The Rants of a Perplexed Duelist

The Finale

2010-04-13T19:16:00.005+08:00

I will be selling my "Blackwing" deck tomorrow.

With that, this truly marks the end of my "Yu-Gi-Oh!" experience. It was one hell of a ride.

Come to think of it, the blog somehow met its goal of introducing sanctioned play in the Philippines. I am glad my rantings did not fall on deaf ears. Truly, it was a pleasure.

The website would be kept as it is for achieve purposes. Who knows, I might be able to update it one day or another. I just hope that through the small hole that is this blog, the meta of the Philippines was introduced throughout the world and would be regarded as a very competitive one.

I would like to thank all the followers and you, dear reader, for constantly reading my rants.

Keep dueling guys!

Duelist ID

2010-04-08T16:30:00.002+08:00

Awesome. Konami's site now accomodates duelist ID registration from the Philippines.

My new duelist ID is: 333-232-323.

I guess this means that sanctioned events will come under our way.

Thoughts on Baneslayer Angel

2010-04-01T00:07:00.013+08:00

There was one time in the game where in "Serra Angel" struck Planeswalkers in fear and awe due to her basically being a 4/4 flyer for just 2W3 making her resistant to removal spells like "Lightning Bolt". If this was not enough, She had vigilance to boot, which made her capable of offense and defense at the same time.

But as in all TCG, and "Magic: the Gathering" is not an exception, there will come a time where old cards will not be able to match up to the speed and strength of recently introduced cards. A clear example of this situation is "Cancel", replacing good ol' "Counterspell" for Blue mages.

In M10, the latest core set introduced in Magic: the Gathering, "Serra Angel" was clipped its wings and former glory, became short as only an uncommon in the set. She was replaced by the bigger, better, badder and nastier beasty babe-"Baneslayer aka Walletslayer Angel".

Literally having the same casting cost as the former, outclassed angel, she packs more features to boot. A 5/5 flyer with added First Strike and Lifelink. And just for kicks, protection from Demons and Dragons.

'Power creeping' has never been blatant since this card was made. It literally outclassed poor "Serra Angel" in all aspects. Two successful swings instantly spell the word 'game' to your opponent. To make things worst, this beast is not only capable of slaying your opponents, but your wallet as well. at over $30 a piece, both the owner and the opponent lose to the card both literally and figuratively.

At least "Serra-san" still wins in art. At least the old version. =D

x-2 Scrub Monthly Report

2010-03-29T19:47:00.022+08:00

Thinking about what cards I can use to replace my third "Black Whirlwind" and second "Allure of Darkness" with, I opted to change the build by adding "Dark Grepher" with a slower format in mind. Decided to swap "Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness" for "Blackwing - Ghibli the Hot Wind" due to synergy issues. Anyway, here's what I ran:

Monsters (20)
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
1 Blackwing - Ghibli the Hot Wind
1 Dark Grepher
1 Dark Armed Dragon

Spells (9)
2 Black Whirlwind
1 Black Feather Treasure
1 Allure of Darkness
2 Book of Moon
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Brain Control

Traps (11)
1 Trap Hole
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
3 Icarus Attack
1 Solemn Judgment
2 Royal Oppression

Extra Deck (15)
1 Magical Android
2 Ally of Justice - Catastor
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
2 Blackwing Armed Wing
2 Blackwing Armor Master
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant
1 Dark End Dragon
1 Mist Wurm

Side Deck (15)
3 Dimensional Alchemist
1 D.D. Crow
1 Morphing Jar
1 Book of Moon
1 My Body As A Shield
1 Nobleman of Crossout
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
3 Delta Crow - Anti Reverse
1 Trap Hole
1 Trap Dustshoot

Woke up at 10:30 only realizing that this is the first time I will ever be playing in the new March 2010 format, tournament or casual. Got in the place very early and play tested against a "Fabled" deck with Paul Santiago. The build was working wonderfully. He then opted to use his "Blackwings" after a few rounds. Pairings for Swiss rounds was then posted and we immediately went to our respective tables.

After the brief announcement by Irwin, the head judge of the tournament regarding the upcoming sanction coming to the country, I was then ready-or not, for my first match with Gadgets.

Round 1: "Blackwing" vs. Gadgets
Game 1: I double "Black Whirlwind", but he was able to destroy every "Blackwing" monster I play, resulting in me getting mobbed by his Gadgets.

Game 2: His field is clear and I summon "Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North". He activates "Solemn Judgment". I respond with my own "Solemn Judgment". I summon "Stardust Dragon" and his deck has no answers against it.

Game 3: He brought out "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier" and bounced my "Goyo Guardian". I got smashed afterwards my field being clear after that. What a bad way to start the tournament.

1-2, x-1

Round 2:"Blackwing" vs. "Lightsworn"
Game 1: You really can't come back after two successful "Icarus Attack"s.

Game 2: He plays "Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner" I activate "Royal Oppression". He tries to Summon "Celestia, Lightsworn Angel", I respond with more "Icarus Attacks". "Blackwing - Bora the Spear" made quick work out of him.

2-0, x-1

Round 3:"Blackwing" vs. Anti-Meta
Game 1: He cannot find a way to destroy my "Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame" with a "Black Whirlwind" in the open. His "Tiger King Wanghu" was smashed to pieces.

Game 2: I drew all the small "Blackwings" with him having a "Tiger King Wanghu" throughout the duel.

Game 3: Match proceeded to become a top deck war. He suddenly tops "Cyber Dragon" and destroys my "Blackwing - Ghibli the Hot Wind" with him having only 800 life points left. I top "Mirror Force". He tops "Caius, the Shadow Monarch". Good game.

1-2, x-2

Ughh tournament not looking so good at this point...

Round 4:"Blackwing" vs. Petit Inmato plants
Game 1: He synchros so much monster I was not able to respond properly, with my "Royal Oppression" being chained with his "Mystical Space Typhoon".

Game 2: He accidentally screws up and reveals his Face Down "Mirror Force", thinking it was "Bottomless Trap Hole", which he had in his hand. Given this knowledge, I synchro for "Stardust Dragon" and proceeded to win the duel.

Game 3: He gets double "Stardust Dragon" in the field with a "Goyo Guardian" to boot. He got them through "Mark of the Rose" targeting my "Blackwing Armor Master" with the help of "Spore". Too bad I had "Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor" in my Graveyard. I brought out "Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant" and a "Blackwing - Bora the Spear" from my hand, destroyed both "Stardust Dragon" with the help of "Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn". Ultimately in the end, I ended up with 3 different Synchro Monsters and he couldn't come back from it. This match was clearly the best game I had in the whole tournament.

2-1, x-2

Round 5: "Blackwing" vs. Horus lv 8
Game 1: He brings out "Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8" and attacks. I activate "Mirror Force". He flips "My Body as A Shield", I chain "Solemn Judgment". He scoops.

Afterwards he kept muttering about facing another "Blackwing" and opted to drop the whole tourney. How rude.

1-0, x-2

Round 6:"Blackwing" vs. Fader Monarchs
Game 1: He runs out of options fast as my "Shura - the Blue Flame" keeps ramming up his "Treeborn Frog" and "Battle Fader"s. I often respond with "Book of Moon" with his "Raiza, the Storm Monarchs", resulting in more "Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame" Special Summons.

Game 2: He opens with 6 different kinds of Monarchs in his hand and I was able to easily win the game and the match.

2-0, x-2

Closing Thoughts: Ended up taking 19th spot over 51 players. Pretty bad since almost all of the players I defeated had horrible standings and they were not able to push me up in the Swiss Rounds. Ultimately, Jomer Flores won the whole tournament, running "Lightsworn". It was a so-so experience overall.

Props:
Brought a very cheap "Blackwing Armor Master" for just $8. Thank you Tim Vivit!
Brought Oran-rief, the Vastwood for just roughly $1 (Yes, I play Magic: the Gathering as well)
Playing polite people
Play testing with Paul prior to the tournament
Playing against Chunky and his Plant deck
Playing personally with Irwin and his Flamvell Cat
Dark Grepher

Slops:
A lot of misplays where I fail to drop "Dark Armed Dragon" properly
Playing rude people
Scrubbing
Paul, William, Chunky and Dann scrubbing as well
Major headache after the tournament
Shelling out more money for "Yu-Gi-Oh!" than intended
Unable to sell cards to break even from total cost
Blackwing - Ghibli the Hot Wind

Sleeves for Nationals

2010-03-28T07:26:00.010+08:00

In yesterday's Monthly tournament that I participated in(which will be covered in an upcoming post), Irwin, our official Judge, made some announcements in regards to the upcoming Nationals this June.

Aside from the usual stuff like card pool issues and the exact date of the said event, one more important issue was raised.

Apparently you can only use official "Yu-Gi-Oh!" sleeves in the Nationals. Ultra Pro, Player's Choice and any other type or brand of sleeve are absolutely forbidden.

And yes, I am referring to the "Majestic Dragon Sleeves" or the upcoming "Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon Sleeves" for the TCG.

This is kind of perplexing because if I heard correctly, they don't allow the official sleeves on official tournaments in TCG areas due to them becoming easily mark-able. The sleeves also have a huge tendency to split in between edges. Needless to say, double sleeves are absolutely forbidden as well.

They come off expensive at Php300 for 50 pieces. Probably more than double the price for regular Ultra-Pro ones. Plus you need two sets to be able to completely sleeve your Side Deck as well for a grand total of Php600 (US$12). Good thing my deck is already sleeved properly prior to this announcement.

List of Forbidden Cards in Worlds

2010-03-20T18:59:00.010+08:00

1. All Duel Terminal cards, potentially even cards included in "Hidden Arsenal". (Good thing "Ally of Justice - Catastor" and "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier" does not belong in this category because they have OCG Gold Series reprints)

2. All cards that are unobtainable via regular packs. (Cards from the Limited Edition packs such as "Dark End Dragon", and possibly "Mezuki" belongs in this category. I am not sure about this one.)

3. Promo cards bundled in other products, video games, manga and magazine ("Thunder King Rai-Oh", "Infernity Archfiend", "Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness", "Starlight Road", "Elemental Hero Absolute Zero" etc.)

4. TCG exclusives not included in EXP2 (All TCG exclusives from "Raging Battle" and up)

I do not know if they will allow reprinted versions of cards from disallowed sets. ("Duel Terminal" versions of "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier", "Goyo Guardian" or "Book of Moon", etc. or promo versions of "Beast King Barbaros" or "Dandylion", etc.)

Keep these information in your head as you plan out your build for the upcoming Worlds this June. There might be something wrong here but I think this is the complete list of cards that are forbidden in the said event.

From the Behind Victory

2010-03-20T01:46:00.001+08:00

From Sherjack, the official distributor of "Yu-Gi-Oh!" in the Philippines.

"The Philippines is back in the Yugioh map baby!!!

Just got this wonderful news and I could not contain my excitement. It's 1:30 am now but I can't wait to share this to all of you. Konami is giving us the LOVE. We will have a Philippines representative for the World Championship to be held in Los Angeles this coming August 14. Our Nationals this June will determine who we will send to represent us all. Details will follow as things and venue has still to be worked out.

I've been ranting in this forum and to some of the players in person. Honestly, I was worried that what we promised last year about us going to the Worlds will never become a reality. I was very down and was thinking of giving up. Sales and tournament support from the players were nothing to brag about. But I guess the amount of products (specially the Asian English) we got were enough for Konami to give us a chance. Our reputation is at stake here that's why our company was willing to take a big risk of getting so much products. A lot of you know we're still stuck with a lot of the boxes. But I still can't thank enough those of you who were very supportive with your time and money. This Worlds achievement is for all of us. Yahoo!!!

Hope you can all spread the word. We still need all the help we can get in terms of outright sales and tournament support. We would not want our participation in the world stage a one and done. With everyone's help, we can make this an annual thing. "

Source: http://z3.invisionfree.com/ygocgph/index.php?showtopic=4076&st=0&#entry3853951

Consecrated Light

2010-03-15T01:18:00.004+08:00

Great.

Only after 5 months and a few weeks did I know that players can still Flip Summon DARK monsters while "Consecrated Light" is on the field.

The Wall: Passable?

2010-03-03T18:28:00.007+08:00

Most often than not, a duelist who choose to play "Yu-Gi-Oh!" competitively will encounter a, for a lack of a better word, wall. This wall is something that needs a lot of time and patience to be conquered. This so-called wall will block most aspiring duelists and it is also the one who segregates the "scrubs" from the "pros".

As I browse Pojo looking for SJC Nashville results (which is already irrelevant as I post this), I saw Roy St. Clair top SJC Nashville with "X-Sabers". Now this is something.

Then I recalled some posts at Pojo. I remember the threads dismissing "X-Sabers" as a deck without any potential. I also remember the posts that "X-Sabers" are totally outclassed by everything, in fact, the posts that says everything bows down to "Lightsworn" last format. As I laughed, I also saw a Space Fighter deck that topped along with "X-Saber" which intensified the whole experience.

This only proves that "Lightsworn" was not unstoppable last format. There were other decks capable of bringing it down. It was just the people that smelted the thought "Lightsworn">all in their heads after all. And sadly, one of them was me.

And an OCG player(Satoshi Kato) came out on at the whole event in the end. So much for "poor card choices" and "inefficient builds".

I think, in my current state, I am in front of the wall. It is just a matter of me going to attempt at crawling past it or stay in front of it. I have yet made my decision.

At Last

2010-03-01T21:25:00.004+08:00

I've had it.

After getting x-4 in the February Monthly Yu-Gi-Oh! tournament in which I had to pay an additional P50 (roughly $1) just because I did not preregister, I check the online website for the Southeast Asia "Yu-Gi-Oh!" website because they have already made an online application form for duelists to be able to acquire the Duelist ID. About time.

To my dismay, the website only has the following countries accepted for registration:

There was no chance of the Philippines becoming sanctioned in the first place after all.

I guess this totally wraps up my "Yu-Gi-Oh!" journey. I hope you have enjoyed reading through my experience in this blog.

This might be the last turn for me and this blog.

