What is the procedure for a player caught with illegal cards in a tournament?

When a player is caught with illegal cards during a tournament, the procedure typically involves issuing a Game Loss to the player. This decision is in line with tournament rules and is intended to maintain the integrity of the game. The presence of illegal cards can compromise the fairness of the match, as it can provide an unintended advantage or confusion during gameplay.

Issuing a Game Loss serves as a punishment for the infraction while still allowing the player to continue participating in the tournament. This means that while they will lose the current game due to the illegal card issue, they will not be immediately disqualified and can still compete in subsequent matches. This approach emphasizes the importance of upholding the rules without completely removing a player from the tournament due to a mistake that may not have been intentional.

In contrast, the other listed procedures would not align with typical tournament practices. Continuing play without consequences does not address the violation. Immediate disqualification would be reserved for more severe infractions, where the player’s actions are deemed to be more egregiously harmful to the tournament's integrity. Finally, the notion of pleading their case to other competitors is not a standard part of addressing infractions in tournament settings, as that could lead to unsanctioned disputes and further disruption.