What action should a judge take if they suspect collusion between players?

The appropriate action when a judge suspects collusion between players is to investigate the situation thoroughly before taking any action. Collusion is a serious offense in tournament play as it undermines the integrity of the competition. It’s crucial for judges to gather all relevant information to determine whether collusion is occurring.

Investigating allows the judge to discreetly assess the behavior of the players, review game logs, and speak to any witnesses or involved parties without causing a disturbance or public spectacle. This careful approach helps ensure that any conclusions drawn are based on solid evidence rather than assumptions or incomplete observations.

Taking premature actions, such as confronting the players in front of others or making public announcements, can escalate the situation unnecessarily, potentially damaging the reputation of the players involved or causing disruption in the event. Therefore, the best practice is to conduct a thorough investigation first before determining the appropriate next steps.