Machina Control by The Perplexed Duelist

2010-02-20T19:15:00.011+08:00

Effect Monster (24)
1 Boot-Up Soldier - Dread Dynamo
1 Card Trooper
2 Green Gadget
2 Machiner Force
2 Machina Fortress
3 Machina Gearframe
2 Machina Peacekeeper
1 Oilman
1 Quick-Span Knight
1 Quillbot Hedgehog
2 Red Gadget
1 Scrap Recycler
2 Shreddder
1 Tragoedia
2 Yellow Gadget

Spells (11)
1 Brain Control
3 Creature Swap
1 Heavy Storm
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Limiter Removal
3 Machina Armored Unit
1 Mystical Space Typhoon

Trap (5)
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Royal Oppression
1 Solemn Judgment

Extra Deck (15)
1 Ally of Justice - Catastor
1 Ally of Justice - Decisive Arms
1 Ancient Fairy Dragon
1 Blackwing Armor Master
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Magical Android
1 Naturia Balkion
1 Naturia Beast
1 Naturia Landoise
1 Red Dragon Archfiend
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend
1 Trishula, Dragon of the Ice Barrier

Yesterday, I posted an article regarding how amazing the new Structure Deck would be. With a couple of hours play testing in the new Nintendo DS game "Yu-Gi-Oh! World Championship 2010: Reverse of Arcadia", I was able to tweak and adjust certain techs in the deck that makes it a lot more effective than what I had conjured yesterday.

The first card that needs explaining in this build is "Machina Force". Basically a dead draw early game, its purpose is just to become a discard fodder to Special Summon "Machina Fortress". The card is perfect for searching with using "Machina Gearframe", when you already have one "Machina Fortress" in your Graveyard. This might sound like a lame tech, but Special Summoning "Machina Fortress" by just discarding just one card is a force to be reckoned with.

"Machina Peacekeeper"'s count in the deck is reduced because it ends up becoming dead draw when drawn together in the open. The card is perfect at two for the right balance of being "Creature Swap" fodder and "Machina Gearframe" target. "Machina Sniper" and "Machina Soldier" were removed to make room for the better search candidate in "Machina Force". Be careful with timing issues faced in the deck with multiple search effects activating all at the same time-this will be discussed later in this article.

I personally wanted a Synchro Mechanic in the deck, so I teched a "Quick-Span Knight", the best EARTH Machine tuner in the whole game. He is a good search target for "Machina Armored Unit" after all. Coupled with it is "Quillbot Hedgehog", which can be sent from the Graveyard from the deck via "Scrap Recycler" as well as a "Machina Armored Unit" target, it also serve as boost for "Quick-Span Knight" for emergency Syncho-ing. With nearly every monster in the deck being EARTH attribute, "Naturia" Synchros are very easy to make. Since the TCG does not have "Quick-Span Knight" yet in their cardpool, they can opt to use "Iron-Chain Coil" as replacement instead. Hey, it runs over "Sangan". These sets of tech can be truncated if you wish, as I sometimes encounter it clashing with my face up "Royal Oppression".

With an a very large hand size all the time thanks to easy +1s, "Tragoedia" is a no brainer and is definitely a great addition to the deck. Those Gadgets can help feed "Tragoedia"'s effect to steal your opponent's level 4 monsters for free. He also stops OTKs as well. Three copies is definitely great in the deck, but with March 1's list, I left it at 1.

Since most of the deck's cards effects to search each other out are not mandatory effects, they might clash each other with timing, often one card missing the timing. A way to play around this is by choosing which effect you want to activate, and purposely missing the others. Please be careful on what effect you wish to activate. Also, "Machina Armored Unit" can only activate its effect once per turn. This is also worth noting to avoid making certain misplays.

Machiners for March 1, 2010

2010-02-20T00:54:00.017+08:00

Effect Monster (23)
1 Boot-Up Soldier - Dread Dynamo
1 Card Trooper
2 Green Gadget
2 Machina Fortress
3 Machina Gearframe
3 Machina Peacekeeper
2 Machina Sniper
1 Machina Soldier
1 Oilman
2 Red Gadget
2 Scrap Recycler
1 Shreddder
2 Yellow Gadget

Spells (11)
1 Brain Control
3 Creature Swap
1 Gold Sarcophagus
1 Heavy Storm
1 Limiter Removal
3 Machina Armored Unit
1 Mystical Space Typhoon

Trap (6)
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Royal Oppression
1 Solemn Judgment
1 Starlight Road

With the new March 2010 list annihilating "Lightsworn" dominance, seats for the next top meta decks are again for the taking. In a slower format compared to the last two, this format gives ample room for Gadgets to rise from the grave. With "Structure Deck 18: Machina Mayhem" being available pretty soon, EARTH Machine type monsters get a tremendous boost far beyond what is expected of it.

First things first. Machina utilize their own version of "Elemental Hero Stratos", "Machina Gearframe". This baby comes in a 1800 attack body that searches any "Machina" Monster from your Deck to your hand. This alone warrants the deck huge amounts of +1 for feeding to the archetype's new boss: "Machina Fortress"

And you thought Structure Deck boss cards suck. This boss revolutionizes the Ultra Rare from Structure Decks and puts the others to shame. This boss is easily Special Summoned by discarding itself and a, say, Gadget(which you conveniently got from another Gadget to begin with). The card is almost a guaranteed one for one. Destroying it by battle results in a card in your opponent's side of the field gone, and destruction via effect means a card in his hand is discarded.

Machines get their own version of "Black Whirlwind" in "Machina Armored Unit". This card allows your monsters that hits the Grave via destruction through battle be a ticket to be able to Special Summon from the deck any EARTH Machine type monster with less attack than it. Never again will "Creature Swap" become +0 with this card. In fact, after destroying your own swapped creature, you can still search a Monster from your deck since the monster destroyed will hit your grave. And if the monster is "Machina Peacekeeper", its effect activates and you get a Machine monster from your deck, with a "Card Trooper" or "Oilman" Special Summoned free of charge. The deck generates +1s like crazy, its not even funny.

"Shreddder" serves as an accurate "Snipe Hunter" when needed, with the flipside that it cannot destroy cards in the back row. "Oilman" is a good "Machina Armored Unit" target, which helps the cards flowing to your hand and protecting your monsters all at the same time. As usual, "Royal Oppression" wrecks "Gladiator Beast" and other match ups that rely too much on Special Summoning.

Last but not the least, this deck is a budget deck player's best friend. The deck just needs three of those Structure decks to almost complete with a little added tech here and there. That's definitely one thing to look forward to.

Feel free to change and add or remove personal techs that you might think are useful. Here are some quick suggestions: "Shrink" helps your gadgets plow through high attack monsters. "Dark Bribe" protects your significant back row from harm. "Starlight Road" might be essential and helps contribute to the theme, which is to generate as much card advantage as possible. "Smashing Ground", coupled with "Fissure" would turn the deck around to traditional gadgets. A myriad of possible card choices are available for this theme. The rest is up to you to figure out.

3-01-2010

2010-02-17T00:05:00.007+08:00

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/physc...5868817_184.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y47/physc..._3002146966.jpg

Pictures.

Restricted
Chaos Sorcerer
Tragoedia
Necro Guardna
Necroface
Mezuki
Lightlord Summoner - Lumina
Burial from a Different Dimension
Foolish Burial
Destiny Draw
Charge of the Light Brigade
Allure of Darkness
Mind Crush
Magical Explosion

Semi Restricted
Honest
Cyber Dragon
Demise - King of Armageddon
Dandelion
Treeborn Frog
Black Whirlwind
United We Stand
Royal Decree
Royal Oppression
Skill Drain

Unrestricted
Mask of Darkness
Smashing Ground

List.

The end of Lightlords.

*Credits are due to whoever took pictures*

Sideboard Superstar: "The Shining Darkness"

2010-02-14T23:57:00.006+08:00

The usual trend on how Konami handles their Spell and Trap card creations is that they are totally unplayable unless they give draw power simply because of the fact that they are totally outclassed by the usual staples and that there aren't a lot of space that can be offered for them. "The Shining Darkness" might break that trend by introducing Spell and Trap cards that are Side Deck worthy. But are these Side Deck worthy cards really meta breaking?

Some of the obvious ones are "Corridor of Suffering". But take note that "Gladiator Beast Gyzarus" might still be able to destroy it quite easily. This might not warrant it to replace "Royal Oppression". Bottom line for this card is that it still might work but I am not sure about how it will fare.

Another obvious Side Deck choice is "Crack of the Different Dimension". This card obviously is able to ruin Zombies and "Necro Gardna" given "Lightsworn" is still a top deck in the newly molded meta. The thing that people might not see about this card is that it requires two cards of the same attribute, which might mean that it can't remove just 1 "Necro Gardna", but you have to wait for two for you to be able to activate it. Along with that, "Necro Gardna" can still be chained to it, rendering it useless. "Graveyard Seal" serve a similar purpose and looks good on paper, but it automatically sets you up for a -2. This might be a good card to activate to push through a game but for the steep cost of getting it as a dead draw early on.

"Chaos Hole" might ruin those surprise "Chaos Sorcerer" or anything that is based on LIGHT and DARK but its neck breaking 2000 Life Point cost is still a huge price to pay. Nonetheless, the card is worth testing with the current format totally dominated by "LIGHT" and "DARK" monsters either way. With plants getting a huge boost in this pack, I doubt that it would be main-ed into decks.

In the other totally unrelated note: "Tribe Infecting Virus" won't come back for the simple reason that "Darkness Hunter" is the obvious tweaked version of it.

The Rants of a Perplexed Duelist

2010-02-09T20:56:00.005+08:00

Time flies really fast.

It has already been a whole format since I started going back to playing "Yu-Gi-Oh!". At first, I was unaware that the TCG is totally incompatible with the OCG. I began starting rants about the two not being interchangeable despite being the same all in all. After finally understanding that both entities cannot simply coexist in tandem, I was forced up to spend a lot of money to convert and build my deck from the OCG. This was the start of my long and tedious journey.

Next stop was to find a place where people gather and play. As I found out the local forum in which people from the Philippines who play "Yu-Gi-Oh!" flock, I signed up for an account. I was unaware of what was in store for me. I found out that Organized Play support for the Philippines was nonexistent. As I checked other forums such as Pojo, I found out all about the Konami and Upper Deck lawsuit and was convinced that it was because of that that there is zero support for Organized Play in the Philippines.

But I was wrong. Dead wrong.

It so happens that there was no support even before the lawsuit. Also, even if it was affected in any way because of that, it would not have any effect at all in the first place since the Philippines is OCG territory, meaning that Upper Deck has nothing to do with anything at all in regards to handling tournament support here. I was flustered, and started ranting in the local forum regarding them selling the products here but is not officially sanctioned by Konami.

I was then calmed down by the post of the store owner that said that the Philippines is due for tournament support soon. This made me believe that support for the Philippines will be present for this format or the next. After all, what is the use of playing competitive "Yu-Gi-Oh!" if there is nonexistent support in the first place. Might as well roll dice and see who rolls a higher number to determine the winner.

I patiently waited. Six whole months of casual unsanctioned tournaments with the local folk. As a consolation prize, most of them were cool and fun to be with so I guess everything was not so bad.

From now, in a few more weeks' time, a new format will emerge. Singapore and Malaysia's regionals were already finished. Multiple Shonen Jumps and regionals were already held at the West. But there is still no sign of official tournament support coming from the local store.

Promises are made to be broken, I guess. How much longer do I have to wait for the much awaited support? It is starting to be bothersome and I seriously do not want to partake in any more unsanctioned tournaments that are going to be held. The whole idea is pointless.

When September comes and official support is still nonexistent, it is time to abandon ship.

My Take on the Upcoming March List

2010-02-05T20:17:00.005+08:00

Here is my hopefully unbiased take on the upcoming March Ban List. Do take note that this list is entirely my speculation and is in no way connected to the official list that will come out.

Newly Banned:
BRAIN CONTROL
ELEMENTAL HERO STRATOS

Newly Limited:
BECKONING LIGHT
JUDGMENT DRAGON
BRIONAC, DRAGON OF THE ICE BARRIER
TRISHULA, DRAGON OF THE ICE BARRIER
CHARGE OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE
RYKO, LIGHTSWORN HUNTER
BURIAL FROM THE DIFFERENT DIMENSION
MEZUKI
TRAGOEDIA

Newly Semi-Limited:
BLACK WHIRLWIND
EMERGENCY TELEPORT
BLACK ROSE DRAGON
DEMISE, KING OF ARMAGEDDON
REINFORCEMENT OF THE ARMY
GLADIATOR PROVING GROUND
GUARDIAN EATOS
HONEST

Newly Unlimited:
GOLD SARCOPHAGUS
SMASHING GROUND
THE TRANSMIGRATION PROPHECY
LONEFIRE BLOSSOM
GOBLIN ZOMBIE
CHAIN STRIKE

Deck Analysis: Zombies

2010-02-02T23:31:00.011+08:00

Welcome to the last and final part of the "Deck Analysis" series for this format. Now it is time to discuss about the final top tier deck that is dominating this format. I have already discussed "Lightsworn", "Blackwing" and "Gladiator Beast". The only deck type left to finally complete the set is the old but still effective type-one of my least favorite, hence it took time before I was able to post, the last but not the least among them, called Zombies.

Back from the dead in the previous format, Zombies were given a new lease in life with the Semi-Limiting of one of its key components "Mezuki". The only deck out of the top four that is not really an official theme, Zombies slowly take charge in the battlefield, accumulating +1s here and there and then finally explode from one card in the hand to a full field of Synchro Monsters is the deck's key strategy. Zombies have the inherent ability to bring something from either the Graveyard or the Deck to play or hand, hence requiring a very conservative play style. Zombies are able to maximize their potential with what "Crossroads of Chaos" has brought to the deck type. A card called "Plaguespreader Zombie".

Given its much needed support, "Plaguespreader Zombie" is a Tuner. The card allowed Zombies to tap into future game elements such as Synchro. It was then abused with the help of other Zombie members such as the ever powerful "Mezuki", which allows any zombie from the Graveyard rise to your side of the field by removing itself from your Graveyard to the game. This card is usually what makes the deck have the explosion tendency, catching your opponent in a surprise with a sudden burst of speed and power. "Burial from the Different Dimension" was used to repeat the whole process which would ultimately end up with a horde of monsters out of nowhere. Deemed too powerful, the deck was castrated to the point that it was deemed unplayable, with "Mezuki" and "Plaguespreader Zombie" taking huge hits in previous formats. Konami then decided to bring the terror back into the tables hence the reason it is one of the most formidable decks played in this format.

