What action is taken if a player is caught stealing from another player's deck?

If a player is caught stealing from another player's deck, the situation is considered a serious infraction within the context of Magic: The Gathering tournament rules. Such behavior undermines the integrity of the game and can lead to significant consequences.

In this case, severe penalties are warranted to uphold the standards of fairness and sportsmanship expected in competitive play. This might result in actions that could include a disqualification from the tournament or a suspension from future events, depending on the severity of the action and any prior infractions.

Returning the stolen cards or receiving a warning would not align with the gravity of the violation. A warning does not adequately address the intentional wrongdoing inherent in theft, while merely returning cards does not address the broader implications of the theft itself. Voiding the match is not typically a response to a theft incident, as it does not sufficiently penalize the behavior nor does it restore fairness to the competition. Thus, the appropriate course of action emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity within the community and ensures players are held accountable for their actions.