Kadou Events
PLAYER INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions from registration through the end of the event.

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Welcome to the Magic: The Gathering Spotlight Series, returning to China after seven years! This FAQ answers common questions from registration through the end of the event and is especially useful for first-time Spotlight Series or large competitive-event players. Official Kadou Events announcements prevail, and this FAQ may be updated before the event. For further questions, email support@kadouevents.cn. Unless stated otherwise, all dates and times are Beijing time.

I. General

Q1: What is the Spotlight Series?

A： The Spotlight Series is a multi-day Magic: The Gathering festival built around a theme. Each stop includes a two-day open feature Main Event with a US$50,000 prize pool and commemorative cards. The Top 8 receive invitations to the next Pro Tour. Side events, vendors, and invited guests may also be offered.

Q2: What is the venue address?

A： 3F, East Lobby, Capital International Exhibition and Convention Center, No. 55 Yard, Yudong Road, Shunyi District, Beijing.

Q3: Where should taxis and drivers navigate?

A： Search for “Capital International Exhibition and Convention Center East Gate 3.” The underground parking fee is CNY 4 per hour.

Q4: Which subway station should I use?

A： Take Beijing Subway Line 15 to China International Exhibition Center Station. Exit from Gate A (northwest exit) and walk for about six minutes.

Q5: Is there a smoking area?

A： Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited inside the venue. Please use the designated outdoor smoking area.

Q6: When is the venue open?

A： The venue opens at 09:00 on Friday and 08:00 on Saturday and Sunday. No new entrants will be admitted after 18:00 each day.

Q7: Is there a bag check or storage area?

A： There is no dedicated storage area. Keep your luggage and personal belongings with you.

Q8: Who may enter the venue? May spectators enter?

A： Players and non-playing companions may enter free of charge after registration and security screening. Companions may register as temporary visitors and enter with a wristband. Show your venue pass or temporary-visitor wristband at security; if your event is about to start, your MTGso check-in QR code may also be shown.

Q9: Can I rent a power bank?

A： Power-bank rental is available, but crowds are expected and most events use electronic devices for pairings and results. We recommend bringing a compliant, good-condition power bank.

Q10: What weather and clothing should I expect?

A： Check the forecast close to the event. Temperatures are commonly 5–20°C with large morning-evening differences. Layered clothing, such as a T-shirt with a jacket, is recommended.

Q11: Is the venue heated or air-conditioned?

A： At this time of year the venue provides ventilation only, without heating or cooling. With many attendees, it generally does not feel cold.

Q12: Are trades allowed?

A： Private player-to-player trading is prohibited. Trading is allowed only with registered, credentialed exhibitors and is not covered by event staff.

Q13: Is there a free-play or rest area?

A： Because attendance is high, there is no dedicated free-play or rest area. Unused seats may be used when they do not affect upcoming matches; keep the venue clean.

Q14: Where can I ask event questions?

A： Visit the information desk at the venue entrance.

Q15: What should I do about lost or found property?

A： Report a lost item and scan the registration code at the information desk. We will contact you if a matching item is found. Give found items to staff or the judge area.

Q16: Are accessibility facilities available?

A： The venue provides basic accessibility facilities. For specific assistance, email island@kadouevents.cn in advance; your information will be kept confidential.

Q17: Where should I seek help for illness or injury?

A： During a match, raise your hand and call a judge. Otherwise contact nearby staff or the information desk.

Q18: May minors participate or enter?

A： Players must be at least 18. Minors entering the venue must remain accompanied by a guardian.

Q19: May I take photos or videos?

A： Follow staff instructions while recording. Photos and video taken at the venue are for personal event records and sharing only, not commercial or other purposes.

Q20: What if I do not want to be photographed or recorded?

A： Kadou Events and third parties may photograph, record audio, or film for promotional reporting. Contact us in advance or tell entrance staff before entering if you object.

II. Melee Website

Q1: What is Melee?

A： Melee.gg is a tournament-management platform used for large Magic events. It supports payment, decklist submission, seat lookup, result submission, and drops. It uses email registration and login and supports Chinese.

Q2: How is a Melee account different from a Wizards account?

A： Melee uses its own email login, which may differ from your Wizards account email. In Melee, open your profile and edit the “Game Specific Information” for your Wizards account email.

Q3: Is there a Melee app or mini-program?

