When a player says they are “going to time” in a match, what do they mean?

When a player states that they are “going to time,” they are indicating that the match is nearing its time limit, which typically means they have limited time left to complete the current game or round. In tournament settings, time management is crucial, especially in matches governed by a strict time limit. Players must be acutely aware of the clock, as once the time is called, any ongoing turns or next phases will have specific rules about how they are handled. Generally, this statement serves as a reminder for both players to expedite their play to ensure that they can finish the match within the allocated time.

It's important to note that the other options do not accurately capture the meaning of “going to time.” For instance, suggesting that the match has just started assumes a lack of urgency and a full time allowance, while the idea that players are close to running out of cards in their decks relates to a different aspect of gameplay involving resources, rather than timing. Additionally, the notion that players need to take a break and reset the match does not apply, as resetting would imply a pause and re-evaluating the match state, which contradicts the urgency suggested by “going to time.”