Shriek Flame Wars

The deal
After our Monthly held on 21 November, a fellow duelist, William, from the Philippines has managed to convince Shriek to post the Philippines' deck list in his website. Everything proceed smoothly and the decklists then were posted.

I was actually expecting people would flame and argue over how the Filipinos build and run their decks. After reading both sides, I came about to a conclusion. Flaming was already given and was always a trend over at Shriek anyways.

The link to the website and article is here.

For those people who are actually too lazy to browse and read the whole flame war, in a nutshell, people are arguing that builds were bad and were as they think they were-scrubs. This was to be expected.

The facts
Let us dissect the two parties arguing and narrate their key points.

My fellow duelists were arguing that the decks were made because they think that 'netdecking' is unoriginal and boring, and they would not want to spend over $200 for a simple kid's game. They also argue that they were just playing for the fun of it.

While some people posted that the decks were indeed creative and was a new fresh breeze in the card game, some posters pointed that 'netdecking' is actually going to the most efficient build, and people from the Philippines cannot afford the cards and that is basically the reason, if anything else, why the decks were made as that. They also argued that people can have fun and win at the same time. They then prove their point by comparing them to the SJC builds and compare how original decks were made there. Finally, they also argued that original does not always mean better, or good.

The things to keep in mind

• While it is somewhat true that people have limited access to cards, this can and cannot be the reason at the same time. As this is a major event here in the Philippines, most of the 'incomplete' decks do not participate in here. Simply put, most of the decks in this list are considered to be complete by their owner's standards.
• The reason why Lightsworns are nonexistent in the top 8 is because the cards are way too impossible to acquire. Needless to say, they are also expensive. As mentioned by one of the posters there, there are only 4 complete Lightsworn decks and only 1 was able to join the event.
• I also participated in the event with a decent SJC-inspired Blackwings(Togores) and was cut in the top 8 by the guy who had Priestess of Ohm in his Blackwing deck. Call this chance but a win is a win.
• The country is playing a hybrid format, which means that we can access both the TCG and OCG cardpools both at the same time.
• Gladiator Beasts are still doing great in our meta.

The verdict
While I do not agree that netdecking is a very unethical decision in deck building, as I netdeck myself, I believe that arguments should be unbiased for both parties. You cannot expect your original decks would automatically better than SJC proven ones and vice versa. It is also very unprofessional to criticize one deck just because you have not yet encountered one in your metagame. The problem with the elitist attitude in some duelists are what changes the game from casual fun to Serious Business.



Although to give wowowee a point, the reason why the Filipinos attempted to post their decklists to Shriek and the fact that they spend a lot of money in the card game means that they are not just 'playing for fun'.

The Conclusion

• If you don't have anything good to say, don't say anything.
  
• Netdecking is not a bad practice.
• People can win and have fun at the same time.
• What works for one meta does not always mean it works for another.
• Don't criticize the deck before actually testing them yourself.
• Original and innovative decks does not always mean they're better than time tested ones.

Hidden Arsenal

I might be able to ship boxes of Hidden Arsenal to the Philippines until up to December 14, 2009. I can retail the box for PHP5,500. As usual, I will promise that these products are kept unsearched and are factory sealed. A down payment of 30% of the actual price is required to secure an order. Don't miss out on this limited time-only chance!

36 packs per box

- 5 Limited Edition foil cards per pack: 1 Secret Rare and 4 Super Rares
- More X-Saber monsters to combine with the X-Sabers from Ancient Prophecy, Absolute Powerforce, and the 2009 Starter Deck

I also offer other Booster sets. Don't hesitate to contact me for pricing and/or for other product inquiries
09173558194 - SMS
camille7688@yahoo.com - e-mail/Instant Messenger

*offer only applicable to residents of NCR, Philippines.