A： Melee is mainly a website at Melee.gg. Its iOS app is being tested. The site works on mobile browsers, which we recommend using at the event.

Q4: What if I cannot log in, recover my password, or activate my account?

A： Try a desktop browser if mobile fails. If the issue remains, create a new Melee account and contact support to update your registration.

Q5: How do I find my registered events?

A： After logging in on a mobile browser, open the top-left menu and choose “Your Events” under “Your Account.” Contact support if the event is missing.

Q6: How do I submit a decklist on Melee?

A： Open the event and enter the Player Portal: export an English plain-text list from MTGso or another platform; choose “Text Editor” and convert it; check the main deck and sideboard carefully; then click “Submit Decklist” and choose a deck description. The page will confirm submission and you will receive a decklist email.

Q7: How do I view my seat, submit results, or drop?

A： Use the Player Portal for the event. It shows the table and opponent and lets you submit results; scroll down for “Drop.” Refresh after each round to avoid viewing an old pairing.

Q8: What if I submit a wrong result or drop by mistake?

A： Go with your opponent to the judge area for a result correction. If you dropped by mistake, go to the judge area before the next round begins.

III. Judges

Q1: What happens if I am late?

A： Two minutes after the clock starts is a Game Loss. Ten minutes is a Match Loss and temporary removal from the event. To continue, report to a judge before the round ends; the judge has final authority over reinstatement.

Q2: May I use a sideboard guide?

A： A paper sideboard guide is allowed and should be no more than one A4 page. It may be read only between games and must be put away before the next game begins. Excessive delay may be Slow Play.

Q3: When are decklists due?

A： Requirements and deadlines vary by event. The Main Event deadline is Friday, October 30 at 18:00; Standard Cups are due one hour before each event. Late submission is handled by the judge according to the event REL and rules.

Q4: Can I change a submitted decklist?

A： You may edit it before the deadline. After the deadline, contact a judge; you may not replace the deck yourself. Penalties and handling are determined by the judge.

Q5: What is Rules Enforcement Level?

A： REL is Regular, Competitive, or Professional. The Spotlight Main Event is Competitive REL, requires decklists, and uses the MTR and IPG. Violations may result in a Warning, Game Loss, Match Loss, or disqualification. Follow announcements and call a judge when unsure.

Q6: What should I bring?

A： Bring the registered physical deck and sideboard in sleeves without significant wear; ID matching your registration name; tokens, dice, and paper and pen for life totals; and a phone for Melee pairings and results.

Q7: What are the sleeve requirements?

A： Main-deck and sideboard sleeves and orientation must match, with no identifiable wear or marks. Double-faced cards require opaque sleeves. Judges may inspect cards and sleeves and have final authority; check and replace worn sleeves in advance.

Q8: How long is a round? What happens at time?

A： The Head Judge announces timing. Main Event Swiss rounds are normally 50 minutes. After time, finish the current turn, then play five additional turns. If the game is unfinished, it is a draw and the match result follows game wins. Judge extensions are added before extra turns. Single elimination cannot end in a draw.

Q9: Are all Main Event rounds best of three?

A： Yes. The first game uses the registered main deck. Normally the loser of a game chooses who plays first next game; after a draw, the player who chose first keeps that choice. Both players may sideboard between games. Other events follow their own format.

Q10: How are results submitted?

A： After each round, confirm the game score and submit it on Melee.gg, for example 2–1 or 2–0. Check it before leaving. Call a judge immediately about any disagreement.

Q11: What if I do not know how a card resolves?

A： Do not guess or ask spectators. Raise your hand and say “Judge!” Keep the game state and follow the judge’s instructions; do not rewind it yourself. Calling a judge is normal and encouraged.

Q12: May I use a phone or look up cards during a game?

A： Phones, computers, and other electronic devices may not be used while a game is in progress. Call a judge to check a card. Devices may be used between rounds, such as while waiting for pairings.

Q13: May I talk with or remind my opponent?

A： Friendly greetings are fine before the game; avoid unrelated conversation during play. You are not required to remind an opponent about missed triggers and remain responsible for your own triggers. In Competitive REL, clearly announce actions and allow confirmation.

Q14: How can I avoid a tardiness penalty?

A： Plan restroom and drink breaks between rounds. Return near your seat promptly after pairings are posted. See Judge Q1 for penalties.

