In a tournament, how is the "last known information" rule applied?

The application of the "last known information" rule serves to provide players with relevant context about the game state prior to a rule violation, which can significantly affect decision-making during a tournament. When a rule violation occurs, there might be situations where the game state has changed or is in dispute.

In such instances, players can refer back to the state of the game immediately before the infraction took place. This allows them to remember specific details, such as card positions, life totals, or any active effects that were in place before the violation. This information is crucial because it offers players a valid foundation upon which to base their next actions and ensures fairness in resolving any issues stemming from the violation.

This understanding helps uphold the integrity of the game by maintaining continuity and respecting the players' knowledge of the game state as it existed before the interruption. It ensures that decisions are informed and relevant to the scenario at hand.