Top 8 decklist for November Philippine Monthly

Winner: Zombie Drago (Player: Ian "Chunky" Chanco)

Monster: 18
1 Dark Armed Dragon
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
2 Il Blud
2 Zombie Master
2 Mezuki
2 Goblin Zombie
1 Zombie Carrier
1 Dark Grepher
3 Knight of the End
2 Necro Gardna
1 Sangan

Spells: 16
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Brain Control
2 Supervis
1 Reinforcement of the Army
2 Allure of Darkness
3 Book of Life
2 Foolish Burial
3 Burial from a Different Dimension

Traps: 6
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Raigeki Break

Extra Deck: 15
1 Mist Wurm
2 Black Bull Drago
1 Red Daemon's Dragon
1 Gigatech Fighter
1 Mental Sphere Daemon
1 Dark End Dragon
2 Stardust Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Dark Ressurection Hades
1 Death Kaiser Dragon
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
1 Flembell Urquitas
1 Magical Android

Side Deck: 15
2 Mirror of Oaths
2 Threatening Roar
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
2 Royal Decree
2 Dust Tornado
1 Lightning Vortex
2 Soul Release
1 Smashing Ground
1 Nobleman of Crossout
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2nd: Necro Chaos (Player: Dann Julius Tan)

Monster: 21
1 Dark Armed Dragon
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
2 Caius The Shadow Monarch
2 Chaos Sorcerer
2 Ryko, Lightlord Hunter
2 Dimensional Alchemist
1 Raiou
1 Breaker the Magical Warrior
1 Mystic Tomato
2 necroface
1 Black Feather - Gale of the Hurricane
1 Sangan
1 Krebons
1 Zombie Carrier
1 D.D. Crow
1 Morphing Jar

Spells: 13
2 Allure of Darkness
2 Golden Chest of Sealing
1 Heavy Storm
1 Fissure
1 Smashing Ground
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Brain Control
1 Mind Control
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Book of Moon
1 My Body as a Shield

Traps: 8
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Trap Dustshoot
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
1 Royal Oppression
1 Return from the Different Dimension
1 Solemn Judgment

Extra Deck: 15
1 A.O.J. Catastor
1 Magical Android
1 Flembell Urquitas
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
1 Chain Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Arcanite Magician
1 Ancient Fairy Dragon
1 X-Saber Urbellum
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Dark End Dragon
1 Mental Sphere Daemon
1 Red Daemon's Dragon

Side Deck: 15
1 D.D. Crow
1 Legendary Jujitsu Master
1 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
1 Soul Release
2 Trap Hole
2 Dust Tornado
1 Malevolent Catastrophe
1 Call of the Haunted
1 Royal Oppression
1 Mirror of Oaths
1 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
1 Divine Wrath
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3rd: Black Feather Magpakailanman *Filipino for Black Feather Forever* (Player: Dino Roman)

Monster: 17
3 Black Feather - Qual'at of the Moonlight
3 Black Feather - Shura of the Blue Flame
3 Black Feather - Blast of the Black Lance
2 Black Feather - Blizzard of the North Pole
2 Black Feather - Sirroco of the Dawn
2 D.D. Crow
1 Black Feather - Gale of the Hurricane
1 Dark Armed Dragon

Spells: 10
1 My Body as a Shield
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Brain Control
1 Giant Trunade
1 Heavy Storm
3 Black Whirlwind
2 Allure of Darkness

Traps: 13
3 Royal Oppression
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Threatening Roar
2 Icarus Attack
1 Trap Dustshoot
1 Call of the Haunted
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force

Extra Deck: 15
2 Gigatech Fighter
2 Stardust Dragon
2 Red Daemon's Dragon
2 Magical Android
1 Black Feather - Armored Wing
1 Arcanite Magician
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Knight of the Earth Gaia
1 Chain Draon
1 Mental Sphere Daemon

Side Deck: 15
1 My Body as a Shield
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
3 Raiou
1 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
2 Lightning Vortex
1 Solemn Judgment
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
2 Delta Crow - Anti-Reverse
2 Book of Moon
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4th: HyperWell Synchro (Player: Paul Dizon)

Monster: 22
1 Dark Armed Dragon
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
2 Chaos Sorcerer
1 Caius the Shadow Monarch
1 Summon Priest
1 Black Feather - Gale of the Hurricane
2 Krebons
2 Gravekeeper's Spy
1 Gravekeeper's Guard
1 Breaker the Magical Warrior
3 Raiou
1 D.D. Warrior Lady
1 Mind Master
2 Dimension Alchemist
2 Hyper Synchron

Spell: 12
1 Emergency Teleport
1 Telekinetic Power Well
2 Allure of Darkness
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Heavy Storm
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Smashing Ground
2 Enemy Controller
1 Brain Control
1 Mind Control

Trap: 6
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Return from the Different Dimension
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Call of the Haunting
1 Mirror Force

