When is it appropriate for a DCI Judge to believe a rules violation may have occurred?

The correct answer is that a DCI Judge should believe a rules violation may have occurred whenever they notice anything unusual. This approach reflects the proactive nature of judges in maintaining the integrity of the game. Judges are trained to observe player interactions, game state, and compliance with rules, so if they notice anything out of the ordinary—such as players acting unusually, mismatches in game state, or inconsistent behaviors—it warrants investigation. This vigilance helps ensure that all players have a fair and enjoyable experience.

Believing in the possibility of a rules violation based on unusual observations allows judges to intervene if necessary and maintain the standards of play during a tournament. It's crucial for judges to remain vigilant and not rely solely on player reports or wait for explicit statements.

The other options limit the judge's ability to respond effectively. Relying on players to explicitly state violations doesn't account for all scenarios, as players may not be aware of all the rules or may be hesitant to report issues. The idea that rules violations are only believed in rare circumstances could lead to missed opportunities to address and correct problems as they arise. Starting every match with the presumption of a rules violation is not practical and could create an unfounded atmosphere of suspicion, undermining player trust. Therefore, remaining