The Translation Solution – When Playing With Cards Not in the Local Language
One of the most commonly asked questions this weekend has been “I have a French (or German) (or Spanish) language card…can I play it in my deck?” (Answer: “Yes you can, as long as you have an accurate and full translation of the card text available”.
The next most commonly asked question was then “Do I have to have an English copy of the card?” (Answer: “No you do not, an accurately written copy of the text is enough”.
The next most commonly asked question was then “Can I keep a picture of the card on my phone, and show that?” (Answer: “No, you cannot use your phone for this purpose during the tournament”.
The next most commonly asked question was “If I’m using an English version of the card for translation, can I keep it in my deck box?” (Answer: “No, you cannot have any cards in your deck box other than the cards listed in your Main, Extra and Side Decks; and any Token cards you are using”.
So…where ARE you supposed to store the cards you are using for translations? Keeping them in your deck box can get you a game loss, no one wants that.
Kelvin Beal is here to demonstrate the answer – carry a small binder with a translation copy of any card you are using that is not in the local language. Keep it handy in your bag, to be shown when needed.
There are lots of small binders available to choose from (may I be so bold as to suggest a Pegasus Challenge single-card size binder) and you can organize the cards in any order that pleases you…alphabetically, by card type, etc. to make finding the exact translation required as quick and easy as possible.
If you like to include these kinds of cards in your deck and you aren’t already using a small binder, give it some thought. It might be the perfect solution for you, too.