Extra Deck: 9
1 Junk Warrior
1 Chain Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Psychic Life-Trancer
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Avenging Knight Parshath
1 Mental Sphere Daemon
1 Gigatech Fighter
1 Red Daemon's Dragon

Side Deck: 15
2 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
1 D.D. Crow
1 D.D. Warrior Lady
1 Meiku the Barrier Master
3 Honest
1 Freed the Wandering General
3 Royal Oppression
2 Compulsory Evacuation Device
1 Solemn Judgment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5th: Hopeless Drago (Player: Paolo Calma)

Monster: 20
1 Dark Armed Dragon
3 Red-Eyes Darkness Mental Dragon
3 Dark Horus
2 Red-Eyes Wyvern
1 Prime Material Dragon
2 Core Chimair Drago
3 Dark Grepher
2 Dark Creator
2 Phantom of Chaos
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness

Spell: 14
2 Allure of Darkness
2 Arms Hole
2 D.D.R.
2 Monster Reincarnation
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Heavy Storm
1 Giant Trunade
1 Future Fusion
1 Golden Chest of Sealing

Trap: 7
2 Compulsory Evacuation Device
2 Bottomless Traphole
1 Solemn Judgment
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Call of the Haunted

Extra Deck: 1
1 Five God Dragon

Side Deck: 15
3 Mirror of Oaths
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
1 Escape from the Dark Dimension
1 Return from the Different Dimension
1 Mirror Force
1 Deck Devastating Virus
1 System Down
1 Core Chimair Drago
2 Axe Dragonute
2 Twister
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6th: Black Feather "Bomber 2" (Player: Jhonn Paull Santiago)

Monster: 20
1 Dark Armed Dragon
1 Dark Creator
2 Black Feather - Sirroco of the Dawn
3 Black Feather - Blizzard of the North Pole
3 Black Feather - Blast of the Black Lance
3 Black Feather - Qual'at of the Moonlight
3 Black Feather - Shura of the Blue Flame
2 Black Feather - Vayu of the Big Flag
2 Priestess Ohm

Spells: 12
1 Heavy Storm
3 Black Whirlwind
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Mind Control
1 Brain Control
2 D.D.R.
2 Allure of Darkness
1 Swallow's Nest

Traps: 8
2 Icarus Attack
1 Delta Crow - Anti-Reverse
3 Reckless Greed
1 Mirror Force
1 Trap Dustshoot

Extra Deck: 14
2 Black Feather - Armored Wing
1 Black Feather - Lone Silver Wind
2 Black Feather - Arms Wing
1 Dark End Dragon
2 Stardust Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Gigatech Fighter
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Magical Android
1 Mental Sphere Daemon
1 Arcanite Magician

Side Deck: 15
1 My Body as a Shield
2 Soul Release
2 Threatening Roar
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Mirror of Oath
2 Fairy Winds
2 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
2 D.D. Crow
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7th: Superstar Deck (Player: Byron Diño)
*Note: Decklist not 100% Authentic*

Monster: 20
3 Gladiator Beast Laquari
2 Zombie Master
1 Gladiator Beast Beastiari
2 Lyla, Lightlord Sorceress
2 Goblin Zombie
2 Mezuki
2 Krebons
1 Zombie Carrier
1 X-Saber Airbellum
1 Black Feather - Sirroco of the Dawn
1 Black Feather - Vayu of the Big Flag
1 Dark Armed Dragon

Spell: 12
3 Burial from Another Dimension
1 Heavy Storm
1 Brain Control
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Mind Control
1 Book of Life
1 Lightning Vortex
2 Allure of Darkness
1 Creature Swap

Trap: 8
1 Mirror Force
1 Gladiator Beast War Chariot
1 Torrential Tribute
2 Threatening Roar
1 Compulsory Evacuation Device
1 Transmigration Prophecy
1 Bottomless Trap Hole

Extra Deck: 15
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Red Daemon's Dragon
1 Mental Sphere Daemon
1 Dark End Dragon
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
1 Chain Dragon
1 A.O.J. Catastor
1 Magical Android
1 Psychic Life-Transer
1 XX-Saber Gatoms
1 Black Feather - Arms Wing
1 Black Feather - Armored Wing
1 Gladiator Beast Gyzarus

