1) I have a Varys (SaS) in play. Can I play a duplicate on him? Our inhouse judge says that you cannot as shadow cards may only enter play via the shadow mechanic.

But since dupes are considered to have no title, text, traits, or crests, how does the dupe count as a "Shadow card" for that rule?

You are allowed to dupe directly from hand, even if the card as printed has a Shadow crest. This is because you are playing a "dupe," and the only thing that enters play is a "dupe." You are not breaking the rule that Shadow cards must be played through Shadows.

Thank you ktom!

Ah ha! I knew my friend was being fishy! >

Well… maybe not fishy. Just not taking everything into account.

LoL. I wouldn't go around thinking he was misleading you intentionally. The rules in this game can be confusing, though in general they are fairly clear once you get the hang of it.

lol, if you ever truly get the hang of it. There are always going to be interactions that raise questions, unless you have an incredibly intimate understanding of the rules.

I don't know what you guys are talking about. The rules of this game seem pretty straightforward to me.

ktom said:

show off!

But yea! Thank you everyone