Cactus Game Design Message Boards

We have a lot of times in casual games where a newer player will play an enahcement thinking it does one thing, only to find out (from their opponent) that it won't work like they had hoped.  In casual play most of us let them take the card back into hand.

1) I'm pretty certain that you cannot do this "takeback" thing in a tournament though.
2) Because of #1, is a player allowed to call a judge over BEFORE they play the card, show the judge the card, and ask them specifically what it would do if they played it?

I'm torn on this issue, because obviously a judge cannot offer strategy or suggestions (especially on other cards not asked about).  Should it maybe be up to the opponent to decide if the judge can help in this way?

Thanks.

Not sure if this is in the rules (probably not), but I've always just allowed newer players to take cards back when they didn't understand them. It's also what I've seen from many others, but this would be up to the opponent's discretion.

But he wouldn't let old guys whose eyes are bad. Grrr

1.) When I run my tournaments, I've got my share of players who are new and don't fully understand the game.  (Heck, I don't fully understand the game, but I digress).  I try to make it a level of play that matches the higher tournaments, so when my players attend the big stuff, they know the drill.  If they play an enhancement, (or other card) it sticks.  (Play in this sense means "hit the table").  However....

2.) Players are absolutely free to ask their opponent/another experienced player/me (as the judge) about a card before they play.  In this case, I don't talk strategy, but do explain both the ability of the cards and any extraneous information (for instance, Martyr can't target Abithar)