Side Deck: 2-???
2 G.B. Hunter
*The rest unknown*
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8th: D.G.B. Dimensional Gladiator Beast (Player: William "StacKing" Sy)

Monster: 18
1 Gladiator Beast Beastiari
2 Gladiator Beast Laquari
1 Gladiator Beast Murmillo
1 Gladiator Beast Hoplomos
1 Gladiator Beast Darius
1 Gladiator Beast Samnite
1 Rescue Cat
1 Test Tiger
2 X-Saber Airbellum
1 Cyber Dragon
2 Gladiator Beast Equeste
1 Morphing Jar
1 Slave Ape
1 Gladiator Beast Retiari
1 Summon Priest

Spell: 11
3 Dimensional Fissure
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
3 Gladiator Proving Ground
3 Book of Moon

Trap: 12
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Torrential Tribute
2 Gladiator Beast War Chariot
1 Return from the Different Dimension
1 Solemn Judgment
1 Mirror Force
1 Call of the Haunted
1 Trap Dust Shoot
2 Waboku

Extra Deck: 15
1 Gladiator Beast Heraklinos
2 Gladiator Beast Gyzarus
1 Natural Balkion
1 Natural Beast
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Gigatech Fighter
1 Knight of the Earth Gaia
1 X-Saber Urbellum
1 A.O.J. Decisive Arms
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Arcanite Magician
1 Mental Sphere Daemon
1 Magical Android

Side Deck: 15
2 Gravekeeper's Guard
1 Black Feather - Gale of the Hurricane
1 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
1 Gladiator Beast Inner Strength
2 Shrink
1 Mind Control
1 Brain Control
2 Dust Tornado
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
2 Compulsory Evacuation Device
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Special Thanks to:
- Mangaholix for the venue
- Courtside for being a great sponsor
- Irwin & Carlito for being a great Judge

Source: http://z3.invisionfree.com/ygocgph/index.php?showtopic=3536&st=0&#last
- Posted by William Sy

November Monthly Tournament Report

There I was ready and prepared for the November Monthly that was held yesterday. The tournament was not so much impressive as only thirty people attended the event. Started to scout for people and preview the decks they run. Finally was able to pass my deck sheet to the judges and waited for the Swiss pairings.

I was running Blackwings inspired by the first SJC this new format and ran an almost similar build with a little bit of tweak here and there to specifically counter the meta in the Philippines. The Side deck was majorly modified for this purpose. I missed a lot of cards for my side due to financial reasons. Deck list is at the bottom if you are interested to see it.

Nothing was stopping me now and I was paired for my first match of Swiss.

Blackwings v.s. Morphtronic OTK
Game 1
I rolled in first, was able to get Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame and Black Whirlwind in my opening hand. I then played both to search for Gale. Set down Bottomless Trap Hole and Mystical Space Typhoon and ended my turn. He begins with playing Morphtronic Cellfon. He was activated its effect for a Morphtronic Scopen. He then used Morphtronic Scopen for a Morphtronic Boarden and proceeded to Synchro Summon all for a Power Tool Dragon. Needless to say I activated my face down Bottomless and proceeded to swarm him the following turn.

Game 2
I opened bad with 2 Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn and 2 Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame and a Mirror Force. I played the Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame and set the Mirror Force to end my turn. He opened god and somehow got Morphtronic Slingen on his equation of his FTK and then proceed to FTK me as expected.

Game 3
Opening hand was okay. In the middle of the duel, he Torrential Tribute my 2 Blackwings and Was able to Synchro for a Power Tool Dragon and attached two Equip Spells in it and he set a card face down. I already had a Brain Control in my hand and topped Caius the Shadow Monarch for game.

2-1, 1-0

Blackwings v.s. HyperWell Synchro
Game 1
Opened with 2 Black Whirlwinds and 2 Royal Oppression. My Blackwing - Bora the Spear was not able to pierce his Gravekeeper's Spy. I cannot activate my Royal Oppression in response to this, and he played Heavy Storm to wipe my field. I topped my third Black Whirlwind and he proceeded to mow me down with Thunder King Rai-Oh.

Game 2
Opened decent. He again pushed for +1 with his Gravekeeper's Spy. He was able to Synchro a Colossal Fighter and I misplayed by activating my Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow. By this time I ran out of options and the Colossal Fighter beat me to a pulp. I had a Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North in my hand and could have Synchro Summoned for a Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier, but unfortunately, I did not have one in my Extra Deck due to financial reasons.

