Proxy & Altered Card Policy

To ensure fair play and a consistent experience for all competitors at Mankato Con, the following rules apply to proxies, playtest cards, and altered cards in all tournaments unless otherwise specified.

Proxies / Playtest Cards

• Proxies are allowed but must be indistinguishable from the rest of the deck when shuffled.
o This includes card thickness, card feel, sleeve smoothness, and opacity.

• Printed paper slips are acceptable, provided they meet the following requirements:
o Each proxy must consist of a single paper slip placed in the sleeve with a backing card.
o Double-faced cards may be represented by paper slips, but only one slip may be inside the sleeve at any time.
o Players may keep the reverse face proxied separately outside the sleeve for reference, but having multiple slips in the same sleeve is not allowed, as this creates thickness differences and may result in Marked Card penalties.

• Any proxy that is noticeably thicker, textured differently, or otherwise identifiable during shuffling will not be allowed.

• If a proxy is unclear, smudged, illegible, or difficult to identify, judges may require a corrected version before the event begins.

Altered Cards

• All altered cards must comply with Magic Tournament Rules, Section 3.3 — Card Alterations.
o Alters must not obscure the card name, mana cost, type line, rules text, or power/toughness.
o Alters may not contain offensive imagery or trademarks not belonging to Wizards of the Coast.
o Alters may not create identifiable markings (raised paint, uneven surfaces, excessive foiling, etc.) that make a card stand out in a deck.

• Judges may require a player to replace an altered card if it could be considered marked or difficult to identify during play.

Judge Inspection & Approval

• All proxies and altered cards are subject to judge approval. Final decisions rest with the Head Judge or designated judging staff.

• Because sleeve thickness and tactile differences can be difficult to evaluate from photos, most proxies and altered cards will be inspected in person on the day of the event.

• Players are strongly encouraged to bring backup cards or alternative proxies in case a specific card or alteration is not approved.

Failure to Comply

• Cards that fail inspection must be replaced prior to the start of the event.

• Issues discovered during the event (such as marked cards or illegal proxies) may result in penalties consistent with the Magic Infraction Procedure Guide (IPG).

• Failure to correct a deck that does not meet these requirements may result in game losses, match losses, or disqualification, at the discretion of the Head Judge.