Hidden information

Hidden information in Magic: The Gathering concerns information that is only available to one player. Some mechanics may force that player to reveal that information.
==Description==
Unlike for example Chess, Magic is designed with hidden information so that players can surprise one another. In the aspects of variance and hidden information, Magic more closely resembles games played with a standard deck of playing cards, like Bridge. The “gotcha moments” often come from the instants. Your opponent makes what he believes to be an intelligent block and you get to reveal your <c>Giant Growth</c> with a big smile. 
Hidden information is an important aspect of gameplay. When an opponent knows everything in your hand, it requires a lot more thought to make sure they're thinking through every possible combination of effects. It also removes any chance of surprise. The hand is hidden because it allows for fun moments where you get to surprise your opponents, and it keeps them from having to track that. In general, hidden information creates less board complexity and allows for more compelling game moments. 
If too much of your set is all public information, it makes the game computational. That is, you can plan out future turns in your head. The game gets extra Spike-y and slower because players must keep track of all the information. By having something hidden (usually in the hand), you are adding in an unknown element that allows players to react more in the moment, which, for most players, is more fun. R&D tries to make sure that sets have some amount of hidden information. 
Because cards have variance based on where in the game they are drawn, they make sure that there are always good and bad draws. This swing in utility allows players who are behind to make dramatic comebacks. In addition, because the draws are hidden information it helps keep players in the game because there is always the hope of drawing a card that will swing the game in their favor.
In addition to the variance aspects of the game, there's also uncertainty in that you don't know what cards your opponent has in his or her hand or library. Often, you'll face situations where one choice is better if your opponent has a removal spell, while another choice is better if he or she does not. You might have a powerful spell to cast, but you'd rather wait on it if your opponent has <c>Dissipate</c>. 
===Examples of hidden information===
*Cards in hidden zones:
**Hand
**Library
*Cards with Face down mechanics
**Cloak
**Disguise
**Foretell
**Manifest
**Megamorph
**Morph
==Rules==
==References==
Category:Game concepts
Category:Tournament rules