MetaZoo Organized Play
Organized Play Information
An overview of how sanctioned MetaZoo play works: the tournament format for players, the Organized Play store program for retailers, and the judge certification program.
For Everyone
One Code of Conduct
Every participant, players, judges, and organizers alike, agrees to uphold the MetaZoo Community Guidelines. They cover respect, fair play, competitive integrity, and how violations are handled across Organized Play.
For Players · Tournament Format
How Tournaments Play
Official MetaZoo tournaments use a Swiss structure, with an optional single elimination top cut for larger events.
Official MetaZoo TCG Rules
The official rules are the source of truth for gameplay, card interactions, and tournament rulings.
Structure
Swiss
Match
Best-of-One
Round Timer
35 Minutes
Format
Constructed
Deck
Single Submission
Official Mulligan Policy
After drawing the initial 5 cards, players may choose to place up to (2) cards from their starting hand to the bottom of their deck. They may then draw a card for each card placed to the bottom of the deck this way.
How You Win
A player must reach at least 30 Mission Points and hold more Mission Points than their opponent when the round completes.
- Reaching 30 MP does not end the game instantly.
- The current round finishes resolving before a winner is determined.
- If both players are tied on Mission Points, the match is recorded as a draw.
Match Points
| Result | Points |
|---|---|
| Win | 3 |
| Draw | 1 |
| Loss | 0 |
Final standings are determined by total tournament points.
Swiss Rounds
| Players | Rounds |
|---|---|
| 4–8 | 3 |
| 9–16 | 4 |
| 17–32 | 5 |
| 33–64 | 6 |
| 65–128 | 7 |
Top Cut · Optional
| Attendance | Top Cut |
|---|---|
| 17–32 | Top 4 |
| 33–64 | Top 8 |
| 65+ | Top 8 |
Top cut rounds are single elimination.
Recommended Prizing
8–15 Players
- 1st
- Sketch Card + 3 Prize Packs
- 2nd
- Full Art Promo + 2 Prize Packs
- 3rd
- Full Art Promo + 1 Prize Pack
16+ Players
- 1st
- Sketch Card + 5 Prize Packs
- 2nd
- Full Art Promo + 3 Prize Packs
- 3rd–4th
- Full Art Promo + 2 Prize Packs
Participation reward: one Prize Pack Series 1 per player. Recommendations only. Stores may adjust prizing to best serve their community.
Etiquette and judge calls: players keep a sportsmanlike attitude, follow judge instructions, and may request a judge at any time. The ruling of the Head Judge is final. The official Comprehensive Rules govern all gameplay.
For Stores · Organized Play Store Program
Build a Local Community
The Organized Play store program helps local game stores grow thriving MetaZoo communities through regularly scheduled sanctioned events.
What Your Store Gets
- Welcome Tournament Kit: promos, sketch cards, Prize Pack Series 1, sealed product, and marketing materials to launch a local community.
- Prize Pack support you can request for future sanctioned events.
- Store Championships with exclusive championship promos and premier event qualification.
- A listing on the Organized Play store locator.
Requirements
- Operate a physical retail location.
- Maintain an active MetaZoo Organized Play account.
- Schedule events through the Organized Play platform.
- Carry MetaZoo product or actively support Organized Play.
- Remain in good standing with Organized Play.
Stores are encouraged to host at least one sanctioned event every month.
Supported Event Types
- Learn to Play
- Casual Play
- Constructed
- Sealed
- Draft
- Store Championship
- Special Events
For Judges · Judge Certification Program
The Judge Ladder
Certified judges are ambassadors of the MetaZoo community, ensuring fair play and a positive experience at every level. The program has three tiers.
MZO
Entry Level
MetaZoologist
Assist at sanctioned local events and support players and organizers.
Requires: 18 or older, an active Organized Play account, a passing score of 80% or higher on the MZO examination, and agreement to the Code of Conduct.
MMZO
Advanced
Master MetaZoologist
Serve as Head Judge for local events and mentor MetaZoologists.
Requires: MZO certification for 90 days or more, three or more sanctioned events judged, a passing score of 85% or higher on the MMZO examination, and a recommendation.
GMZO
Senior
Grandmaster MetaZoologist
Lead premier events, mentor judges at every level, and shape Organized Play policy.
Requires: Awarded at the discretion of Organized Play, based on extensive rules knowledge, judging experience, and community leadership. No examination alone guarantees advancement.
Judge Benefits
- Official certification and a digital judge certificate.
- Access to judge communication channels.
- Judge exclusive promos, alternate art, playmats, and apparel.
- Convention and premier event staffing opportunities.
Code of Conduct
Judges act honestly, remain impartial, and treat every player, spectator, and staffer with respect. They hold to the same participant code every member of the community follows.
Read the Code of Conduct ↓Your MetaZoo Account
Caster ID
Your Caster ID is your single account across MetaZoo: the deckbuilder, saved decks, and Organized Play. Sign in or create one for free.