Are visual modifications to cards that hint at strategy acceptable?

The rationale for the correct answer revolves around the authority and responsibility of the Head Judge in maintaining the integrity of the game. Visual modifications to cards can potentially create confusion or lead to an unfair advantage, as they may alter how a player interprets or interacts with another player’s cards.

In many tournament settings, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Head Judge to make a ruling on whether specific modifications are acceptable. This gives the Head Judge the authority to determine the impact these modifications might have on gameplay and player interactions, ensuring that all players have a fair and level playing field. By centralizing this decision-making process, it helps to eliminate inconsistencies and potential disputes among players regarding what is deemed acceptable or not.

Therefore, any determination regarding visual modifications is best left to the Head Judge, who will consider the context and set standards for the event to ensure that all players are playing under the same conditions.