0-2, 1-1

Blackwings v.s. Stun
Game 1
He caught me off guard by activating his Mirror Force, resulting in a +2. My only Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn was Removed from play by his D.D. Warrior Lady. He then proceeded to Summon Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer and removed my Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor from the game, turning the tide in his favor and finally resulting in his victory.

Game 2
I opened with 2 Black Whirlwinds and a Shura. The amount of +1's I was able to acquire from those two Black Whirlwinds was too much that he was not able to get the chance at the momentum. I won the duel.

Game 3
In the near end of the duel in my favor, He Brain Control my Bora, Normal Summoned a Krebons and planned to Synchro Summon using my Bora. I responded with a Book of Moon, targeting Krebons. He called a judge to see if the move was legal or not. The judge ruled over that it was and he was not able to recover from it.

2-1, 2-1

Blackwings v.s. Crystal Beast
Game1
Hoo boy this was a lucky pairing. Whatever play I make puts immediate pressure on my opponent. He tries to Ram his Crystal Beast Topaz Tiger to my Sirocco but I activated Icarus Attack in response. He tries to use Crystal Beacon to Special Summon Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus but I responded with Royal Oppression. Without any more options in his disposal, I easily won over him.

Game 2
The same as game 1, and this was easier as I had Heavy Storm in my opening hand. And we all know what happens when Heavy Storm pushes through with Crystal Beasts.

2-0, 3-1

Blackwings v.s. Blackwings
Game 1
I was surprised to duel against a mirror for the first time. I got Vayu and Sirocco in the graveyard via Dark Grepher early in the game for a Blackwing Armed Wing. He then summoned Sirocco and also used his Vayu to get his Blackwing Armed Wing, then activated his Sirocco's effect, stealing all the attack of all the monsters on the field. I thought it was over for me until I topped Brain Control and did the same, this time Special Summoning Bora and ending the duel with Kalut for the game push.

Game 2
We dueled and everything was equal until he had a Colossal Fighter out with just a card in his hand and no set cards. I have 5 cards, one of them was Blizzard and had a Bora or Shura on the grave. I didn't have Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier in my Extra Deck... He only had less than 4000 LP left.

Game 3
Midway through the duel, I summon Dark Armed Dragon, set Torrential Tribute and Mystical Space Typhoon.. His back row was clear. He Mind Control my Dark Armed Dragon and proceed to destroy everything in my field. He summoned a Monster and attacked for game.

1-2, 3-2

Closing Thoughts: Sad that I could have won the last match if I had Brionac in my Extra Deck. Also realized that what maybe Tier 1 over at one country might not be the same tier 1 deck at another. Finally, I realized that Colossal Fighter is one of the most annoying Synchro Monsters out there.

I was able to get to 12th place, after getting cut to top 8. In light of that, I get a consolation prize of 1 Raging Battle booster pack, only to get Morphtronic Repair Unit as my rare.

Props:
Was able to see people cosplay since the tournament was held at an anime convention
OCG Black Rose Dragon
Completed play set of Book of Moon
3 Posters of Raging Battle
Making it to top 12 in the first tournament scene of my Blackwing Deck
Pulled Blackwing - Kalut the Moonshadow in my first entry pack

Slops:
Got a bit lost on the way to the event
Air conditioning at event was too cold
Lost a lot matches due to lack of Brionac
Colossal wrecked me bad
Pulled Morphtronic Repair Unit as my rare on my consolation pack
Terrible Traffic on the way home and an unfortunate event happened along the way
Tired to even move a muscle as I plop on my bed
One Brionac away from Top 8

List:

Monsters (21)
3 Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn
3 Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame
3 Blackwing - Bora the Spear
3 Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow
1 Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind
2 Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North
2 Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor
2 Dark Grepher
1 Plaguespreader Zombie
1 Dark Armed Dragon

Spells (11)
3 Black Whirlwind
2 Allure of Darkness
2 Book of Moon
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 My Body as A Shield
1 Brain Control

Traps (9)
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
1 Call of the Haunted
2 Icarus Attack
2 Royal Oppression

Extra Deck (9)
1 Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon
1 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Blackwing Armed Wing
1 Blackwing Armor Master
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant

Side Deck
1 Caius the Shadow Monarch
1 Book of Moon
1 My Body as A Shield
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Fissure
2 Mirror of Oaths
2 Trap Stun
1 Trap Dustshoot
2 Dust Tornado

MBAS: Helping You Swarm your Opponent with Ease

With Royal Oppression finding its way into Main Decks, decks that rely too much on Special Summoning monsters would naturally find a way to disable the threat. They would end up packing either Royal Decree or Malevolent Catastrophe as counters, with the former being more present in Lightsworn decks. The thinking behind this is that Lightsworns naturally do not rely on traps in the first place, so Royal Decree hits two birds with one stone-disabling Royal Oppression and knocking off any other Traps the opponent might use to his advantage.

As I run Blackwings at the moment, I see the deck's strategy as trying to beat the pulp out of your opponent before he does the same to you. Over extension on your side of the field is usually a decent option, but is always or most often followed up by a +1 or +2 Lightning Vortex by the opponent.

Solemn Judgment used to block cards that destroy my army of Blackwings in a single shot or stuff that might make my strategy go wrong. Since Solemn Judgment is now limited, a good replacement for last format's Solemn Judgment comes in the form of Dark Bribe, but I for instance, do not want the draw it gives my opponent. It does not also help the fact that the card cannot negate Monster Summons and their effects. Let's not forget that Royal Decree also pins this card down, along with Solemn Judgment in the first place.

With that in mind, I have resorted to relying on the Spell Card My Body as A Shield. This card can play through those Royal Decrees. This card is also best used from your hand in your turn in case your opponent activates his/her Set down Mirror Force or Torrential Tribute. Dark Armed Dragon, Black Rose Dragon and Judgment Dragon are also usually destroyed by this card. Heck, you can even use this card alongside Book of Moon in case you choose to run Royal Decree yourself. The best part of the bargain is that most of the time, it costs less life points compared to Solemn Judgment.

Played at the right moment, this card will help protect your Monsters and encourage you to swarm your opponent to seize victory.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 2009 Philippine Unsanctioned Championship

*Click to enlarge picture

WHEN: DECEMBER 19, 2009
VENUE: 3rd FLOOR, ROBINSON'S GALLERIA
FORMAT: Advance (All cards are allowed)
ENTRANCE FEE: Php 600 (includes 1 Yu-gi-oh! booster and 1 Philippine Championship T-shirt)

IMPORTANT: Pre Registration (with payment) is a MUST. T-shirt will only be given to Pre-registered players. You will receive your Shirt and Booster upon registration/payment @ COURTSIDE GALLERIA. Pre-registration is up to DECEMBER 16, 2009 ONLY!

*We will be charging an additional Php100 for players who register later than dec. 16 or on the tournament day itself*

Prizes:

-Champion Will Receive A trophy, Booster packs, and a Brand new PSP!!!

Runner-up will receive a Trophy, Yu-gi-oh Booster packs, and a brand new I-pod Shuffle

-Other prizes and Lot's of Yu-Gi-Oh Boosters at stake!!!

Losing: Key to Winning the Game

As promised, I will write an article about how I suffered my defeat in the last local tournament that I have participated in.

Seemingly confident, I registered to join the second batch of the weekly tournament that was held regularly in my locals. With victory in mind, I was confident that I would crush or defeat any adversary without breaking a sweat, seeing that everyone were only using non-meta decks. My deck was completed and was ready to go and destroy everything in sight...

Or so I thought.

Pairings were announced. My confidence suddenly turned to fear as I face my first ever adversary in the tournament scene. We then proceeded in the duel with my hands trembling as I draw my first card. I found out that he was using a Gladiator Beast deck. I knew the deck inside out-what it can and can't do, and how to defeat it. Theoretically.


On his first tag, he immediately tagged for Gladiator Beast Retiari, removing the Neo-Spacian Glow Moss which he just destroyed (I was using a Junk & Debris deck). I kept drawing dead draws and the opponent soon proceeded to annihilate me.

I was surprised as I face my first loss. I was trembling and I thought what did I did wrong. What did he do to get the win? I shunned the thoughts and proceeded to rummage my Side Deck.

The end result was the same. I was beaten to a pulp. I did not even manage to damage his life points. I then lost confidence, thinking that all the theories and all the articles I've read and studied was useless.

Feeling sad, I then was paired for round 2.


