What is the primary responsibility of the Head Judge during a tournament?

The primary responsibility of the Head Judge during a tournament is to oversee the tournament and make final rulings. This role is crucial because the Head Judge ensures that the event runs smoothly and fairly, maintaining the integrity of the competition. They are the highest authority present and are responsible for resolving disputes and making decisions on rule interpretations. Their overarching oversight includes ensuring that all judges are performing their duties effectively, that the tournament is conducted according to the rules, and that players are treated fairly.

While enforcing player adherence to deck restrictions and tracking players' life totals are important tasks, they typically fall under the responsibilities of other judges or tournament staff rather than the Head Judge. The Head Judge focuses on the overall management and rulings, stepping in to handle complex situations and make judgment calls as needed to maintain the tournament's flow and fairness.