What is a "Slow Play" penalty?

A "Slow Play" penalty refers to the situation where a player takes excessively long actions, resulting in a significant delay in the game. This is considered a violation of the expected pace of play and can disrupt the overall flow of the tournament. In Magic: The Gathering, all players are expected to complete their turns in a reasonable timeframe, and consistently failing to do so can warrant a penalty.

The intention behind the slow play rules is to ensure that all players at an event have the opportunity to finish their matches within the designated time limits and to maintain a fair and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Judges are trained to identify situations where a player may be intentionally or unintentionally causing delays and to address those situations appropriately with a warning or an official penalty as necessary. This helps uphold the integrity of the game and the tournament.