Avoiding Thieves at Events by Baneful

 

Thieves do exist in both larger tournaments and smaller local events.  Thieves can be younger kids (age 12) or older players (25+).

 

Keep in mind that there is a difference between someone stealing a card out your deck/binder and you accidentally leaving a card on the table and someone serendipitously finding it.  The former is stealing and the latter is not, but both are honestly the same consequence.

 

If one of your cards is stolen, there is little you can do unless there's enough hearsay to pin down a particular person who has a habit of stealing.  Baiting is entrapment, stores don't have cameras and it's a logistical nightmare to chase down a thief (unless they are causing problems to lots of different people).

 

So, preventing it from happening is the best solution.

 

Basic advice:

 

Bring a backpack to tournaments.  When you are in a duel, keep all of your belongings (except your deck/mat/calculator when using them) in your backpack.  Keep the backpack, while in a duel, between your legs under the chair.

 

Also, do not hand out more than one thing at a time.  Only hand out one binder at a time (if you own several).  And don't multitask.  If you are showing someone your cards/binder/deck, stay focused on them.  Don't have side conversations while someone else is holding your cards.

 

Baneful

 

banefulscolumn@gmail.com