What happens if a player is 10 minutes late to their seat?

A player who is 10 minutes late to their seat in a sanctioned Magic: The Gathering event typically receives a Match Loss and is dropped from the event. This is a standard rule that emphasizes the importance of punctuality in competitive play. Arriving late impacts the flow of the tournament and can disrupt both the opponent's and the judge's schedules.

The Match Loss serves as a penalty that reinforces the expectation for players to arrive on time. Dropping a player who is excessively late also helps maintain the integrity of the event, as it prevents further delays that can arise from late arrivals. This penalty is designed not only to discourage tardiness but also to ensure that the tournament can proceed smoothly and efficiently.

While other options suggest more leniency or alternative outcomes, the established protocol in the IPG clearly prioritizes tournament organization and player accountability through the imposition of a Match Loss in such scenarios.