Rule Sharking and the Monthly Draw!

I want to use this post as a means to start the discussion on Rule-Sharking.

Or rather; what is the difference between Rule-Sharking and rule enforcement? We've all been accused of it at one point or another, so I'd like to offer some definitions that can help discuss the topic at hand. let's get some definitions out-of-the way:


Rule: a principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement.

Rule sharking (As I see it, but feel free to comment below if you wish to change/refine/clarify it): "Attempting to force an extreme rule or policy on an opponent who has made a small and repairable error."

Take last week for example; [i] (Name Redacted) Overlaid for Number 101: Silent Honor ARK. We went through battle phase, where he destroyed my Hazy Flame Gryphon and Hazy-Flame Cerberus. Then he detached 2 materials from the Ark to use the effect, chaining Breakthrough Strike, Targeting my 5-material Hazy Flame Basiltrice.

When I pointed out that Hazy Flames Basiltrice can't be targeted, and that the targeting restriction cannot be negated, (just like Obelisk the Tormentor and the Earthbound Immortals), (Name Redacted) accused me of rule sharking because I refused to allow him to change the XYZ summon to Gagaga Cowboy. [/i]

Ignorance of a Rule is not an excuse to not follow it. (Especially when I had explained the rule and handed him the card to read in that same turn when he tried to Fiendish Chain Basiltrice.) Because a player follows the rules well, does not make them a rule shark.

A player should always at any given time attempt to follow the rules as closely as possible. If you are unaware of a rule, we have veteran guys ready to answer your questions. Because what I don't know can be used against me.

This is something I have learned by playing Pathfinder, Magic, and Cards against Humanity at the Card House. Regardless of the Game, the rules are as written. If you dislike them, then you can take up the matter with customer support or choose one of the other number of games on the shelf that may better suit you.

Sorry for the rant Guys, I'll leave you with the winner of the Monthly Draw:

Troy Crossingham. (First your birthday, then you win the monthly draw!