Q15: What if an opponent’s cards or sleeves seem problematic?

A： Do not accuse them. Call a judge for an inspection. A judge may require cards or sleeves to be shown, replaced, or the deck to be checked.

Q16: What advice is important for a first Main Event?

A： Rest well; Saturday has nine rounds. Use a familiar deck. Call a judge whenever you have questions. Treat opponents and their decks respectfully.

Q17: What if I am nervous or make a play error?

A： Everyone gets nervous. Call a judge and explain honestly if an error violates the rules; the judge will apply the appropriate rules. After a round, breathe, drink water, and prepare for the next one.

IV. Check-in

Q1: Which events require check-in?

A： The Main Event and Commander Zone passes check in at the first-floor lobby. Other events do not require check-in.

Q2: How do I choose my check-in gift?

A： Main Event players choose between a playmat and Dragon Shield sleeves and should join the queue for their registration channel and gift choice. Commander pass holders use the queue for their pass tier.

Q3: What do I show for MTGso registration?

A： Open MTGso → Me → My Events → “Magic Spotlight: Fracture,” open the event, and show the check-in QR code.

Q4: What do I show for Melee or other registration?

A： A check-in email will arrive before Friday. Follow its instructions.

Q5: Is on-site registration available?

A： Yes, while an event has space, although online registration is recommended. Staff can assist. Late registrations may not yet be synchronized; explain the situation at check-in.

Q6: What if check-in materials are missing or damaged?

A： Check everything immediately. Replacement is not available after leaving the check-in area.

Q7: What if my information is missing at check-in?

A： Confirm your registration channel and show payment evidence. Staff will assist; please wait patiently.

Q8: When can I check in? Can I check in Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

A： Check-in is available after the venue opens on all three days and all materials can be collected then. The daily closing time depends on on-site arrangements.

Q9: What if my event is about to start?

A： Check-in is not required before playing. Pass security, go upstairs, and check in downstairs during a match break.

Q10: Can someone check in for me?

A： Check-in must be completed by the participant.

V. Main Event

Q1: How many days is the Main Event?

A： It lasts two days. Saturday, October 31: nine Swiss rounds from 09:00; players with at least 18 match points advance to Sunday. Sunday, November 1: six Swiss rounds from 09:00. Rankings use all 15 rounds; the Top 8 play single elimination for the title. Check Melee and your registration email after Saturday.

Q2: When and how do I submit the decklist?

A： Submit through Melee.gg by Friday, October 30 at 18:00. The main deck must have at least 60 cards and the sideboard no more than 15. Use Melee → Your Events → Magic Spotlight: Fracture → Player Portal → Submit Decklist. You may resubmit before the deadline; afterward contact support or the Head Judge. Saturday is a non-open-decklist event except the featured livestream table; Sunday uses open decklists under the judges’ announcement.

Q3: When does the Main Event start?

A： The player meeting begins at 09:00 Saturday. Complete security and reach the third-floor tournament hall before then; the event starts immediately after the meeting. Allow extra time for security.

Q4: Can I refund a Sunday side-event entry if I advance to Day 2?

A： Yes. Email support@kadouevents.cn or contact Haidao on WeCom within four hours after Saturday’s Main Event ends. Late requests are not accepted.

Q5: Is there a lunch break?

A： There is no fixed lunch break. Eat between the end of your current match and the next round.

Q6: What REL does the Main Event use?

A： Competitive REL.

Q7: How do I drop?

A： Concede first if you are in a game, then click “Drop” in Melee.

Q8: Are the playoffs timed?

A： Quarterfinals and semifinals are 90 minutes; the final is untimed. Prepare as carefully as for Swiss rounds and play at a reasonable pace.

Q9: What is the playoff match format?

A： Swiss and playoffs are both best of three.

VI. Side Events

Q1: Is on-site registration accepted?

A： All side events accept on-site registration while space remains.

Q2: Which payment methods are accepted on site?

A： Alipay, WeChat Pay, CNY cash, cards, and PayPal.

Q3: May I enter overlapping events?

A： You may register for overlapping events but may play only one at a time. An event you miss is handled under the tardiness policy.

Q4: Can I get a refund for missing a participation promo because of an objective delay?

A： Standard refunds close seven days before the event; contact support early for exceptional cases. No refunds after an event begins. Promos cannot be claimed later or by proxy; contact a judge before the next round for damaged promos. Day 2 refunds follow Main Event Q4.

