Cactus Game Design Message Boards

Say my opponent is playing red+chosen variant. It makes a huge difference if I can't remember if they played A Soldiers Prayer to get Bravery back yet or searched for a separate card. I'm holding a chump block and a battle winner. And I'm down to my last evil character. Now what do I play? Let me just check my notes...

That's seems pretty lame to me. And yes being able to filter several levels of info at one time is a skill.

I think not allowing notes is an unwritten rule (no pun intended) of all card games. Part of the challenge of card games is to remember what was played, especially games like Hearts and Rack-o. I'm sure that casinos won't let you take notes. 

Now I realize that Redemption in not the same as those other games, and there is no reason for it to be governed the same way, but I think the expectation of no note-taking filters from the idea that it is not allowed in any card game normally. If we are going to make a rule, then I vote for no note-taking. If it is going to be treated as a host-discretion rule, then I will not allow it at my tournaments.

Players are allowed to take written notes during a match and may refer to those notes while that match is in progress. At the beginning of a match, each players note sheet must be empty and must remain visible throughout the match. Players do not have to explain or reveal notes to other players. Judges may ask to see a players notes and/or request that the player explain his or her notes.

You can write down whatever you want during MtG games. Additionally the discard pile is public knowledge in MtG.