Double Sleeving in Tournaments

[Cyberpunker]

I was wondering if double sleeving is okay for big tournaments like Gencon? I don't know why but I remember hearing a rumor that it was not or something?

[Anusien]

Sure, as long as all the cards in the deck are sleeved identically.  Your only obligation is to present an unmarked deck.

[shroomy2dope]

this may sound novice, but what about the type of cases? i know pictures are a no go, but  i've also heard complaints about the amount of reflective gloss on the backs of sleeves, and relative transperancy.

[Clariax]

In addition to the points Anusien mentioned, the cards must also be able to be shuffled (i.e. no hard cases).  In all cases what is or is not allowed in terms of sleeving is at the sole discretion of the head judge of the tournament.

My own personal advice on sleeves is to go with a plain, solid colored sleeve that is not very glossy or reflective (I use KMC super blue and super green).  It's unlikely a head judge would have reason to disallow such sleeves, and they're also likely to last longer.  If you're not sure about a type of sleeve yourself, you are generally safer to use different sleeves.

Also worth noting, if the only sleeves you have are deemed unacceptable, "These are my only sleeves" probably won't get you very far.

[TheRogue]

Also worth noting, if the only sleeves you have are deemed unacceptable, "These are my only sleeves" probably won't get you very far.

what happens if your opponents wreckless shuffling of your deck damages the sleeves? (usually occurs when your deck is offered to be cut)

who does the judge make responsible in such situation?

[Clariax]

what happens if your opponents wreckless shuffling of your deck damages the sleeves? (usually occurs when your deck is offered to be cut)

who does the judge make responsible in such situation?

That would be between you and the head judge.  Personally I've never had to deal with such a situation where a player didn't have any sleeves to use because the opponent damaged them all.

[Clariax]

After some discussion with some other judges, the consensus we came to is that if a player's sleeves became damaged, and for whatever reason his cards cannot be played without sleeves, the player would need to replace them.  If the opponent damaged the sleeves somehow, he may face penalties if he's committed some infraction as per the MIPG, but the judge has no authority to require him to provide the other player with sleeves, or pay for new sleeves or anything of that sort.  If the player whose sleeves became damaged is unable to replace the sleeves, and cannot play without sleeves, he would be unable to continue in the tournament. 

Unfortunate though it may be, it's a player's responsibility to have sleeves for their deck, and a player should take into account the possibility of sleeves becoming damaged.  And although the sleeves may have become damaged through no fault of that player, allowing them to continue playing with a significantly marked deck (for example all dual lands extremely worn, everything else NM-M) is not an option.

[Matt]

Somewhat on-topic:

If I am wary of my opponent damaging my cards when shuffling (or eating hot wings while playing or whatever), can I request a judge shuffle my deck instead of allowing my opponent to touch my cards?

[Clariax]

You may do this, yes.

If I am wary of my opponent damaging my cards when shuffling (or eating hot wings while playing or whatever), can I request a judge shuffle my deck instead of allowing my opponent to touch my cards?

[Tha Gunslinga]

this may sound novice, but what about the type of cases? i know pictures are a no go,

Is this currently true?  I was under the impression that picture sleeves were sanctioned now.

[Clariax]

There's no set rules on what sleeves are and are not allowed.  It's entirely up to the Head Judge (usually with some input from the TO and any dealers on site).