cheating when they intentionally take or omit an action that violates the rules of the game or tournament in order to gain an advantage, or when they lie to a tournament official. For an infraction to be classified as Cheating, the player must be aware that their actions are prohibited and must be actively trying to gain an advantage from those actions. If either of these conditions is not met, the infraction falls under a different category.

Examples include:

• Lying to a Judge during an investigation to influence the ruling in their favor.
• Deliberately swapping cards between the Abyss and their hand to manipulate the game state.
• Sneaking additional cards into a limited-format deck to strengthen its power.
• Noticing an opponent’s rule-breaking mistake and intentionally choosing to remain silent to gain an advantage.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Disqualification
• Professional: Disqualification

2.3 Improper Concession

An Improper Concession occurs when a player asks for a concession or concedes a match after time is called (after taking an action). It also includes any attempt to pressure, manipulate, or coerce an opponent into conceding. This infraction is separate from Bribery, which involves offering incentives for a concession.

Examples of Improper Concession:

• A player who is worried about the game ending in a draw due to time asks their opponent to concede so that at least one of them wins.
• After a game ends in a draw, a player reveals their hand and insists they “would have won with another turn” to pressure their opponent into conceding.
• A player tells their opponent “Come on, man, just pass, let’s finish the game” in an effort to make them lose intentionally.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Warning
• Professional: Game Loss

2.4 Rules Sharking

Rules Sharking occurs when a player intentionally manipulates or exploits the rules to cause their opponent to commit an infraction or lose a valid game interaction. This behavior is considered unsporting and unethical, as it aims to gain an advantage through deceptive or predatory play rather than fair competition.

Malicious intent must be present; strict or methodical play alone does not constitute Rules Sharking. It is the Head Judge’s discretion to determine what qualifies as Rules Sharking at an event. It typically results in a Warning or Game Loss, but repeated or particularly egregious cases may lead to Disqualification.

Examples Include:

• A player pressures their opponent to play quickly by saying, “Hurry up and finish your turn,” and then immediately calls a judge when the opponent misses a trigger due to the rushed play.
• A player quickly plays a card after their opponent takes an action and then immediately tells their opponent they’ve missed a mandatory trigger, calling a judge to enforce an infraction.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Warning
• Professional: Game Loss

2.5 Stalling

Stalling occurs when a player intentionally slows down gameplay to take advantage of the round time limit. This infraction is distinct from Slow Play, as Stalling requires intent — meaning the player is deliberately delaying actions to gain an unfair tournament advantage.

If a player is playing slowly but without intent to exploit the clock, it should be handled under Slow Play instead. Judges must determine intent by observing patterns of behavior, repeated actions, and timing within the round.

Examples of Stalling:

• A player who is ahead in the game suddenly starts playing significantly slower as the round nears its end, making it harder for the opponent to catch up.
• A player repetitively checks either player’s abyss multiple times in a single turn without making meaningful progress, intentionally running down the clock.
• A player takes excessive time to shuffle, resolve effects, or make basic decisions in order to delay the game.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Match Loss
• Professional: Disqualification

2.6 Unsporting Conduct

Unsporting Conduct occurs when a player engages in behavior that is negative, offensive, or disruptive, impacting the safety or enjoyment of others. This conduct also includes actions that undermine the integrity or smooth operation of the event.

2.6.1 Unsporting Conduct – Minor

Players are expected to treat all attendees and staff with respect at Wonders of The First events. Those who fail to do so should be reminded with an appropriate penalty. Infractions in this category do not disrupt the event’s operation but still require correction.

Examples include:

• Leaving minor trash in the tournament area.
• Roughhousing.
• Repeatedly touching or moving an opponent’s cards without permission.
• Disturbing an ongoing match.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Warning
• Professional: Warning

2.6.2 Unsporting Conduct – Major

Players must act respectfully towards all attendees and staff at Wonders of The First events. Those who do not should be issued a penalty. Infractions in this category directly affect event operations or cause emotional distress to others.

Examples include:

• Leaving a significant amount of garbage in the tournament area.
• Failing to follow instructions from event staff.
• Attempting to manipulate a match through intimidation or distraction.
• Refusing to sign a match slip.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Game Loss
• Professional: Game Loss

2.6.3 Unsporting Conduct – Severe

Players must maintain respectful behavior towards all attendees and staff at Wonders of The First events. Penalties will be issued for those who fail to do so. Infractions in this category have a significant impact on event operations, cause major emotional distress, or involve physical altercations.

Examples include:

• Defacing the tournament area.
• Assault.
• Using physical threats towards players, event staff, or spectators.
• Theft.
• Using slurs or engaging in harassment.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Disqualification
• Professional: Disqualification

2.7 Wagering

Wagering occurs when a player, or spectator, places or offers bets on any aspect of the tournament, match outcome, or game-related event. This includes financial bets, item-based wagers, or any other form of stake. Betting by players and spectators is strictly prohibited as it undermines the competitive integrity of the tournament and can lead to conflicts of interest or external pressure on players. Any instance of betting should be immediately reported to a judge or Tournament Organizer for investigation.

Examples Include:

• A player bets their rare promotional card that they will win the next round.
• A group of players places wagers on who will make the top cut.

Recommended Starting Penalty:

• Competitive: Match Loss
• Professional: Disqualification