What is a "mulligan" in a Magic match?

A mulligan in a Magic match refers to the process where a player shuffles their initial hand back into their library and draws a new hand. This action is typically taken when a player feels that their starting hand does not contain enough playable cards, or otherwise does not meet their strategic needs for the match. The rules governing mulligans state that a player may choose to take a mulligan instead of keeping a hand they find unsatisfactory.

When a player mulligans, they may then draw a new hand of one less card than they originally had, continuing to reduce the hand size with each subsequent mulligan. This process allows players to try to improve their chances of having a hand that is functional for their deck strategy. Understanding this concept is essential for players, as effective management of the opening hand can significantly influence the outcome of a game.

The other options do not accurately represent what a mulligan is. Drawing an additional card is a different action and would not qualify as a mulligan. A mandatory reshuffle of the opponent’s deck does not occur in the context of a player's decision to take a mulligan, and penalties for card misplays are unrelated to the mulligan process itself.