What is the penalty for a player who lies to a tournament official to gain an advantage?

The scenario presented involves a player intentionally providing false information to a tournament official with the intention of gaining an advantage. This behavior is classified as "Cheating - Fraud" under the IPG because it directly violates the integrity of the game and seeks to manipulate the outcome in an unfair manner.

Cheating is a serious offense in competitive environments like Magic: The Gathering, as it undermines the principles of fair play and competition. The act of lying implies a deliberate intent to deceive, which is a core characteristic of fraud. As such, the appropriate penalty aligns with the severity of the offense, distinguishing it as a significant breach of conduct that warrants disciplinary action to uphold the integrity of the tournament.

In contrast, other choices address different types of infractions that do not match the gravity of lying to an official. Unsporting Conduct - Minor relates to behavior that is poor sportsmanship but does not rise to the level of dishonest actions meant to manipulate outcomes. Game Play Error pertains to mistakes made during gameplay, which is different from an intentional deceit. Cheating - Stalling, while also a form of cheating, specifically involves delaying the game rather than providing false information.

By recognizing that lying to a tournament official is a serious breach of trust and fairness, the