How is a "timed match" resolved in a tournament?

In a tournament setting, when a match is timed, the resolution process is clearly defined to ensure fairness and consistency. Option B states that the match is immediately scored based on the current game state at the expiration of the time limit. This means that players will evaluate the game's status, including factors such as life totals, the number of games won, and the overall match results according to the game's established rules.

This approach is important because it provides a standardized method to conclude the match without unnecessary delays or disputes among players over game-specific conditions that may arise if time runs out unexpectedly. It helps maintain the flow of the tournament while ensuring that all players are judged fairly according to the current state of the game, rather than arbitrary measures that do not reflect the competitive nature of Magic: The Gathering.

The other options do not align with the official procedure for resolving timed matches. For example, determining the winner based on the number of cards in hand or merely comparing life points does not account for the primary factors that define the match outcome in Magic: The Gathering, which include current game state and rounds won. Thus, scoring based on the current game state provides clarity and maintains the integrity of the tournament.