But what really gave Zombies the final push of power was the introduction of "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier" to the United States metagame, as it allowed Zombies to be thrown from the Hand to the Graveyard to return cards to opponent's hands while at the same time amassing insane amounts of Synchro Monsters capable of OTKing an unsuspecting player anytime. This, coupling with Zombies' natural ability to generate advantage and you have for yourself a winning deck.

At first, Popular techs were "Destiny Hero" cards that were splashed to the deck to take advantage of "Destiny Draw" for increased speed, and the ever useful "Destiny Hero - Malicious", which wonderfully works with "Plaguespreader Zombie" and other level 2 Tuners. In the end, "Deep Sea Diva" was introduced to the mix, which gave the deck its much needed Tuners to enable the explosion happen more frequently. It also allowed level 6 Synchro Monsters to go to level 8 without losing any form of advantage. "Absolute Zero" also made its way in the deck with the help of tech-ed "Miracle Fusion".

Zombies are often crippled by "Royal Oppression", due to its inherent nature to always rely on Special Summoning monsters to the field. Also, since the deck itself is played defensively, waiting for an opening to explode, it is often outrun by the faster and more formidable deck choice, also referred to as "Lightsworn". Being the second best deck this format, Zombies once again proved to the meta that they are one of the best decks to be ever played. Also, as the oldest type of deck to still exist in the meta today, it has once again proven its endurance over the test of time.

I hope that you have enjoyed this series of Deck Analysis that I have wrote as much as I enjoyed typing them out.

Deck Analysis: "Gladiator Beast"

2010-01-21T21:15:00.008+08:00

Welcome to the continuation of the series of Deck Analysis of the blogger regarding the top tier decks of this format. And now, it is time to analyze the third Archetype that has rose from the dead: "Gladiator Beast". I somehow predicted that at least one deck of this Archetype would make it in the top 16 of the Shonen Jump Los Angeles and it turns out I was correct. There was still some spine left in the nearly forgotten deck type after all.

"Gladiator Beast" monsters rely heavily on successfully attacking for their Effect to activate. For each successful attack done, without them getting destroyed, they can 'tag out' for other "Gladiator Beast" monsters in the deck and the newly Special Summoned "Gladiator Beast" will have a proper effect based on what the player needs at a given situation. This system clearly makes the archetype the most consistent deck ever made in the history of "Yu-Gi-Oh!". Able to use the deck as its own toolbox, "Gladiator Beast" rely on other "Gladiator Beast" for Effects that control the board and put the situation in your favor. There is a corresponding "Gladiator Beast" for each needed Effect: Card advantage, Monster, Spell and Trap Destruction, Special Summoning, from huge beatsticks to walls.

But what makes "Gladiator Beast" shine the best is because of their own themed boss monster "Gladiator Beast Gyzarus". This Contact Fusion monster requires one "Gladiator Beast Bestiari" and any other "Gladiator Beast" as its ingredients. Basically what it does is destroy up to 2 cards in the field upon hitting the field. If that was not enough, it comes in a 2400 Attack body and just like any regular "Gladiator Beast", it can 'tag out' for not one but two other "Gladiator Beast", resulting in heavy card advantage.

With decent "Gladiator Beast" support as well as tech cards like "Rescue Cat" with "X Saber Airbellum", as its backbone, "Gladiator Beast" also has the potential to tap into future game elements like Synchro-ing, despite it being one of the oldest archetype ever designed. The deck has anti-meta feel in it as it is created to control the field and accumulate advantage slowly but surely. Popular tech cards now are "Thunder King Rai-Oh" to eliminate "Black Whirlwind" as well as Special Summoning compressed in a 1900 Attack Body, removal cards like "Dimensional Prison", and now seeing some play, "Icarus Attack", as "Gladiator Beast Equeste" is also a Winged-Beast and is an eligible tribute fodder for it.

The biggest obstacle a Gladiator player will encounter is "Royal Oppression", as all of the Gladiators requires to be Special Summoned from the deck in order for them to have their Effects. Their lack of speed is also a major problem, making them have a difficult time keeping up with the rest of the Tier 1 archetypes. Despite these weaknesses, they are still holding ground, considering they are the oldest archetype that is still considered competitive up until today.

With "Gladiator Beast" being the weakest among the top tier decks, it is very unlikely that they will get hit by the March ban list. In fact, they might get even more support with "Holy Light" in the side come Absolute Powerforce. With this in mind, hang on to your Gladiators for now as they might be in the spotlight again. Always remember that this archetype is the most consistent one ever made in the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" Card Game.

January 16 Weekly Tournament Report

2010-01-19T20:07:00.012+08:00

Saturday is "Yu-Gi-Oh!" day for me, and January 16 is no exception. Came in locals a tad bit early and handed down the payment for the usual Saturday weekly. Pairings were announced and I was fully prepared for the 3 rounds of Swiss. Then I realized I still don't have "Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer" in my Side Deck. Uh oh.

Tournament was healthy all around with more than 15 participants. Here's what I ran:

Monsters (19)
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
1 Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness
1 Dark Armed Dragon

Spells (12)
3 Black Whirlwind
2 Allure of Darkness
2 Book of Moon
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Brain Control
1 My Body as A Shield
1 Giant Trunade

Traps (11)
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
3 Icarus Attack
2 Royal Oppression
1 Trap Dustshoot
1 Solemn Judgment

Extra Deck (15)
1 Magical Android
1 Ally of Justice - Catastor
1 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
2 Blackwing Armed Wing
1 Blackwing Armor Master
1 Black Rose Dragon
2 Stardust Dragon
2 Colossal Fighter
1 Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant
1 Mist Wurm

Round 1: "Blackwing" v.s. Flamvellsworn
Game 1
Started getting straight advantages from "Black Whirlwind" and "Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame". Midway through he used "Rekindling" and swarmed me.

Game 2
The deck pretty much got crippled since I was able to flip "Royal Oppression" early.

Game 3
Somehow he didn't have "Honest" in his hand and my Goyo proceeded to steal all his monsters. Trap Dustshoot on the first turn removed that only "Honest" he was supposed to have in his hand. Plus I knew his hand cards.

2-1, 1-0

Round 2: "Blackwing" v.s. Zombies (Chester)
Game 1
He has a "Breaker the Magical Warrior" in play but he over extended and used up all his resources because he felt confident that I couldn't return anymore. Sad for him I "Brain Control" his Breaker and destroyed the "Swords of Revealing Light" and proceeded to Synchro for game.

Game 2
I made a huge misplay on the first turn, summoning "Blackwing - Bora the Spear" without playing my "Black Whirlwind" first. I asked him if I was able to redo my turn but he declined. He got this game.

Game 3
I drop "Dark Armed Dragon" to wipe his field. He Summons "Snipe Hunter", tried to destroy my "Dark Armed Dragon". Unfortunately, he rolled in a 6 and I respond with "Bottomless Trap Hole".

2-1, 2-0

Round 3: "Blackwing" v.s. "Gladiator Beast" ("The Beast" Jovic Leovis)
Game 1
I erase all his Monsters from the field and was able to harass further with my "Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn". He was forced to set all his hand cards. I worked my way up to finally take game with a swarm.

Game 2
He Summon "Gladiator Beast Heraklinos" and I use up 2 Traps to destroy it, turning the duel into a top deck war. Turns out he topdeck what he sided against me: "Holy Light". Good game.

Game 3
"Royal Oppression" really hurts "Gladiator Beasts".

2-1, 3-0

Top 8: "Blackwings" v.s. NecroChaos
Game 1
I "Trap Dustshoot" early to remove his "Battle Fader". I saw Tragoedia though. He "Gold Sarcophagus" for "Necroface", removing a lot of cards from his deck and mine. He beat me down with "Dimension Alchemist" and finally got game with the "Caius the Shadow Monarch" from his hand.

Game 2
I was able to double "Black Whirlwind" early on and he couldn't recover from all the advantage I was able to obtain. He scoops.

Game 3
I Dustshoot again and removed the only summon-able monster from his hand, "Cyber Dragon". The rest were "Dark Armed Dragon", "Chaos Sorcerer", "Caius the Shadow Monarch" and "Dimensional Alchemist". Without any Spell or Trap in his hand, my "Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness" destroyed him.

2-1

Top 4: "Blackwing" v.s. Twilight (Kai)
Game 1
He use up his deck, dropped "Judgment Dragon" but I flipped "Royal Oppression". I Synchro for "Blackwing Armor Master" and he was running out cards in his deck.

Game 2
He FTK me with 2 "Judgment Dragon" and "Chaos Sorcerer"

Game 3
I got scared of him having "Heavy Storm" and did not set my "Royal Oppression". He FTK me again with the same setup from game 2.

Closing Thoughts: Jovic won over Kai in the end, making him the Champion yet again. I could have stood a chance at becoming a Champion if I did not hesitate to set my "Royal Oppression". Part of this logic was because this is the first time I was able to face a "Lightsworn" deck and did not know how to play around them. I was playing conservatively not knowing that they can OTK at any given time. Firsthand experience at tasting the reason why "Lightsworn" and friends has got to go this coming March.

Props
Undefeated in Swiss
4th Place in locals
"Trap Dustshoot" is a beasty tech

Slops
Was not able to buy my "Dark End Dragon" due to lack of funds
Double OTK
Crap from Booster Packs
Was not able to find any "Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer" to complete my deck

Stay tuned for the upcoming post: Deck Analysis: "Gladiator Beast"

Deck Analysis: "Lightsworn"

2010-01-15T20:42:00.012+08:00

Welcome to the second part of the series of posts I decide to write that are all about the top tier decks that have proven themselves this format. This deck type is arguably the strongest among the rest with a rich background regarding its history and mechanics. The popular deck type we all know as "Lightsworn".

Most "Lightsworn" Monsters all have the inherent ability to discard cards from the top of your deck every turn. This mechanic alone allows for easy +1s with the help of milling out the cards that are best off in the Graveyard to begin with, such as "Necro Gardna" or "Plaguespreader Zombie". Along with their very high Attack, "Lightsworn" monsters have a myriad of assorted effects that give the player flexibility at his disposal. A card that can Special Summon another "Lightsworn" Monster, A Monarch type card, A themed "Breaker the Magical Warrior" and so on.

Since the theme is LIGHT, they are one of the best abusers of "Honest". With the nature of dumping DARK monsters into the Graveyard, they are also one of the abusers of "Chaos Sorcerer" and "Dark Armed Dragon", which will transform the deck's type into Twilight.

Being an archetype that is around for more than a year already, "Lightsworn" support are so abundant that its not even funny. They have a Draw Spell, their own themed version of "Reinforcement of the Army", "Call of the Haunted" and so on. The cards are called "Solar Recharge", "Charge of the Light Brigade" and "Glorious Illusion". With the nature of the deck type, all have their ways on dumping cards from the top of the deck to the graveyard.

What makes the theme badass all in all is because of one card: "Judgment Dragon". This card serve the purpose of the archetype milling itself out in the first place. As if you have four or more "Lightsworn" names in your Graveyard, you can Special Summon "Judgment Dragon" and activate its devastating-and usually game ending effect: "Pay 1000 life points. Destroy everything in sight except itself."

"Dark Hole" and "Heavy Storm" attached in a 3000 Attack body is not to be taken lightly. In case everything goes wrong, "Beckoning Light" will bring those unwanted "Judgment Dragon" mills straight back to your hand. It can also serve as "Honest" refill. Whichever floats your boat. Popular techs nowadays are "Archlord Kristya" to disable Special Summons and acts as some sort of reload mechanism in the deck. "Gold Sarcophagus" is now a viable option since the format is not as fast as the previous one.

The only thing that makes "Lightsworn" lose is its own double-edged nature; milling all your guns pose as a risk to you, making you miss that one important "Heavy Storm" that you were hoping to draw thus costing you the game. This unique nature of the deck is also why the deck has little to no Trap cards mained outside "Royal Decree", which disables Traps in the first place.

Being the strongest deck in this format, "Lightsworn" is one of the decks that will take a huge beating this coming March list. Expect the deck to be mangled. Some predictions are "Judgment Dragon" to 1, "Charge of the Light Brigade" to 1 and "Beckoning Light" to 1. Whatever they decide to do with the archetype, its not gonna be smooth.

Deck Analysis: "Blackwing"

2010-01-13T19:47:00.012+08:00

Four different types of decks have proven themselves over the myriad of events that have happened in this format. Let us focus on one of them namely "Blackwing". I have decided to post my thoughts about the metagame before the format is changed this coming March. I hope that these series of articles about the "Tier 1" decks is going to be helpful for people to better understand and have a grasp on how the deck plays out in general and how what I think will be made to them in the upcoming March list.

In a nutshell, "Blackwing" play aggressively, usually taking in control of the role of aggressor in a duel. With the help of "Black Whirlwind", they can easily take a "Blackwing" monster with a lower Attack than the one Summoned out of their deck and add it to their hand everytime a "Blackwing" monster is Normal Summoned. After which, they can easily Special Summon different "Blackwing" monsters from their hand and swarm the field with ease. As a back row reliant deck, they rely on multiple copies of "Icarus Attack" and "Royal Oppression" to ensure that the field is in their favor. While they generally have medium to low Attack points, "Blackwing - Kalut the Moonshadow" is there to ensure that they do not lose in terms of brute force.

The deck easily becomes potent just because of "Black Whirlwind", as it allows for easy +1 for each copy in the field, meaning if you have two copies in play, you get to add to your hand two "Blackfeather" monsters. "Icarus Attack" is there to control the field and since the theme does not rely much on regular Special Summoning , "Royal Oppression" pins down your opponent's Special Summons while you continue to abuse your own kind of Special Summon-"Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor" can still activate and Special Summon a Monster even with "Royal Oppression" in the field. "Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame" can even use its effect even with "Royal Oppression" on the field, as the effect triggers at the Damage Step, which "Royal Oppression" can't be chained to.

