What is your opinion on the "shuffle your library" cards?
Asked by drhumbra 13 years ago
I play MTG casually amongst friends. One of my friends says that the "shuffle you library" mechanic is dumb because the cards are already randomized and normally tries to refuse to do so. I think that even if you do not have cards that scry or stack your library, if the card says shuffle your library you should do so. Again, the game is casual, so normally I only require him to cut the library as a way of meeting the shuffle your library requirement.
My main gripe with his argument is that if you ignore the rules on one card, you could ignore the rules of others. So what do you people think? Would you find this to be an acceptable house rule(if you are not playing cards with scry?) We will never see eye to eye on this one, I am just looking for your opinions on the matter.
well when it comes to casual, with-your-friend games, then there should be a line and if that line is crossed then the simple solution is that you won't be playing with the person who crossed that line.
for example, when i play with my circle of friends, there are only two things that are off limits: Sliver decks and Circle of Protection cards.
we all know not to play them, and if we do, we expect getting targeted first in our multiplayer games.
if you and your friends find your friend's adamant disregard for a simple rule, then i suggest not playing with him.
this should really be in the forum section me thinks, as this is an "opinion" type of deal, rather than a query on a technical ruling and whatnot
December 22, 2010 1:27 p.m.
interesting point on tournament play. I have never played in a tournament, so, just tapping the deck effectively means that is okay if it isn't shuffled. Interesting. I would have expected it to be a required shuffle in a tournament. thanks for the response. It seems like even in tournament, if both players accept a tap or single cut, it is acceptable. Thanks I feel better about "giving in" to his argument.
December 22, 2010 1:30 p.m.
sorry, I did post in the wrong forum, still a n00b. :)
December 22, 2010 1:31 p.m.
The 'tap' on a deck is NOT used to replace shuffling. The tap replaces /cutting/ it after it's been shuffled by its owner. If an effect tells you to shuffle your library, you're expected to shuffle it in a tournament setting. If your opponent doesn't feel that you have sufficiently randomised your library they can shuffle it as well (within reason of course; deliberate repeated shuffling + time limit = game loss).
December 22, 2010 7:23 p.m.
The main reason search cards have shuffle clauses is because you get to see your library while searching which is a collateral damage rather than effect desired by the card. I guess that you friend just enjoys seeing his future draws as it could help him decide his actions sometimes. Not fair from him.
March 1, 2014 4:43 p.m.
@Jeri Please check the timestamps before posting. This question hasn't been active for over 3 years.
ikon2008 says... Accepted answer #1
My opinion is that, if the card instructs you to "shuffle your library" that you or the opposing player should do so. The point you have brought up in ignoring rules is a perfect example why we ought to do so.
In a tournament setting I have a tendency to shuffle the deck with a minimum of three rifle shuffles. However, it's common that players will simply tap or single cut the deck, to save time and keep the game going quickly.
December 22, 2010 1:25 p.m.