Q5: How are RCQ qualifications awarded?

A： Weekend RCQ qualifications are for the Shanghai RC in January 2027. If you already have that qualification and win again, you receive qualification for the next RC; it does not pass down.

Q6: Can a qualification be moved to another region?

A： Only Shanghai RC qualifications are issued. Ask Wizards and the destination organizer about transfers.

Q7: Are full events waitlisted?

A： No. A place is released when a player refunds. A no-show does not create a place because the entry fee is not refunded.

Q8: Can an entry be transferred?

A： Entries are personal and cannot be transferred.

Q9: Do side events require decklists?

A： Except RCQs and events that say otherwise, side events use Regular REL and do not require decklists.

VII. Commander

Q1: Can I enter Commander Zone without a pass?

A： No. Commander Zone is separate and requires a Commander pass.

Q2: Can I play Duel Commander, cEDH, or team events without a pass?

A： No. All events inside Commander Zone require its pass.

Q3: What can a Commander entry ticket do? Can it be used for prizes?

A： It registers you for Commander Zone events. After completing a game, staff can place a sticker on it to activate it as a Prize Wall Voucher.

Q4: Can lost handbooks or tickets be replaced?

A： Handbooks, Commander tickets, and Prize Wall Vouchers are not replaced if lost.

Q5: Are registration gifts random or selectable?

A： Selectable items can be chosen at check-in, subject to availability and first come, first served.

Q6: Can I bring a friend into Commander Zone?

A： Passes are personal and permit entry only to the holder.

Q7: Are there free-play rewards?

A： After free play, ask staff to activate your Commander ticket as a Prize Wall Voucher.

Q8: Are proxies allowed?

A： Commander activities require officially printed physical Magic cards; proxies are not allowed.

Q9: Is power-level guidance available?

A： Staff provide power-level guidance and stickers to help players find suitable pods.

Q10: How do I earn the Year of the Horse Plains promo?

A： Complete two stamp activities, such as a Commander game and a social-media share, then collect the Year of the Horse Plains promo. Details are announced on site.

VIII. Vendors

Q1: Can Prize Wall Vouchers be used at vendors?

A： No. They are valid only at the Prize Wall.

Q2: May I trade only with vendors?

A： Yes. Player-to-player trading is prohibited; trade only with registered exhibitors.

Q3: What payment methods do vendors accept?

A： Each vendor sets its own policy; WeChat Pay, Alipay, and CNY cash are commonly accepted.

Q4: When are vendors open?

A： Vendors do not open beyond venue hours; follow each exhibitor’s schedule.

Q5: What if I have a vendor dispute?

A： Try to resolve it with the vendor first, then seek help at the information desk.

IX. Prizes and Redemption

Q1: Can Prize Wall Vouchers be exchanged for Kadou balance?

A： No. They are redeemable only for Prize Wall items, not Kadou balance or cash.

Q2: Can I make up a shortfall with cash or Kadou balance?

A： No. The Prize Wall accepts Prize Wall Vouchers only. Earn more through side events if needed.

Q3: How long are vouchers valid and when is the Prize Wall open?

A： Vouchers are valid only during this event and expire when Sunday’s Prize Wall closes. Daily hours follow on-site arrangements, usually venue hours.

Q4: How much stock is available? Can I redeem Sunday?

A： Stock varies, is first come first served, and ends when sold out. Sunday redemption remains available while stock lasts.

Q5: Can vouchers be transferred, replaced, combined, or changed?

A： They are bearer vouchers and may be transferred without ID checks. They may be combined, but no change is given and lost vouchers are not replaced.

Q6: How do I receive Main Event prizes?

A： Main Event prizes are paid through the Wizards electronic wallet. After the event, pay@kadouevents.cn will email winners for confirmation and any missing information. Submit updates by Sunday, November 1 at 24:00; players bear responsibility for late issues.

Q7: How do I receive vouchers or physical prizes?

A： The judge will organize distribution after the event. Do not leave the tournament area immediately after finishing.

Q8: Can large prizes be mailed?

A： The venue does not provide packing or mailing. Arrange a courier yourself.

Q9: Can vouchers pay event entry fees?

A： No. They redeem prizes only. Commander tickets have a different purpose; see Commander Q3.