The deck has pretty much reached its maximum potential, as only a few techs are added and removed from the core. Some people prefer to add cards like "Mind Control", "Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness" and "My Body as A Shield", but the tech choices are usually just a matter of personal preference of the duelist running the deck.

Problems encountered are when you start a Duel with no 'big' "Blackwing" monster in your hand, or start out with five Monster cards in your hand, without "Black Whirlwind", things can get ugly. They also lack options to cycle through the deck outside of "Allure of Darkness". It also becomes a problem when your back row becomes pinned down by your opponent with cards like "Stardust Dragon" or "Royal Decree".

I predict that if ever "Blackwings" get hurt in the March list, the card that would be hit are: Black Whirlwind to 2 This will make the deck more inconsistent than it was. Since "Blackwing" fail to sweep Shonen Jumps consistently and is arguably one of the weakest ones among the top tier decks, they might be out of sight in the ban radar.

SJC LA

2010-01-11T19:15:00.002+08:00

It has finally been concluded.

Shonen Jump LA was finally concluded yesterday with over 1500 participants. This hallmarks the biggest ever single card game tournament in history, at least according to Konami.

With a staggering 11 rounds of Swiss before the cut to the top 16, players dueled until midnight to show what they've got. In this event, the saying 'no pain no gain' proved itself.

Over 1500 participants and just a cut to the top 16-this simply means that doing x-2 or worse would automatically mean that you are in the red zone. Even x-1 players are not guaranteed to have a spot at the top 16 due to the humongous amount of participants in this mind blowing event.

Rogue decks are present here and there and Dimensional Eatos and other deck from the East has also participated in the event. Unfortunately, none of them were able to prove victorious.

The top 16 was full of "Lightsworn", Twilight and Zombies, with only one "Blackwing". Surprisingly and as I predicted, "Gladiator Beasts" make a comeback in this jump, proving once again that they deserve to be on the Tier 1 spot.

This event insured that both "Lightsworn" and Zombies will take a huge hurt in the ban list coming this March, as both took all the top 4 spot of the tournament. Two "Lightsworn" decks competed for the Championship and so it has been concluded that "Lightsworn" has officially won the tournament all in all.

With a few more events remaining for the format, one thing is for sure: This is a "Lightsworn" tailored format.

Goodbye

2010-01-08T21:15:00.001+08:00

Goodbye and goodluck to Rauzes, owner of the Gaijin Duelist. Junk and Debris was really enjoyable.

Gold Series 2010 Wish List

2010-01-04T20:54:00.012+08:00

One of the most anticipated booster set in the OCG, the Gold Series 2010, is nearly due for release on January 23. Reprints of popular cards such as "Solemn Judgment", "Call of the Haunted" and even "Judgment Dragon" are one of the few cards announced in the set. Here is my biased Gold Series 2010 spoiler, rather, how I would want it to be. This can be considered as my Gold Series wish list.

The list follows the previous Gold Series setup, with 10 Effect Monsters, of which 1 is a Synchro. Then followed by five Spells and five Traps. Normal rares are both Effect Monsters.

Effect Monsters
1. Gladiator Beast Laquari
2. Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness (NR)
3. Lyla, Lightsworn Summoner
4. Celestia, Lightsworn Angel
5. Magician's Valkyria
6. Mezuki
7. Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
8. Dark Armed Dragon
9. Judgment Dragon
10. Ally of Justice - Catastor (NR)

Spells
1. Book of Moon
2. Fissure
3. Lightning Vortex
4. Brain Control
5. Allure of Darkness

Traps
1. Call of the Haunted
2. Solemn Judgment
3. Royal Oppression
4. Threatening Roar
5. Waboku

Second Deck

2010-01-02T19:55:00.004+08:00

First post for the new year.

I actually borrowed and played a Zombie deck from a person today, and felt like it had the potential to do devastating plays here and there. That was the first time experience in handling Zombies in the card game.

But in the video game, I am having fun playing Gladial Beasts and I think that the deck type is the most consistent ever in the whole history of "Yu-Gi-Oh!".

Aside from my main deck which is Black Feather, I think I want to come up with a new deck type to study and play. I am currently torn between Gladial Beasts and Zombies.

Any suggestions on what deck to build? Lightlords are out of the picture due to scarcity and price.

The Official Ask The Perplexed Duelist Anything Post

2009-12-30T20:45:00.007+08:00

I got entertained reading the Official Ask Julia Thread over at Pojo. I think she is doing a fantastic job for the "Yu-Gi-Oh!" community. Julia is the the person who is one-halve of Organized Play for the TCG if you didn't know.

Because of that, I want to create an Official Ask The Perplexed Duelist portion in this blog. Besides, its about time I handle interviews which other blogs seem to be producing anyways.

Questions you might have for me might range from the regular "Yu-Gi-Oh!" stuff, my take on certain things revolving around the game, stuff that you might have in mind and want an answer to. Maybe other stuff I do aside from "Yu-Gi-Oh!". Anything under the sun.

However, that does not mean I am willing to answer every question. It is still up to me whether you get your answer or not. The rules are simple: the less profane and rude, the better odds. The less real life stuff gets involved, The less other people get involved, the better chances. I can do multiple questionnaires at once no problem. I will get discouraged answering if you throw too many questions at one given time. Keep it clean, people.

Here is how to qualify-Just put your questions in the form of comments in this blog. Alternatively, you can also e-mail me some and I will post them in this blog. I will try to answer them as humanly fast as I can and to the best of my knowledge and interest.

May this post open a good start for me and this blog come 2010. Happy New Year in advance!

Invitation to the Philippines

2009-12-28T09:51:00.012+08:00

Duelists out there, I am inviting people from all over the world to challenge our meta, and see for yourselves if it is potent or not. I figured out that people in the US are willing to travel great distances for SJCs and other events anyway. Why not take a long journey to the East and test your skill and beliefs in the Philippine meta? After wards, you can continue your trip to the other parts of the Asian countries, including Japan, to continue and hone your abilities and for the experience? Sounds fun right?

In light of this, I will be answering any queries you might want to know before you plan your long journey here regarding our meta, the community or anything you might have in mind that you wish to know about the country.

I will post up the frequently asked questions, and questions you might have that are not posted here can be e-mail to camille7688@yahoo.com. You can also use an Instant Messenger Program and communicate with me there as well. I will try with all my the best of my knowledge and understanding as possible to answer your question(s).

Frequently Asked Questions
1. I heard that your country is struggling with wars, internal conflict and strife. It's unsafe in your country.
The Philippines is segregated in three main areas. The capital, Manila, is located in Luzon. All the strife and conflicts you see in your newspapers and TV happen in Mindanao, which is over ten thousand miles from the capital, Manila. While poverty is still present, in the tourist areas, which the locals is near anyway, these are almost non-existent. If there are insurgents present, the worst you can encounter are pickpockets, which are very rare anyways, at least in crowded areas like Malls.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is very far off from all the terror and conflict, which happens in Mindanao.

2. How is the English there?
Almost everyone is English literate. At the very least they can understand English. At best they can converse with you fluently and without problems at all. More than three fourths of the players in the locals can speak English.

3. What are the things you need to be able to go?
First, a Philippine VISA. Getting one isn't too hard. Obviously you'll be needing a plane ticket as well. Ask your local travel agency for this, or if you're still not in the proper age, ask your guardian.

3. How about cuisine? Any suggestions on where to dine?
Based on my experience, restaurants in the Philippines serve better Chinese food compared to the US. But if you don't believe me, Ruby Tuesday's, TGI Fridays, Burgoo and all those casual American family restaurants are present in the same mall in which the locals are located.

4. Any good suggestions for lodging?
If you come in a tight budget and just for Yu-Gi-Oh!, then you can stay at the Crown Plaza of Robinson's Galleria. Details can be found here.

Why there? It is conveniently in the same building with the locals. Literally you only have to go down one escalator from the lobby of the Hotel to the locals. Very convenient right? Plus the fact that its literally connected to the mall-means dining, gifts and everything else is taken care of.

I'll post the next series of FAQ later or tomorrow. Just a reminder, any additional concerns are welcome. Just IM or e-mail me at camille7688@yahoo.com.

Philippine Meta

2009-12-24T15:55:00.006+08:00

Welcome to the Philippine meta. Where every card choice is labeled as poor and unreasonable, at least according to Shriek.

Place
Locals are held in Robinson's Galleria located at Pasig City. Regular weekly tournaments are always held twice every Saturday of a week, with two batches. Registrations are up as early as 9:00AM and the tournament proper starts at 12:00NN. Depending on the number of participants, the second tournament start between 3:00PM to 4:00PM. Entrance fee for both tournaments are PhP150, or USD$3.

Prizes are inconsistent and depends on the number of participants per tournament. You are guaranteed one OCG booster pack of Asian-English "Raging Battle" per entry.

The venue itself has 7-8 tables, always full prior to the tournament until the actual tournament. There are always people in the sidelines who, even though does not join the tournaments, hang out there to trade cards and talk.

Every month, there is also a so-called Monthly tournament being held. This will replace the regular weekly one and is better attended and organized. Prizes are a notch higher too.

Products
Useful cards are rare to come by, as only few people are buying booster packs. Speaking of booster packs, one is retailed for PhP150 or $3. Packs of this price is the OCG. TCG packs are also sold but for double the price.

The reason why there are only few people who buy booster packs is because people think they aren't guaranteed to get what they want in the packs unlike when they look for them via trading or buying from other people directly, which is usually the cheaper and much more convenient alternative. I also have the same belief.

"Light of Destruction" has long since been out of print. In this case, the shop is also sold out. This makes Lightlord cards very hard to come by and if they do, they are usually very expensive.

Meta
The meta itself is full of people who play cards conservatively, hence the reason for the card choices. Lightlords and Black Feathers are present but they are outnumbered by the Anti Meta and Zombie decks. Needless to say, part of the reasoning behind this is because the cards needed to create Anti Meta is much more accessible and cheaper while having good results all at the same time. The control concept is king in this turf. Gladial Beasts still in the meta is a testament to this.

Be ready to side in that "Trap Hole" and "Royal Decree" as a lot of people run Gadgets and Anti Meta. "Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness" is always present in every deck. Hybrid themes are common. "Black Brutdrago" cards that work around it are also a local personal choice.

Watch Out
Last December Monthly, people who joined were handed out official Konami Duelist ID information sheets.

Worlds, here we come.

December Monthly Results

2009-12-21T13:02:00.007+08:00

The Philippine December Monthly is over with a staggering amount of 84 total duelists who attended.

As usual, players from all over the world are mindlessly criticizing the top 8 decks over at Shriek.

Here's what I hope to happen: Some five to ten people from the TCG regions bringing top tier decks pay a visit in the Philippine meta and see and participate in one to three tournaments. I know this is a long shot, but I am seriously curious about what will be the results.

After which then we'll see who is finally right.

Top 8 Deck Lists for the December Monthly can be found here.

Congratulations to the top 8 and Chan Discipulo for winning that PSP and getting first place!

Format Synchro... and something more

2009-12-18T18:18:00.008+08:00

Yes, the title of the post is not reversed.

Ever imagined what would happen when both the TCG and the OCG's cardpools combine to together to form an unholy alliance? A format where "Naturia" Monsters duke it out against Blackwings that utilize "Swallow's Nest"? Maybe "Fiend Roar Deity"s against complete "Koa'ki Meiru"s?

That's how the format here in our country works.

But wait, what about "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier"? A conflict in both card games is that the card is Limited in the OCG but unlimited in the TCG?

The roots of the game are followed and Brionac stays at 1 as the principle region our meta is loosely based on is the OCG.

Pretty convenient huh?

With pretty virtually much all the playable cards printed out by Konami, whether for the East or West is usable in this format.

In the other news...

One more day for the well-awaited December Monthly in our country. Sad that I cannot participate in it due to me and my non "Yu-Gi-Oh!" friends planning to enjoy the best and most important Massively Multiplayer game entitled "Outside".

Synchro from a Synchro

2009-12-16T10:59:00.010+08:00

With the advent of the September 09' list. Synchro cat has lost most, if not all its speed and consistency. While certain combos like "Summoner Monk" and "Rescue Cat" are still possible and used up until today, it is not what it was supposed to be back last format where all you needed was three cards to win a duel.

A card that has caught my attention in the deck type is "De-Synchro". Basically this allows for 'separating' the Synchro Monster that is in play for its ingredients. At a first glance, the card is useless like its ugly brother "De-Fusion". But with the dynamics of Synchro-ing, the card's true potential is yet to be seen.

In Synchro Cat, this card could be used to split your "Arcanite Magician" with used up Spell Counters and Specifically Synchro again for a fresh one with 2 new Spell Counters, resulting in an easy +1. You could also gain more advantage if you used "X-Saber Airbellum", as you can attack prior, possibly discarding another card in your opponent's hand.

But that's just one of the other plays you can pull off with this card-This card can also convert that "Colossal Fighter" to a "Dark End Dragon" and quickly send a Monster from your opponent's side of of the field to the graveyard. That "Blackwing Armor Master" can easily transform to a "Black Rose Dragon" for a convenient way to wipe the field. That "Goyo Guardian" having problem with "Dark Armed Dragon" or "Judgment Dragon" can transform to a "Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier" and delay the imminent threats to possibly swing for game!

The Extra Deck is a toolbox which every deck can utilize. With this card, that toolbox becomes readily accessible no matter the circumstance. Just don't forget that you need the Synchro Monster itself and its ingredients in the graveyard for this to work.

Random Ramblings From The Blogger

2009-12-10T19:31:00.005+08:00

Its nearing the half of the current format. By now, we already know what works. In the beginning of the format, people thought that Blackwings is already incapacitated due to the limiting of Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind. People also thought that Gladiator Beasts still has a chance in this format.

Now is the perfect time to evaluate the metagame. With only 1 more set coming out in the OCG and possibly 2 more for the TCG, the card pool is already scrutinized to the point that today's metadecks does not have enough room left for innovation.

Discussion about the game has also fallen to stagnant status as most topics revolving around the meta has already been too heavily discussed in forums everywhere.

Whatever deck you might be running at the moment, might it be Blackwings, Zombies or Lightsworn, I hope that the decision you have made in choosing your path in this format was because of your desire to have fun and win at the same time.

