During a Star City IQ in which I was a player, a friend of mine asked me if it was permissible to ask around and find out what people are playing between rounds. Since the IPG only specifies OA when the match has begun, I was reasonably confident that as long he was looking for information before he sat down for a match or after he left the table, it was okay. I'm reasonably certain I'm right, but was wondering how you determine where scouting ends and OA begins, since the line admittedly seems a little fuzzy to me.

Originally posted by Hank Wiest:

Since the IPG only specifies OA when the match has begun

I love it when people answer their own questions :)

Originally posted by Hank Wiest:

wondering how you determine where scouting ends and OA begins

Consistent with the wording in the IPG, we've always held that, once you sit down for your match, you could no longer ask for OA.

Example: on my way to my match, I say “hey, Tony, do you know what Paul is playing?” –> OK
Example: I sit, George sits across from me, and I say “hey, Tony, do you know what George is playing?” –> Not OK

Originally posted by Hank Wiest:

the IPG only specifies OA when the match has begun

Actually, the IPG only says “once he or she has sat for his or her match”. Minor nitpick, but - hey, it's my job. :)

d:^D