Since Casey McCarrel’s disqualification from this year’s US Nationals, and subsequent five year ban from the game, awareness of potential deck manipulation and sleight-of-hand has risen dramatically. Several players report feeling pressured to rat out potential "McCarrelists".

One man, Jeffrey Gertsl, recalls a disturbing event from the Oshawa area prerelease, "I sit down across from this punk, and I shuffle my deck, then present it. The bastard shuffles! It’s a prerelease for God’s sake!" Continues Gertsl, "So finally, I look at my opening hand. Two land. I mulligan. Next hand. Two land, again. That son of a bitch McCarreled me, I swear to God." Gertsl added, "Usually, I say 'can you please not look at my cards while you’re shuffling' and then give them the Gertsl stare... but it doesn’t work on the true McCarrelists."

According to Paul Meyers, who got manaflooded twice in a row at Friday Night Magic, McCarrel has commited the perfect crime. "Sure, he’s gone. But what about the copycat crimes? What about the people he taught? You think this is over? This runs deep. Deeper than you can possibly imagine." Meyers estimates between 60 and 80 percent of all players are "savage, savage cheaters." When asked about ramifications for potential rule breakers, Meyers suggested that the punishment should fit the crime, "Don’t chop the hands, just the thumbs."

One player, name withheld, was ejected without prize from a Wednesday night type 2 at Phantasy Riders, a local card store, and given an eight year ban, for McCarrel-style cheating. Two days later the ban was lifted, when his opponent admitted to playing only 19 land in a 60 card deck.

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Since Casey McCarrel’s disqualification from this year’s US Nationals, and subsequent five year ban from the game, awareness of potential deck manipulation and sleight-of-hand has risen dramatically. Several players report feeling pressured to rat out potential "McCarrelists".

One man, Jeffrey Gertsl, recalls a disturbing event from the Oshawa area prerelease, "I sit down across from this punk, and I shuffle my deck, then present it. The bastard shuffles! It’s a prerelease for God’s sake!" Continues Gertsl, "So finally, I look at my opening hand. Two land. I mulligan. Next hand. Two land, again. That son of a bitch McCarreled me, I swear to God." Gertsl added, "Usually, I say 'can you please not look at my cards while you’re shuffling' and then give them the Gertsl stare... but it doesn’t work on the true McCarrelists."

According to Paul Meyers, who got manaflooded twice in a row at Friday Night Magic, McCarrel has commited the perfect crime. "Sure, he’s gone. But what about the copycat crimes? What about the people he taught? You think this is over? This runs deep. Deeper than you can possibly imagine." Meyers estimates between 60 and 80 percent of all players are "savage, savage cheaters." When asked about ramifications for potential rule breakers, Meyers suggested that the punishment should fit the crime, "Don’t chop the hands, just the thumbs."

One player, name withheld, was ejected without prize from a Wednesday night type 2 at Phantasy Riders, a local card store, and given an eight year ban, for McCarrel-style cheating. Two days later the ban was lifted, when his opponent admitted to playing only 19 land in a 60 card deck.

Discuss this article in the Magic: the Gathering Forums!