It is also the Christmas season coincidentally, it is also nearing this blog's first 10,000 unique hits. I hope that people continue to read the blog and I will take the opportunity right now to thank everyone for the hits and an advance Merry Christmas!

I'll be saving the Happy New Year in another post. Till then!

December 5 Weekly Tournament Report

2009-12-08T00:01:00.008+08:00

It was another Saturday, the time for everyone to play their favorite card game in my locals. I came early to check people's binders and look for certain cards that I might be able to use. I was able to buy a D.D. Crow for $3. This narrows my list of needed cards to 1 more Royal Oppression and a spare Blackwing Armed Wing to finally complete my deck. Nonetheless, I was still able to participate in the regular weeklies.

The tournament was surprisingly short with only three rounds of swiss and a cut to top 4 (13 total participants).

Blackwings v.s. Blackwings (Jovic Leovis' Son)
Game 1
I was paired by Mr. Leovis' son. I did not ask his age, but I think he is less than ten years old. I rolled in first and started to immediately put pressure on him without hesitating. He ends up using all his resources early on and I had too much advantage to lose.

Game 2
Same concept, except that I used my Sirocco's effect to steal all of the monsters in the field's attack and dropped Dark Armed Dragon.

2-0, 1-0

Blackwings v.s. Zombies (Kent Dino)
Game 1
He played Spirit Reaper early on and was able to generate advantage with it, due to me having all my Monsters either destroyed or removed from the game. He dropped Dark Armed Dragon to finish me off.

Game 2
I realized I did not add Dimensional Fissures in my Side Deck. I opened god and was able to generate so much advantage and got too carried away. He somehow dropped Dark Armed Dragon with me having a D.D. Crow in my hand, not realizing that he already had 3 Dark Monsters in his grave. He then proceeded to wipe out my field and used Burial From A Different Dimension to refill his ammo to continue and pulverize me. This was one of my most dissapointing loss in all the games I played. Good game Kent!

0-2, 1-1

Blackwings v.s. Gladiator Beast (Jovic Leovis)
Game 1
Was able to flip Royal Oppression early, and his options were running out as my advantage was continuing to multiply thanks to the two Black Whirlwinds in play that I control. He tried his best to counter my assault but was unfortunately in too much disadvantage that I won over him easily.

Game 2
Almost the same thing happened but this time he was able to blow away 2 of my Icarus Attack with 2 of his Dust Tornadoes. I still had the advantage until he Brain Control for game.

Game 3
Basically I pushed him and even though he was able to fuse for his Gladiator Beast Gyzarus, I still had cards that would destroy his deck. I flip Mirror of Oaths in the last moment to eliminate his Darius for possibly another Gyzarus summon. He was out of cards and I still had Monsters. Nice game Mr. Leovis!

2-1, 2-1

Top 4

Blackwings v.s. Zombies (Kent Dino)
Game 1
Not again! This was a really bad match up as I was again paired to the same guy who beat me before on the swiss pairings. He kept utilizing his Necro Gardnas with his Dark Grepher and I played offensively, ending up me using most of my cards midway with him still having more than 3 cards in his hand. He then exploded and I was not able to survive.

Game 2
I was finally able to push him to a corner with just a card in his hand and no cards on the field with me having a Stardust Dragon and a Book of Moon. He then tried to utilize Mezuki for Plaguespreader Zombie, then used another Mezuki for Mezuki. I used my Book of Moon to flip his Mezuki face down and luckily he played his Plaguespreader Zombie in attack position. This resulted in my victory as he had less than 3000 Life Points left.

Game 3
The deciding match. He dropped Gorz, but I was already aware of it. Then he exploded yet again with Goyo Guardian and Zombie Master. I was able to delay the constant barrage of attacks until it drew me into 50 Life Points left. Thinking I still had a chance, he tributes for Caius, the Shadow Monarch and used its effect on his own Dark Monster, burning me for game.

Closing Thoughts: Zombies are really the deck to beat today. Not only for their capacity to easily generate +1s with ease, but for their capability to explode and potentially OTK any unaware players. Spirit Reaper is also a Zombie and he really did a number against me. As this is the last tournament that I will be participating in this year, I hope that the people who read this article had enjoyed and learned something from it.

Props
D.D. Crow
Trap Stun in entry pack
Making it to Top 4

Slops
Same guy beat me twice
Did a ton of misplays here and there

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 D. D. Crow
1 Dark Armed Dragon

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

Traps (8)
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
2 Icarus Attack
2 Royal Oppression

Extra Deck (15)
1 Sea Dragon Lord Gishilnodon
1 Magical Android
1 Ally of Justice - Catastor
1 Gaia Knight, the Force of Earth
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier
1 Blackwing Armed Wing
1 Blackwing Armor Master
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendant
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend
1 Red Dragon Archfiend
1 Mist Wurm

Side Deck
2 Caius the Shadow Monarch
1 Plaguespreader Zombie
2 My Body as A Shield
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Fissure
2 Mirror of Oaths
2 Royal Decree
1 Call of the Haunted
1 Trap Dustshoot
1 Waboku
1 Threatening Roar

Shriek Flame Wars

2009-11-29T20:32:00.010+08:00

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

2009-11-25T01:23:00.012+08:00

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

2009-11-22T11:20:00.005+08:00

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

2009-11-22T09:46:00.019+08:00

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

2009-11-15T21:13:00.007+08:00

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

2009-11-13T19:46:00.002+08:00

*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

2009-11-07T16:28:00.011+08:00

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

2009-11-04T20:33:00.003+08:00

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

2009-11-02T00:34:00.001+08:00

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

Zombie Dual

2009-10-29T11:03:00.018+08:00

Effect Monsters(21)
1 Goblin Zombie
1 Pyramid Turtle
1 Rose, Warrior of Revenge
2 Mezuki
2 Il Blud
1 Plaguespreader Zombie
2 Zombie Master
2 Shutendoji
1 Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness
1 Dark Armed Dragon
1 Armageddon Knight
2 Dark Grepher
1 Sangan
2 Gravekeeper's Spy
1 Gravekeeper's Guard

Spells(15)
3 Book of Life
2 Supervise
2 Foolish Burial
3 Burial from a Different Dimension
2 Allure of Darkness
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Brain Control

Traps(4)
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Mirror Force
2 Bottomless Trap Hole

Extra(15)
2 Revived King Ha Des
2 Black Brutdrago
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Colossal Fighter
1 Ally of Justice - Catastor
1 Mist Worm
1 Doomkaiser Dragon
1 Dark End Dragon
1 Arcanite Magician
1 Tempest Magician

Warrior's Strike, Stardust Overdrive and Hidden Asernal is just around the corner.

Basically the goal of the deck is to swarm your Graveyard with Zombies and use and reuse them for Black Brutdrago. This set has the potential to inflict significant amounts of damage in a single turn. The bad part is that this deck is totally crippled when the Graveyard is disabled with cards like Necrovalley. Nothing a good Side can't help circumvent.

I haven't tested the build myself, but what's important is that I convey the idea to you and you adjust it based on your preference. Fixes are also welcome.

Mangaholix Manga Mania Yu-Gi-Oh Tournament

2009-10-28T13:23:00.001+08:00

*Click on the image to enlarge*

Nuff' said.

Burial From A Different Dimension

2009-10-26T23:16:00.009+08:00

Today's trend leads cards on the Graveyard as resource, it actually being the player's second hand. Cards from tier 1 decks like Blackwing's Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor, DHZ's Plaguespreader Zombie and to some extent, Lightsworn's Necro Gardna, will benefit from this one card.

This card opens up possibilities for OTKs or at least push for significant amounts of damage in one turn. Use this card in combination with Vayu and Blackwing Armor Master for two Blackwing - Silverwind the Ascendants in one turn, or any Blackwing Synchro combination you can think of.

Activate Mezuki and for an Il Blud, then Activate Plaguespreader Zombie from your Graveyard to play and Synchro Summon Black Bulldrago for massive punishment. If that wasn't enough, activate this card to produce another copy of it.

This card can also add fuel to your Dark Armed Dragon while preventing your opponent from summoning one at the same time. Assuming he activated an Allure of Darkness beforehand, he will miss his 3 DARK count. You can also use this card to adjust DARK monsters in your own Graveyard as well. Surprise Judgment Dragons are possible too, if your opponent thinks he removed all the Lightsworn monsters from the game with his Kycoo, the Ghost Destroyer.

Let's not conveniently forget the fact that it is a Quick Play Spell Card, which can act as a Heavy Storm and Mystical Space Typhoon bait, and can be activated in response to these cards.

Cards that allow for surprise OTKs are usually bad for the game and are usually hit in the Ban Lists. This card is definitely one of those cards.

Lion's Den: Answer to Rauzes' challenge

2009-10-21T13:37:00.013+08:00

Being in a country where Konami is nonexistent, people still play their favorite card game without this much needed support. I was actually surprised that our countrymen are able to think of ways to improve their much loved card game, despite issues with money and support.

I present you with an example of the innovative methods my countrymen does to improve the current state of Yu-Gi-Oh in the Philippines.

A group of duelist, who refer to themselves as Lion's Den, hosts tournaments in the middle of the street that allows all kinds of cards-even fake ones. You could see them having a great time in these pictures, despite it just being in the middle of the street with not even a roof. They are willing to help their fellow duelists by converting their cards to authentic ones as the prizes for their tournaments.

This clearly shows that people, rich or poor, can still enjoy playing their card game, regardless of any circumstances they are currently facing.

Why are they still playing the card game?
What drives them to assemble in these places and continue enjoying it?

The answer is simple enough. They just truly love Yu-Gi-Oh, and nothing is stopping them from playing it. No matter what the odds, Filipinos who love Yu-Gi-Oh will never succumb to these problems.

Here are more pictures of them playing. (redirects to Facebook)
Pictures are not taken by me, and credits are due to Alexander Dela Cruz Jr.

"We want to see our fellow duelists grow...and, through this program, we might be able to give them hope...hope that will make them think a million times before they quit playing our beloved card game..." -Rainwalker13, representative of Lion's Den

People here aren't ready to give up their beloved card game, how about you?

So about them GB's

2009-10-19T00:28:00.009+08:00

While browsing the internet, I came upon this very insightful post over at Pojo (this is VERY rare, considering its Pojo)

Quoted from Peps, Today, 12:08 AM at Pojo
"The metagame is just way too fast for Gladiator Beasts to compete in.

Every other deck in the metagame can easily beat Gladiator Beasts no problem, even without side-decking. For example, a simple Wulf, backed by a Bottomless Trap Hole, can easily put immediate pressure on the GB player. Even a constant stream of 1900 beaters can destroy GBs no problem.

With Bestiari limited, as well as many decks being practically unaffected by Cold Wave now, Gyzarus is an utter joke. Sure, you play Gyzarus, whatever. Unless you have a strong backrow with a Solemn or whatever, I'll summon Judgment Dragon, summon Lumina, ditch and win. Similar can be said for other decks.

You could argue that GB players are not siding correctly, but every deck it faces can also side deck, rendering GB's side to be completely useless. Similarly, you could also argue many GB players are still thinking for some reason that Samnite + Rescue Cat is amazing, when realistically, it kills consistency, and overall, is pointless considering the heavy investment it requires in deck building.

As for GB topping at regionals, it could also be argued that those regionals contain a lot of budget players, thus swinging the metagame in favour of cheaper decks like GB. It could also be argued that for other decks, they have terrible players running them.

In short, it's Yu-Gi-Oh."

Source: http://www.pojo.biz/board/showthread.php?t=766895

Since this quote was used without permission from him, I will apologize by posting his Blog's link here. I hope this serves as a good bribe for him, in case he comes across this page.

In short, this post pretty much explains why Gladiator Beasts did not top the last 2 Shonen Jump Championships.

Resolve

2009-10-15T20:42:00.006+08:00

Light and Darkness.

Both seemed like fine choices to me, but due to financial difficulties , I have to choose one of the lot. This choice has been thought about by me for weeks, and picking one out of the other is really difficult. But alas, I have come to a decision.

Lightsworns represent my passion for having fun, although inconsistent, they are definitely fun to use and the cards' art are superb. Nothing can compete with Lightsworn's brilliance in terms of radiance and awe. In short, Lightsworns represent my heart in the game, the one that does not care if he loses in a duel, as long as he is having fun overall.

On the other side of the coin, Blackwings represent my passion for winning. Blackwings are surely better than Lightsworn in most cases, one of them being consistent. The darkness shrouds my heart. Blackwings represent my brain, the one telling me that I must win every single duel as much as I can, despite having less fun and a bigger dent in my wallet.

After weeks and weeks of thinking. I have finally decided to choose a side. The choice of darkness prevailed over light, thus, starting today, I will be working to create my own Blackwings deck as my main.

Although on the flip side, the heart is what keeps the brain alive, but the brain tells what the heart does. Just a random quote from a friend.

This has entirely nothing to do with both bandwagons as most people think of. This is a personal resolve that I have undergone in more than a month's worth of deciding and pondering.

October 10, 2009 visit at the locals - Tournament Report

2009-10-12T19:17:00.014+08:00

The stage was set and everything was in order. Deck list. Check. Decks, check. Game mat, check. Dice and notebook, check. Calculator, check. This was the grand debut of me and my brother's deck in our locals, finally after we deemed it to be "playable" to some extent. The first player to use the deck was my brother, and he was ready to face whatever was thrown at him. Or so we thought.

I. First Tournament (Over 20 Participants)
First Match:
V.S.
Junk and Debris versus Gadget Monarch

This game started with me not yet still on the venue. According to my brother, he was overrun by the massive amount of Fissures and Smashing Ground and he couldn't summon Stardust Dragon for some reason.

(0-2 match)(0-1 total)

Second Match:
V.S.
Junk and Debris versus Dark Variant

*I came around midway this match.*

Game 1
Junk and Debris was able to quickly summon Stardust Dragon and despite the Necro Gardnas who were sent to the graveyard by Dark Grepher, the opponent was not able to recover and my brother ended up taking game 1.

Game 2
My brother opened god and was able to send almost all the Neo-Spacians on his graveyard as early as turn one, and proceeded to bash the opponent with Neo-Spacian Grand Mole and Cyber Dragon.

