I reviewed triggered abilities with a judge I certified. He asked me where the definition of visible game state was located (excellent question) so he'd have it for future reference. I couldn't find it. I'm asking for where the definition is located/reason why it is no longer defined.

My search results:

The CR uses ‘visible’ 3 times.
The IPG uses ‘visible’ 6 times (and uses the phrase visible game-state twice, but doesn't define it).
The MTR uses ‘visible’ 5 times.

Interestingly enough, the MTR references when triggers should be announced as when it would have an “observable” impact. It does not define that term.

There's no definition because their meaning is just the plain English meaning. As for “observable” impact, image you showed a stranger the before and after picture of the game - would they be able to pick out the difference? For an exalted trigger they wouldn't. For a draw trigger they would.

Just confirming what Mark says - “visible” is a basic concept, and it should translate well to other languages & cultures. There are many such “terms” used throughout the policy & rules docs, with no formal definition.

d:^D