> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jh.gatcg.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jh.gatcg.com/roles/table-judging.md).

# Table Judging

Table judging occurs when a judge sits next to players playing a match at a table to solely focus on the match. [Stream Judging](/roles/table-judging/stream-judging.md) is a subsection of Table Judging specifically applied to feature matches that are broadcast as part of media coverage during an event. Most premier events will have table judges during streamed feature matches.

For table judging, similar principles to those of floor judging are applied, but a judge's focus can be placed entirely on the play patterns of the players at the table, closely examining any actions and communications that either result in or could result in violations. As the judge is effectively present for the full context of any events that give rise to a judge call, less time is needed to interview players to gain an account of events.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of key features and tasks table judges should practice watching for and enforcing during table judged gameplay:

* Turn Sequencing: Judges should make sure that players are playing their turns in the right phase order. E.g., ensure that players materialize before recollection, ensure that objects are woken up at the start of the turn before materialization, etc.
* Board Clarity: Judges should examine the board state and ensure that players are keeping their boards visible and clear without ambiguity as to the state of a card. This can include observing rested cards to be either totally vertical or horizontal in orientation, ensuring that effects from cards are properly tracked and zoned, ensuring that the graveyard and banishment are clearly distinguishable, that the hand and memory zones are clearly separated without mixing, etc.
  * Information Tags: While this is typically reserved to help streamed feature matches maintain visual board clarity for audiences and casters, judges can employ written or printed tags that convey important tracked information. For example, the name of the ally that was returned to hand via [Dream Fairy's](https://index.gatcg.com/card/dream-fairy) On Enter ability.
* Complete Shuffling: Any time a player shuffles their deck or a portion of it, keep an eye on their technique to make sure that the cards are sufficiently randomized. If players neglect to completely shuffle their deck, judges have the authority to step in and perform the shuffle themselves. Judges may also shuffle properly or assist with shuffling when requested by an opponent, if accommodations are necessary.
* Pace of Play: Judges at a table can better evaluate whether a player's pace of play and the time it takes to complete actions are reasonable or excessive. Judges should encourage players to play at a reasonable, steady pace, with more leniency given to untimed matches. Stalling a match by playing slowly for an advantage is not permissible in competitive play.
* Malicious Actions: At a table, judges can keenly observe players' handling of cards. While rare, players do cheat or attempt to cheat, especially during large tournaments where prizes offer greater incentives to winning. While judges shouldn't assume players are proactively doing so on a large scale, it is at least something that should be considered to be vigilant for.
* Interventions: While judges are often called to a table after a violation has happened, some situations might arise that would otherwise result in a violation. If the opportunity presents itself, judges can interrupt a match early in the process of a violation occurring to either prevent it entirely or prevent its escalation. For example, this may include interrupting a player's illegal activation before they or their opponent(s) realize that it is an illegal play.
* Tracking Information: Judges at a table should **always** have their own pen and paper to track life total changes. While this is primarily a player responsibility (and players should play expecting to track their own information, cards, life totals, etc.), judges should be proactive about tracking information on their own as best as they can to have reliable notes they can fall back on when resolving issues.