(2-0 match)(1-1 total)

Third Match
V.S.
Junk and Debris versus DHZ Tele-DAD

Game 1
The match started out intensely, with both players countering each other with their Traps. My brother dropped a Dark Armed Dragon and proceeded to wipe out the opponent's side of the field. On the opponent's next turn, he also dropped his own Dark Armed Dragon and played Brain Control for game.

Game 2
Also an intense duel, the match was dominated by Tele-DAD at the early game until my brother topped Heavy Storm. My brother then quickly summoned Stardust Dragon and proceeded to swing for three straight times against his opponent. The opponent was able to react but it was too late.

Game 3
The match that would determine who will win, I switch on to spectating the Tele-DAD's side of play this time. My brother was able to summon a Goyo Guardian early in the game only to be responded with by a Torrential Tribute. Despite the powerful draw engine of the opponent, he was unable to counter a Stardust Dragon with Neo-Spacian Grand Mole locking him. They then quickly shook hands and the match was over.

It was interesting to see that the Tele-DAD player was not scooping and stayed to calculate the damage until the very end. He was one of the duelists in my locals whom I look up to for his sportsmanship.

(2-1 Match)(2-1 Total)

In the end, my brother was cut and was 9th in the run, despite his record of 2-1. A very interesting and insightful first time tournament for us, despite not being able to reach top 8. The people were really friendly and showed sportsmanship.

Props:
Asian-English Blackwing Armor Master UtR for $10 or 500 PhP
Japanese Dark Armed Dragon for $6 or 300 PhP
First time experience in tournaments
Players were very good and friendly
Was able to enjoy my final duels with Oliver and his Dual Zombie deck

Slops:
Learning that Japanese Blackwing Arms Wing already costs $18 each. Thanks Rodrigo Togores
I ran second batch using the same Junk and Debris deck, scoring 0-2 and ended up dropping
My friend who was looking for Helmet Cat was not able to buy one because it was too expensive for a common

My run for the second batch will be posted in another time, even though I ran bad with 0-2. Stay tuned for it. In the end, what was important was that everyone had fun playing the game they love.

Starcraft and Yu-Gi-Oh

2009-10-06T17:58:00.007+08:00

On a random conversation with my non Yu-Gi-Oh playing friend today, I was discussing to him about how the Blackwings were winning with their speed and swarming capabilities. Upon the continuous flow of conversation, I ended up explaining to him the strengths and weaknesses of every one of the top archetypes of today. It was hillarious that I ended up comparing them to Starcraft, as the races that a player is able to choose in that game is somewhat related and connected to today's Yu-Gi-Oh.

First and foremost, I was explaining that Blackwings share a similar style with the Zergs in Starcraft, as they rely on speed and on their swarming capabilities. The units are fairly cheap and easy to summon and they also have the ability to catch players by surprise with Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow.

Then, Gladiator Beasts are similar to Terrans as the concept of the Gladiators are control and heavily fortified defenses, much like Terrans in Starcraft. Their swift methods to deal with their current ordeals and the flexibility they use to react to the situation are their key in winning their duels.

Finally, Lightsworn is best represented by Protoss. Extremely powerful cards with devastating effects at a price-either they are too expensive to build or they pretty much exhaust their resources faster than the other two races. Judgment Dragon is also similar with The Protoss Carrier. Once a fleet is assembled, the game is finished.

Although I am dissapointed that Starcraft II will lack multiplayer function in its first release, I am still looking forward to watching professional matches held by Koreans and be amazed again and again.

Draw Engine

2009-10-05T18:16:00.003+08:00

I am a firm believer that every deck has to somehow have a draw engine in it to speed up the deck. For the Gladiator Beasts, the themed version of their draw power is not seeing much play as expected. I do not understand the reasoning behind this.

Gladiator Beast's Respite will allow you to easily return to your deck Gladiator Beasts that aren't good regular summoned like Gladiator Beast Murmillo and Gladiator Beast Secutor while it makes those Book of Moons and Wabokus easier to run through in your deck all at the same time.

In my way of thinking, people should run more of this card in the Gladiator Beast decks.

Heavy Storm followed by Torrential Tribute

2009-09-29T19:14:00.009+08:00

Funny how Yu-Gi-Oh can still relate to real life incidents.

First and foremost I would like to take this opportunity to apologize for not posting for a while. This is mainly because of the September 26, 2009 Typhoon that has struck my country, which led to much disaster and decay. The flashflood has risen up to almost six feet in my household alone, disabling my basic utilities such as the electricity, telephone and internet connection, which was soon to follow.

Everything is in order now and hopefully the next storm bound to strike the Philippines again is not as heavy as what hit us past 3 days ago.

The card that blocks everything... almost

2009-09-23T10:59:00.010+08:00

People still do not have the clue what deck will truly dominate the new format. Most of us, including me, is still waiting for the result of the upcoming Shonen Jump Circuit Orlando to really see who's boss. Main bets are Lightsworn, Gladiator Beast, DARK variants, Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor, or Vayu turbo and other rogue entries like plants, X-Sabers and whatever people decide to bring. The emerging victor would dictate the meta.

The game has been relying too much on the graveyard. Apparently, there is one card that would hamper most of the cards in these new decks.

From the top of my head, I can name a few cards bound to be shut down by this card: Bottomless Trap Hole, Macro Cosmos, Dimensional Fissure, Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor, Necro Gardna, Chaos Sorcerer, D.D. Survivor, D.D. Crow, Mezuki, and Dark Armed Dragon, to name a few. It also renders some cards totally useless like Burial from a Different Dimension.

These cards cannot activate their effects and they are rendered useless when this card is active. Whilst maintaining your strategy, if you rely on your graveyard.

One or two copies of this card in your Side Deck woudn't hurt.

Majestic Star Dragon

2009-09-17T17:17:00.012+08:00

Dragon/Synchro/Effect
"Salvation Dragon - Savior Dragon" + "Stardust Dragon" + 1 non-Tuner monster
When your opponent activates the effect of a Spell, Trap or Effect Monster, you can Tribute this card to negate it, and destroy all cards your opponent controls. Once per turn, negate the effect(s) of 1 face-up monster your opponent controls until the End Phase. That monster's effect(s) can be treated as this card's effect and can be activated once. Return this card to the Extra Deck during the End Phase, and Special Summon 1 "Stardust Dragon" from your Graveyard.

There are a lot of interesting cards that have devastating effects but usually, there are steep costs in summoning such monsters. Majestic Star Dragon is definitely one of them. This card needs a Stardust Dragon, a level one non-tuner monster and Salvation Dragon - Savior Dragon to pull off. Obviously, the easiest way to summon this card is by using Treeborn Frog as the level one monster requirement. You also need a Stardust Dragon in play and have Salvation Dragon - Savior Dragon in hand.

Dragon/Effect/Tuner
If this card is used as Synchro Material Monster, it can only be for the Synchro Summon of a "Savior" monster.

This is where the problem arises. Those Salvation Dragons would naturally end up as dead draws in the early stages of a duel, or any time where you do not have Stardust Dragon in play or Treeborn Frog is still in your deck, much worse if it was removed from play. This makes Majestic Star Dragon a poor choice in Extra Decks and is only used in casual duels. No one in a right mind would run this card in a competitive deck. It is such a waste of an awesome card design.

With Absolute Powerforce being announced and released this coming November in Japan, one card has caught my attention-Harmony's Treasure. The card basically needs a 1000 ATK Dragon type Tuner as fodder to draw 2 cards. This is where the fun begins. Those dead draw Salvation Dragons are now recycable via this spell card. Conveniently, Debris Dragon, also an easy method to summon Stardust Dragon or Red Demon Archfiend, is also a target. This might enable people to run The Salvation Synchros in competitive decks.

The only thing left to deal with is its consistency. Grab your copy of Majestic Star Dragon today before prices would skyrocket once the set gets released.

09-12-2009 and Lightsworns

2009-09-13T13:23:00.006+08:00

With midterm exams nearing and mock-defenses for project proposals and research just around the corner, my time for the blog was shortened to some extent, being unable to post stuff regarding the game. I was still able to visit my locals this weekend, and was able to buy certain cards that are missing in the deck. What's left now is actually play testing it and using it to participate at my locals.

Extra Pack Volume T wo is nearing its release on September 19, and I was surprised that Charge of the Light Brigade came out as a rare. This would finally help OCG players get the TCG unique Lightsworn monsters and experience them for the first time. I was surprised that some people already got their hands off the cards, prior to its release date.

With Charge of the Light Brigade, Aurkus, Lightsworn Druid and Ehren, Lightsworn Monk finally out in the OCG, I hope the Lightsworn Curse will be lifted and that they would finally be given a chance to win a major event.

What's left for me to do is actually create my own Lightsworn deck, before my prediction that the theme finally dies at the upcoming March list.

Weird scarcity

2009-09-10T18:13:00.008+08:00

I was surprised when I saw Judgment Dragons being sold for as low as $23 for two,Honest for $6 each, and most of the other Lightsworn members as commons in the OCG version of Light of Destruction. Turns out that it was just a facade. Aside from the fact that the two lightsworn females that are virtually non-existent, I heard from my other friends that one Lyla, Lightsworn Sorceress go up for as high as $16 each. Celestia goes for around the same $14-$16ish. I know that its a year old theme already, but the scarcity is just weird, for the reason that they are still easily obtainable in the TCG up until today, despite higher rarities. Maybe I should just blush up the TCG versions that are widely available and for less.

These two aren't even available on eBay. Would anyone tell me if they see someone selling the two? And for how much are they in your locals?

Fear for the future of the game

2009-09-08T17:27:00.008+08:00

It has just occurred to me that the metagame is becoming faster. Back in the good old days, Vampire Lord was nearly indestructible. We then see him gradually lose play upon the release of the better beat stick, Cyber Dragon. Today, virtually no one uses Vampire Lord anymore because his effect isn't too good for today's standards. After Tactical Evolution, the game was headed for something that was out of control.

Game breaking cards of yesterday become measly pieces of poor card choices today. Spirit Reaper is one of those cards that were staple before that lost its edge. Cards like Breaker, the Magical Warrior and Raiza, the Storm Monarch, which were broken cards before, are now reduced to semi-playable and/or Side Deck Material at best. Even Mirror Force isn't a sure staple in today's decks. Tributing for monsters today is a very troublesome task and is not usually the good choice. Equip Spells and Field Spell cards do not see play anymore. You would probably know something is wrong when you see these problems crop up.

We see archetypes come and go: Dark World, Six Samurai, Volcanic, Crystal Beast and much more. After Tactical Evolution, some of the Archetypes like Gladiator Beasts, Lightsworns and Blackwings are still solid and see competitive play until today, even after a few set releases prior to their introduction. Will these new wave of archetypes lose competitive edge soon enough? I think not.

Because of the strength of these new wave of archetypes, people are buying less packs-newer archetypes introduced today cannot basically even come to even ground with these established beasts.

It would be nice to actually implement a "cycling" of cards, like what they do at Magic: the Gathering. After two main sets and four subsets and a core set, the cards rotate, which means that you cannnot continue to use, say Lightsworn after one "cycle" of set(s). Older sets can still be played via vintage format or extended though, although the mainstream format, also known as Type 2, would only use the newer cards. This would inspire new deck ideas and force the players to think better to make their decks. Archetypes like the Earthbound Immortals would get to enjoy seeing play on major events if this happens. This would also encourage players to not just buy singles off eBay and pull them the traditional way: through packs.

But this mechanic do have its cons. Cards would lose value after the so-called cycle and people will have to continue changing decks format after format just to update their deck to the latest trend that is legal for tournament play. This means additional heavy cost for the players.

Chaos Sorcerer was changed to Semi-Limited this current format. I woudn't be surprised if Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning would get legal on the next list if this trend continues.

First month blog anniversary with store pics

2009-09-06T22:03:00.007+08:00

Today marks the first month anniversary of this blog. I will now take this opportunity to thank you readers for actually taking notice of this simple piece on the world wide web. For a month, the blog enjoyed 913 Unique readers with 2312 Page views. This is more than enough to make me happy. I wish that you would continue to keep supporting me, if you already are and continue to read my experiences with regards to the card game. I hope to improve my posting quality for everyone to better appreciate and enjoy.

As promised, here are the pics of yesterday's journey with my local community.

As you can see, people are enjoying by talking about their cards and trading, and the players were participating in our weekly locals.

This is just a simple shot of what's outside the store. I couldn't possibly take pictures inside as it might open me to legal problems and besides, its too crowded.

Till next post.

09-05-2009 - Visit at the local community

2009-09-05T21:15:00.009+08:00

Me, along with my brother actually went to our local community and traded/bought lots of cards today. After hours and hours of searching for certain cards, we were able to wrap up with buying most of the cards needed to build my brother's deck. I was surprised that most of our locals carry on their binders most of the cards that are widely used today.

There was a local tournament ongoing, and as I passed by the players who are competing, I was constantly seeing Zombie variants and Anti-Meta decks. I was confused on why there weren't much Gladiator Beasts, Lightsworns, although Blackwings were also common.

It might be possible next week for me to join the local tournaments, provided I am able to acquire certain cards I still need. Getting a Dandylion is difficult, along with Ally of Justice - Catasor and Mist Wurm. Although I can set up a temporary level 5 Synchro to replace Catastor like Magical Andrioids, it just wouldn't be the same. I still don't know the effects of running the Extra Deck with no level 9 Synchro.

I did not know that scanning through tens of binders were mind tiring and hectic. Despite these experiences. I really had fun. Total spending for today was at around PhP2500 (US$51). It was a good haul. My brother was happy that he finally got his Ancient Fairy Dragon at last. Needless to say, he is a Luca fan.

I was able to take some pictures, and promise to post it on my next post just to show the world our community exists. I asked a new friend met today on what are the reasons why the locals were using tier 2 decks and Lightsworn was non-existent. He said the reason was it was difficult to find certain cards to be able to actually run the decks. Gladiator Beasts share similar problems as well.

In case you're curious, Some of the cards we bought were:
Red Dragon Archfiend - The guy whom we bought this from really cares for his cards
Ancient Fairy Dragon (UtR) - Same for this guy too
Goyo Guardian (UtR)
Cyber Dragon (GS01-JP007)
Magical Android
Psychic Lifetrancer
Iron-Chain Dragon x2

...and other cards that are needed to create J&D. Yes, we chose to run J&D and show its potential on the locals. A little more and I would be able to experience true duels on organized play, despite me using my brother's deck.

