Why is Outside Assistance penalized in tournaments?

Outside Assistance is penalized in tournaments primarily to maintain fairness in gameplay. Allowing players to receive help from outside sources during a match could create significant disparities in how players experience and navigate the game, undermining the competitive integrity of the event. If one player can receive strategic advice, it diminishes the value of individual skill and decision-making during matches.

By prohibiting outside assistance, tournaments ensure that all players are competing on an equal footing, relying solely on their own skills and knowledge of the game. This rule promotes a level playing field where each player’s performance is solely a reflection of their own capabilities and preparation. This approach aligns with the spirit of competition, as it emphasizes personal achievement and growth within the game.

While the other options touch on elements related to tournament integrity, they do not capture the central importance of fair competition as effectively. Limiting information from spectators or discouraging unprepared players addresses different aspects of tournament dynamics, but it is the principle of fairness that is the cornerstone of the rule against Outside Assistance.