Up against a Zombie Dual deck, I managed to win game 1 without much trouble. I was still tense up to this point until the mid game of game 2. I started to feel relaxed while dueling with my opponent. We were conversing while dueling, which made the whole experience worthwhile, even though he was able to take game 2. By this point, I already gave up my competitive spirit and was only dueling for fun, in which I realized that that was the thing that I was missing since the beginning of the tournament. I forgot that playing the game was fun. I made a major misplay at game 3, (attacking his Shutendoji with a Ally of Justice - Catastor with him only having 500 LP left, I had 2 other different Synchro Monsters on the table) which caused me the game. Even though I lost, it seemed like a fun experience and I didn't flinch much about learning that I lost.

What makes a player great? Is it his clear understanding of the game or his knowledge on rulings? Is it how well-built his deck is? In my way of thinking, the only thing that makes a player great is that he is enjoying whatever deck(s) he made and shows great sportsmanship. Yu-Gi-Oh! is just a game after all and people should enjoy playing the game, win or lose.

Pojo Rant

I cannot comprehend how people even begin to whine about KDE and all in Pojo.

People here in my country had it tough. Aside from the zero support Konami is giving us, cards are scare. Yes, we do play the OCG, and some of you guys will say "but the OCG is cheap!!" Well it is, to some extent, but you also have to imagine the income of people here. We don't get paid a minimum $7.25 per hour on work, people literally live off in $5 a day. Packs and Structure decks are sold double the SRP does not help either.

People complain about tournament prizes. Well yeah, prizes are terrible, but its better than here. The tournament scene does not even exist, barring locally unsactioned ones held by the community. Hey, at least everyone over here is having fun. Want to play for profit? Go head over to Poker.

Then people on Pojo move on to ranting how sets are crap. I would tell you that people here aren't running all LS or Blackwings. People always run rogue decks most of the time, due to the fact that card prices, despite OCG, are so expensive. Imagine one GS01 Brionac equivalent to 1/5 of your month's salary (calculated roughly). Besides, your rants are falling on wrong ears. Those rants should be sent over to the OCG R&D, and not the TCG (unless you're complaining about TCG exclusives)

If you read up to this point, you might say "hey, we don't care about unheard countries like yours." But that is the point of this whole premise-if you think you guys have it tough, then your sissy complains and rants are nothing compared to what we're going through right now.

I cannot even afford to buy two Allure of Darkness that I need to complete my BF deck. Those things cost $25 a pop over at ideal808. Oh wait, OCG cards are cheaper, right?

Wants Thread in my Locals Forum Account

Disclaimer: There are three degrees of levels that I have for cards.
1. Priority Wants - I need these card(s) bad that I am willing to go beyond for said card(s). I will purchase/trade for said card(s) at premium prices and deals, more often than not beyond what the regular prices are.

2. Secondary Wants - I actually need these cards as well, but not so much as Priority. I will get these cards if the price is right and if my budget allows me to, although there is a good chance that I will purchase said card(s). Just message me with a decent offer.

3. Not so Want Wants - These wants are only for vanity purposes and I do not actually need these ones at the moment. Either I can go without them or they are too expensive. I will take them as long as they're cheap enough. Don't raise your hopes up on me buying the cards on this list-I will only consider them when they are a bargain or the deal is too good to refuse.

PM me immediately if you are willing to sell these cards. I will buy them as soon as you PM me about them. Thanks for dropping by!

AE and/or OCG only! Lowest rarity if applicable, although I do take higher ones

Priority Wants
x2 Allure of Darkness
x2 Blackwing Armed Wing
x2 Blackwing Armor Master
x2 Royal Oppression

Secondary Wants
x1 Dark End Dragon
x3 D.D. Crow
x2 Threatening Roar
x1 Colossal Fighter
x1 Book of Moon
x1 Royal Oppression

Not so Want Wants
x1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
x1 Ally of Justice - Catastor
x1 Mist Worm
x1 Solemn Judgment
x2 Royal Decree
x3 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
x1 Bottomless Trap Hole
x1 Call of the Haunted
x1 Heavy Storm
x1 Mystical Space Typhoon
x1 Lightning Vortex
x1 Brain Control
x2 Icarus Attack

I have TCG cards and other stuff available for trade though, do check out My haves thread

Contact me at:
09173558194 - SMS
camille7688@yahoo.com - IM