Also, tomorrow will mark my first month anniversary of existence in the web. I will post pictures of my journey for everyone to see. Stay tuned.

A letter addressed to nobody

2009-09-02T20:11:00.003+08:00

"Why am I still interested to continue playing Yu-Gi-Oh?" This question has always crossed my mind whenever I sit and idle around. On trips to school and back, on times when I stare and do nothing in front of my computer.

"I don't have much cards."
"I can't craft Tier 1 decks."
"I do not have the opportunity to Duel outside much."
"The game is totally unsupported by Konami in my country."
"Getting my needed cards are near impossible."

In spite of all these random thoughts. In spite of my financial difficulties. In spite of every hardship I experience in playing this game. Why?

"I guess its because looking forward to something like creating an awesome deck and using it to pit with others in tournaments sounds nice."

I know that companies have to prioritize their sales quota and profits first, since I study Management as my bachelor degree. I also know that I contribute little in these sales needed for Konami to back up our country with events. I also know that Philippines' economy is not doing that well for investors and businesses like Konami to even bother with.

But its not just me. There is a community in our country that loves and keeps this game alive. I know that the community is just small and isn't even worth mentioning at all, compared to millions playing over at the three main countries Konami focuses in.

I know I do not have the right to actually say for the other countries neglected, but I will mention them here as well: Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand and the some of Latin America. All of the duelists in the aformentioned countries have the same desire. To have equal support from the company that created what they love.

This is my simple wish and I hope that this will somehow reach who this letter is intended for.

The same card with two different faces

2009-08-31T00:26:00.007+08:00

August 31, 2009. One final day before the September List gets implemented. One final day to use one of the most used staple in the game. Monster Reborn barely needs skill as its effect is simple and strong. What has caught my attention in this card is how it looks like in the TCG and OCG. Heck, even the names are different.

Here is how it looks like in the TCG

And for some unknown reason, in the OCG, this is the same card and this card is called 死者蘇生, read as Shisha Sosei which literally means "Raise dead"

Some of you might not even know the reason why they did not print the same picture in both cards. The reason for that is partially because the TCG is marketed towards the younger kids. A huge chunk of the parents over at the US are conscious of what to let their child play with, and since the original Japanese picture depicts an ankh, there might be certain religions that would be affected by the picture and Konami thinks they will surely be pressured by the parents for teaching their kids about magic and other anti religion practices. This is also true for Dark Magician. The true name of the card is Black Magician but that sounded too evil for kids over at the US so they changed it to what its name is today. Why its called Monster Reborn instead is because they did not want necromancy terms with their cards and Raise Dead sounded something like that.

The problem with these naming conversions, apart from they screw up the names, is that they affect gameplay of these said cards. One of the most common and early conversion problem is with Summoned Skull. This card is supposed to benefit from the effect of the Archfiend Archetype like Pandemonium, but since its named as Summoned Skull without the Archfiend name, most players will assume that the card won't affect Summoned Skull, where its supposed to. Although Konami stated that it should in their website.

Another card naming disaster is Sonic Chick. Because Road Runner is already a trademark over at the US, they had to change its name to something that sounds unnatural.

I also hate to see how they will mangle Savior Star Dragon on the upcoming SOVR set. Since savior references religion, its name is going to be undoubtedly mangled.

Konami is forgetting the fact that not only kids play their card game.

Random pulls from Tins and Special Edition boxes

2009-08-29T19:25:00.004+08:00

My friend from the US gave me a present-2 Collector's Tins and 2 The Duelist Genesis Special Edition boxes. I was surprised to have pulled Charge of the Light Brigade from one of the packs, and upon inspecting its price in eBay, it was worth over $45, and for a financially challenged person like me, this is really worth a lot. A big thank you to Paul Ray Zimmer for the present.

Other pulls from those other packs are as follows:
1 Emergency Teleport
1 Nitro Warrior (UtR)
1 Hand of the Six Samurai (Was surprised I got 2 Secret Rares from just 16 packs total)
2 Lightsworn Sabre
1 Sinister Sprocket
1 Elemental Hero Storm Neos
... and other non-useful Rare cards.

I was praying for a Judgment Dragon or Honest on those two Light of Destruction packs. Unfortunately, I was not able to get them. Sigh. It is really hard to reach for my dream card.

I hope that I can soon craft my very own Lightsworn deck in pure OCG, in preparation for in case Konami will finally start to host sanctioned locals in our country. Yu-Gi-Oh is really one heck of an expensive game, if I say so for myself.

The ultimate bouncer

2009-08-26T20:09:00.005+08:00

...and I'm not referring to those ones that can be found on night clubs.

One of the most used locks in Yu-Gi-Oh is with the utilization of Neo-Spacian Grand Mole. His effect is intriguing as he is capable of locking your opponent's Monster Zone quite easily. This is one of the best examples of a card that packs a nasty punch in such a small package.

With mediocre initial stats at 900 ATK and 300 DEF at Level 3, Neo-Spacian Grand Mole truly shines when you are either completely winning or completely losing. One of this card's obvious uses is to take care of your opponent's Fusion, Nomi or Synchro Monsters with ease to regain momentum. Another is to bounce an opposing Monster for your own to attack directly. Always put into mind that he activates his effect before damage calculation, so those nasty Flip Effects won't activate when he bounces them off to your opponent's hand.

He can also slip through your opponent's Bottomless Trap Holes and can be quickly searched by either Cross Porter or Sangan. This makes this card nearly splashable in every deck. Finally, this card is a valuable part of the Neo-Spacian monsters, allowing this card to benefit from the Effects of Support cards like Convert Contact.

Remember that you can only run one copy in your deck, so use this card carefully if you choose to run this card in your deck.

The most controversial set in Yu-Gi-Oh history - Crimson Crisis

2009-08-24T17:51:00.019+08:00

Crimson Crisis, the third set to feature cards on the Yu-Gi-Oh 5D's series, endured intensive corporate lawsuits and extensive delays before it was available to the public on approximately March 10, 2009. The set was the first to introduce /BUSTER or /Assault Mode concepts for the Synchro Monsters and also introduced one of the most strongest archetype to ever exist-The dreaded Blackwings.

Like before, I will be discussing the highlights of this set: its top 3 cards and my opinions regarding the set in general.

Top 3 cards

3: Gladiator Beast Samnite (R)

With the restriction of Gladiator Beast Bestiari, the Gladiator Beast archetype was bound for doom because that significally slowed down the deck. With Gladiator Beast Samnite introduced, this gave the Gladiator Beasts a burst of speed with the help of Rescue Cat. Technically, you could Special Summon two copies of this card with the Effect of Rescue Cat and attack to 'tag' for 2 different Gladiator Beasts, usually Gladiator Beast Bestiari and Gladiator Beast Darius, assuming Gladiator Beast Laquari is in your Graveyard for a quick Fusion. This card and Test Tiger is also another option for Special Summoning with Rescue Cat's Effect. Lastly, this card's own Effect isn't half bad, too.

2: Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind (R)

More information about this critter can be found by clicking here. The very fuel that runs the now-critical condition Blackwings deck. The fact that he was put to Limited status deserves him the spot on this list. Nuff' said.

And the best card is obviously without a doubt...

1: Dark Strike Fighter (SR)

This card that shoudn't have been made. Part of the now-deceased Synchro Cat archetype, this card made games end too early by Synchroing for two with the help of Summoner Monk and Rescue Cat to OTK fairly quickly, usually in two to three turns. This card is also one of the easy win condition of other decks such as the Blackwings. This card is officialy dead come September 1.

Honorable Mention:

Black Salvo

I was having difficulty choosing over this card and Twilight Rose Knight, but after observing more Salvo-DADs roaming around the tournament scenes than Plants, I choose the former. He makes Synchro Summoning easier while at the same time, help fuel Dark Armed Dragon for the win.

Verdict: With a crapton of Ultra Rares and a rather useless /Assault Mode feature, this set's castoffs are compensated by the overpowered cards on this set's lineup. This set was brutally mangled by the September 1 list as well. Lastly, the Ghost Rare is totally bad, too. The only saving grace for this set is its amazing Synchro Monsters lineup with Arcanite Magician, Blackwing Armor Master and Dark Strike Fighter. Nevertheless, this set is still essential to form those tournament caliber decks. Avoid this set and if you can and just try to get those single cards from e-bay. If you are still interested, don't hesistate to contact me for pricing and availability if you are interested to purchase a Booster Box or two.

Junk & Debris deck as requested by my elder brother

2009-08-23T15:41:00.015+08:00

Monsters
1 Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind
1 Card Trooper
1 Cyber Dragon
1 Dandylion
2 Debris Dragon
1 Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness
3 Junk Synchron
1 Krebons
1 Max Warrior
1 Psychic Commander
2 Quillbot Hedgehog
3 Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter
1 Shield Wing
2 Tuningware
1 Turbo Synchron

Spells
1 Brain Control
1 Emergency Teleport
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mind Control
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Reinforcement of the Army
1 Synchro Blast Wave
1 The Warrior Returning Alive

Traps
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Dark Bribe
1 Graceful Revival
1 Call of the Haunted
1 Mirror Force
1 Scrap Iron Scarecrow
1 Solemn Judgment
1 Torrential Tribute

Extra Deck
2 Ally of Justice - Catastor
1 Ally of Justice - Field Marshal
1 Armory Arm
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
1 Goyo Guardian
2 Iron Chain Dragon
2 Ancient Fairy Dragon
1 Red Dragon Archfiend
1 Stardust Dragon
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend
1 Turbo Warrior

Side Deck
2 Legendary Jiu-Jitsu Master
1 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
1 Magnetic Mosquito
2 Malice Dispersion
1 Breaker the Magical Warrior
2 Royal Decree
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
1 Lightning Vortex
1 Trap Stun
1 Malevolent Catastrophe

At a glance, this deck looks like a bunch of random throw-ins, but when you actually try and test it out, it works like a charm. The goal is to first set up and stall with Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter or Card Trooper at the start of the Duel to fill up your graveyard with those Tuningwares and speed up the deck, then Synchro Summon them with either Junk Synchron or Debris Dragon.

This is actually the deck I am using in my Yu-Gi-Oh Stardust Accelerator 2009 for the DS, minus Ancient Fairy Dragon and Max Warrior(I run Speed Warrior instead). I am actually thinking of running Necro Gardna but seeing that Black Rose Dragon is going to be Limited on September 1, Synchroing for it with Debris Dragon will be limited, although Ancient Fairy Dragon is going to replace it as the easier 'Dragon' level 7 Synchro.

On a last note, the deck is actually modeled to somehow replicate Yusei's Deck on the anime, hence the existence of Turbo Warrior, which in turn is a coincidentally a good Monarch counter. Also, Scrap-Iron Scarecrow works wonders against Gladiator Beasts, especially on the early game.

Random Twilight on September 1, 2009

2009-08-22T22:25:00.007+08:00

Monsters
1 Celestia, Lightsworn Angel
1 Gragonith, Lightsworn Dragon
1 Jain, Lightsworn Paladin
2 Lyla, Lightsworn Sorceress
2 Garoth, Lightsworn Warrior
2 Lumina, Lightsworn Summoner
1 Ehren, Lightsworn Monk
2 Wulf, Lightsworn Beast
2 Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter
2 Judgment Dragon
3 Necro Gardna
1 Sangan
2 Honest
2 Chaos Sorcerer

Spells
3 Solar Recharge
2 Charge of the Light Brigade
1 Cold Wave
1 Lightning Vortex
2 Foolish Burial
1 Monster Reincarnation
1 Magical Stone Excavation
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon

Traps
2 Royal Decree
1 Mirror Force

Random Gladiator Beast on September 1, 2009

2009-08-21T20:42:00.008+08:00

Monsters
3 Gladiator Beast Samnite
2 Gladiator Beast Darius
2 Gladiator Beast Equeste
2 Gladiator Beast Laquari
1 Gladiator Beast Bestiari
1 Gladiator Beast Hoplomus
1 Gladiator Beast Secutor
1 Gladiator Beast Murmillio
1 Gladiator Beast Retiari
1 Rescue Cat
2 X-Saber Airbellum
3 Test Tiger
1 Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness

Spells
1 Cold Wave
2 Book of Moon
1 Enemy Controller
1 Brain control
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Heavy Storm
1 Giant Trunade
1 Shrink

Traps
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
1 Call of the Haunted
2 Gladiator Beast War Chariot
2 Dark Bribe
3 Waboku

Extra Deck
3 Gladiator Beast Heraklinos
3 Gladiator Beast Gyzaurus
1 Ally Of Justice - Catastor
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Gaia the Force of Earth
1 Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Boundary
1 Black Rose Dragon
1 Stardust Dragon
2 Ancient Fairy Dragon
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend

Side Deck
1 Breaker the Magical Warrior
2 Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
2 Jowls of Dark Demise
2 Lightning Vortex
3 Dimensional Fissure
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
3 Trap Stun

Predictions for the new format

2009-08-19T23:21:00.009+08:00

With the new Ban List being effective on September 1, and Ancient Prophecy being released at the same time, the metagame will undergo a huge evolution. Most of the Tier 1 decks on the previous format are either crippled or toned down and some decks who were cycled out is now expected to return and terrorize the tables. Monarchs and Zombies get a new lease in life while Synchro Cat dies. Some decks see a significant increase in power-specifically the Skill Drain Deck, with its newest addition: Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur.

Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur

Beast-Warrior/Effect
You can Special Summon this card from your hand by removing from play 1 Machine-Type monster and 1 Beast-Warrior-Type monster from your hand, your side of the field, or your Graveyard. When this card battles, Battle Damage to your opponent becomes 0.

Most Skill Drain based decks run Beast King Barbaros and Fusilier Dragon, the Dual-Mode Beast together as their primary beat stick for the simple reason that they are regular easy summons with whopping 2800 and 3000 ATK both. Skill Drain basically locks down most decks. Gladiator Beasts can't tag out and Lightsworns can't use their self-mill Effects, aside from their main Effects, thus slowing them down. With Beast Machine King Barbaros Ur being released on Ancient Prophecy, This will add another easy summon 3800 ATK beat stick that's tremendously easy to Special Summon, adding to Skill Drain's asernal. Coincidentally, Beast King Barbaros and Fusiller Dragon are both the requirements for the Special Summoning of this massive beast. Finally, running Trade-In as this deck's engine will speed it up drastically, with more candidates for discard, and maybe probably use as fodder to Special Summon Ur.

The limit on Bottomless Trap Hole and Solemn Judgment helps this deck too. The limit on Counter Traps will pave way for your massive beat sticks to push forward. Breaker, the Magical Warrior's effect cannot be activated while Skill Drain is active on the field so he can't be used as a counter to this deck.

Expect this archetype seeing more tournament play this coming format.

Advantage of memory in a Duel

2009-08-18T13:35:00.007+08:00

One of the basic rules of Yu-Gi-Oh is you need your deck to at least Set some Spell and Trap cards. This is a prerequisite for them to be activated on your opponent's turn.

However, sometimes, you sometimes set more than one Spell/Trap card(s). What I was wondering about is: How do people handle their Face-down cards? Do they remember the cards when they Set it and activate them in responses to their opponents' moves quickly? Do they have to "peek" every time their opponents plays or activates a card? I am imagining that it is mandatory to memorize your Set cards in major tournaments or big events like the World Championships, but as for casual play, I think it helps memorizing and quickly activating your cards at the right moment.

I see some players peek on their Spell and Trap Card Zone every time their opponent plays a card. In my way of thinking, the disadvantage on this is that you will give away or at least drop a clue on what those face down card is/are. If they see you peek at your Traps while they play a Monster card, they can easily assume that it is a Bottomless Trap Hole. Thinking for too long after a Spell card is activated might let your opponent think that your Set card is a Dark Bribe or Solemn Judgment, with you taking your time to decide whether to let that card "go" or negate it.

It is helpful to set up a poker face while playing the card game as this might give your opponent the element of surprise and uncertainty. You could Set a random Spell Card and your opponent might think it as a Solemn Judgment, downing his aggressive play a bit(assuming he plays safely). Although the payback for this is that you run the risk of those Set up "decoys" being ruined by Card Effects though such as Gladiator Beast Bestiari or Heavy Storm.

So, how do you handle your Set cards?

A Card packed with Synergy

2009-08-17T00:55:00.005+08:00

Yu-Gi-Oh's deckbuilding is all about synergy. One of the cards that has caught my attention today is King Tiger Wanghu. I find it very odd rarely seeing this card on competitive decks. This card has a lot of synergy going on with it.

One of them is that this card works exceptionally well with Burden of the Mighty. This almost ensures all the Face-up Attack Position monsters your opponent plays, if he does, gets destroyed by this cards's effect. A level 4 1900 Attack Monster will get its attack reduced by 400, settling it to 1500 which is an easy kill for Wanghu. Anything below that is simply destroyed by this card's effect. Top it off with Light of Intervention to ensure destruction every time your opponent plays or Special Summons a monster.

This card also works with Banisher of the Radiance, as every monster destroyed by this card is removed from play instead, ensuring decks that rely on cards like Dark Armed Dragon or Judgement Dragon is rendered useless. Banisher of the Radiance can also benefit from Burden of the Mighty as this allows him to stay longer in the field (Banisher of the Radiance only has 1600 ATK).

But this card needs protection for it to work effectively. You never know when your opponent has prepared a card like Smashing Ground to easily destroy this card. Cards that destroys Spell and Trap cards like Heavy Storm might ruin your pace. Mass destruction cards like Icarus Attack ruins the whole combo, rendering it useless. Ultimately, the powerful effects of your cards doesn't matter if you don't protect them carefully. Also, card effects works best if they are well played with other card effects working with them.

It is finally official: the September 2009 list

2009-08-15T20:22:00.004+08:00

This is the new September 2009 list based on the latest V-JUMP (OCG):

Banned:
Dark Dive Bomber/ Dark Strike Fighter
Monster Reborn
Card of Safe Return
Crush Card Virus

Restricted:
Demise, King of the Armageddon
Summon Priest/ Summoner Monk
Blackwing - Gale of the Hurricane
Black Rose Dragon
Mental Master/ Mind Master
Rescue Cat
Mind Control
Cold Wave
One For One
Solemn Judgment
Call of the Haunted

Semi-Restricted:
Chaos Sorcerer
Dulauren, Tiger King of the Ice Boundary
Mezuki
Lonefire Blossom
Bottomless Traphole

No Longer Restricted:
D.D. Warrior Lady
Raiza the Storm Monarch
Breaker the Magical Warrior
Green Baboon, Defender of the Forest
Fissure
Destiny Draw

Source and full credit for the images: http://manjyomethunder.twoday.net/

As expected, most of the metadecks today are hurt by this new list. It is interesting to note that Lightsworns/Lightlords aren't touched even one bit. Blackwings will lose out with Dark Strike Fighter being banned and Gale being limited to one. Gladiator Beasts will have difficulty pushing now with only one Cold Wave to run and so as one Rescue Cat, which Synchro Cat got hit with too.

With Monster Reborn is again replaced by Call of the Haunted, and Mezuki back to Semi, we would probably see Zombies roaming all over again in this next format. Plants will run slower with less a Lonefire Blossom and it also seems like Monarchs would have a comeback, seeing Raiza the Storm Monarch and D.D. Warrior Lady is now unlimited.

Dark Bribe would probably replace Solemn Judgment. It lacks the capability to stop Monsters, though.

This list would probably be effective as early as this coming September 2009. In the end, my wish with the new lists is that it should give way to other archetypes so we could have the chance to see more types of decks being used in major tournaments. It would be interesting if the metadecks weren't limited to just five staple types.

Phoenix Wing Wind Blast versus Raigeki Break

2009-08-14T10:43:00.007+08:00

Since the poll ended yesterday, I think now is the time to explain why I set up that poll in the first place. The reason why I decided to compare those two cards is to determine how duelists who voted for their specific card thinks behind how he/she uses his/her cards to his/her advantage.

Both cards are Traps, which require discarding a card as its cost for activation and both mainly get rids of the immediate threat. The difference between the cards is that one destroys it and puts it into the Graveyard(Raigeki Break) while the other puts the targeted card on top of it's owner's deck(Phoenix Wing Wind Blast). Raigeki Break ensures the destruction of its target, while the latter might just delay the threat and ruin your opponent's Draw Phase.

On some occasions, Phoenix Wing Wind Blast can prove to be more useful than Raigeki Break assuming it targets something that returns to the Extra Deck or a card that needs difficulty in playing-Tribute and Synchro monsters to be specific. The tradeoff for this though is Raigeki Break is almost sure to be more effective in destroying Spell and Trap cards than Phoenix Wing Wind Blast as you don't always target these cards on Duels and you never know when you might need to activate the card.

Phoenix Wind Wind Blast is better on the metagame in my opinion as the ensured one turn delay it provides is sufficient enough to turn the tides and score victory at least, whreas Raigeki Break will prevent any slip-ups, in case your strategy gets ruined by your opponent. In the end, its the choice of potency over stabilization. Whatever you choose to run in your deck if you ever do, is entirely up to you.

The winner for the previous poll was Raigeki Break. Thank you everyone for responding with the previous poll. The poll was closed with a total of six votes all in all. For those who did not participate, I hope that you take time in voting and I hope we get more results with today's new poll.

Two cards for the price of one

2009-08-12T20:12:00.009+08:00

With a few more days left before the new format's foundations are formed, people all over the world await the new September list. Fake and unreliable Ban list spoilers frequent the internet, with people discussing what cards make it and what cards get left the dust.

What do we have here? Good ol' Gale, one of the most essential pieces of the Blackwings' lineup and part of the world's strongest deck today. Initial stars aren't so bad. 1300 ATK and 400 DEF at level 3, Winged Beast and DARK attribute and finally, a Tuner. What's terrifying about this card is that it can be Special Summoned when you control another Blackwing monster that's not Gale. Aside from this effect, he also has a built-in Shrink with him, which allows this card to permanently halve an opponent's monster's ATK and DEF. This makes for it being one of the key engine in whittling down your opponent's Monsters and charge through. This effect can be activated once per turn, every turn(not including your opponents'). This card is also the perfect candidate for search in Black Whirlwind and allows for fast Synchro-ing. Perfect candidates are Black Rose Dragon, Dark Strike Fighter and Blackwing Armor Master. Level 8 Synchros aren't impossible, too.

But that's not all. This card is splashable. He is Sangan friendly, can be bought back by Dark Eruption and searched by Mystic Tomato all at the same time, making him somewhat splashable in any DARK based deck. Just his Shrink Effect is enough to get him enough attention and get him to be run in nearly every deck. Two good cards played at the price of one. Expect to see this card get hit in the coming September list.

Swords of Revealing Light: still a good card?

2009-08-11T10:36:00.008+08:00

As the game evolves, staple cards phase in and out to keep up with the rapid changes in responses to metadecks. A good solid card run way back then was Swords of Revealing Light. This card basically is an effective three copies of Threatening Roar in a single card. Despite its effects being as good as it is, why is it not run so much as opposed to way back then?

This card will prevent attacks for three consecutive turns and it forces your opponent's Face-down monsters to Flip Face up. If they have flip effects, their effects resolve. The reason why this card is not doing so well in today's metagame is because there are a lot of easy ways for players to destroy Spell and Trap cards with Monster Effects. Some common ones are Dark Armed Dragon, Celestia, Lightsworn Angel and Gladiator Beast Gyzarus. Its so hard to keep this card for three whole turns to begin with. This card lacks the versatility Threatening Roar has because it can be activated on your opponent's turn does this in surprise while this card screams destroy me the moment it touches the table.

But it still has its uses. Given that your opponent are lacking cards in hand and cards controlled on the field to destroy this card, you can get the full benefit of three Threatening Roars. There are also plays where in you top deck this card from your deck at a game where you are facing utter demise to delay it and get the chance to turn the table, much like how Yugi draws and use this card in the anime, although this rarely happens in a professional duel.

This uncertainties in the card might have caused this good card to drop from staple status to semi-staple. The card still has its uses but don't always count on this card staying for that three turn period. Bottom line is, when you play your cards, play them in proper times and think about the consequences for each card played.

Five common misconceptions in the Yu-Gi-Oh TCG/OCG

2009-08-10T17:37:00.011+08:00

I am flustered about people knowing what Yu-Gi-Oh is but does not have a single clue whats it all about. Misconceptions give a false image with the franchise and this might be one of the reasons why there are only a few duelists in the Philippines. Here is my top five list of the most common misinterpretations in the game by anyone who knows its existence.

Common misconception #5: Yu-Gi-Oh is a kid's game or is meant for kids only
Although it is true that the TV show/anime is marketed in the English speaking countries as a kid's show, with products like Collector's Tins aimed as gifts for kids, the card game is definitely not for kids. A regular kid's head might explode with rulings and card effects. A regular kid might not be even aware that he is doing misplays left and right. It takes true skill and experience to really master the game. With card prices as high as $100 for a single card, I doubt a kid's pocket money is sufficient for making competitive decks(unless maybe he/she is the son/daughter of a rich person).

Common misconception #4: People got into the card game because of the TV show/anime
A huge chunk of the professional player population started the game first and did not even watch the TV show at all. Watching the TV show is definitely not required to play the card game although the show helps identify future cards that would be printed in the game.

Common misconception #3: The TV show/anime's cards are the same as the ones in the TCG/OCG
Although there are similarities, some cards are made as they were shown in the TV show/anime, Konami changes and modify some of their effects for them to be playable. Some cards do not even make it to the card game because of their outrageous effects(either too good or too bad). It is also good to note that most of the time, the lead character's(Yugi, Judai, Yusei) cards are not as strong and used in the real card game.

Common misconception #2: Life Points is the main concern with deciding who has the upper hand in the game
This is not true, as Life Points are heavily stressed in the TV show/anime of great importance, it is the other way around in the card game. Although keeping a certain amount would be useful and advantageous, it does not always equate to higher Life Point means upper hand in the game. OTKs(one turn kill) are there to finish out that full 8000 in a single turn.

Common misconception #1: It takes zero skills to play the card game so why bother
Although this might be partially true back on the days when bigger monsters are what mattered, this is not the case after the lists were implemented. It takes heavy skills to perfect decks. It takes keen analysis to truly understand how the card works in a deck. It takes practice to perfect dictating paces for duels. It takes patience to complete and perfect various deck builds. It takes hard work to play test decks. Most importantly, it takes great sportsmanship to accept defeats in duels.

Singapore rules Yu-Gi-Oh World Championship 2009

2009-08-09T22:37:00.018+08:00

Benjamin Hong Hwee Tan of Singapore took the victory over his opponent Yen-Jui Chien from Taiwan! Congratulations to Singapore for winning the Worlds this year! In the final showdown between the Blackwings and the Gladiator Beasts, Blackwings ultimately came in the end and triumphed. (Source: http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/events/championships/World_2009/index.html)

According to our local forumer, darkworldduelist and Skyler91 from Pojo(his source), top 8 finishers of the tournament gets the following prizes:

Very happy that it was an all-asian finals. And even more pleased it was the Singaporean representative who ultimately became the champion. Got a chance to talk to Benjamin last night and found him to be a very humble and shy 16 year old kid.

The Konami General Manager of the card department kept on pointing to the stage while the finals was ongoing. Despite the language barrier, we all know what "Philippine people next year" means. So good luck to all of us. Hope a player will make us all proud. Go Pacman! Ay mali...
- Courtside, Official Philippine Yu-Gi-Oh OCG Distributor
Source: http://z3.invisionfree.com/ygocgph/index.php?showtopic=2962&st=30

I hope that next year, our country has the chance to send a representative over to the Worlds and compete. All we can do for now is wait, anticipate and see if our local duelists from the Philippines can level ground with the rest of the world. Mabuhay, Philippines! (Long live the Philippines)

Threatening Roar versus Waboku

2009-08-09T16:24:00.008+08:00

The game sometimes has two or more similar cards with almost the same effect, but a different concept in performing certain tasks. A card might be designed to remove something from the field but another card might have similar effects but different aspect in doing so. A famous example is the current poll for this week-Phoenix Wing Wind Blast and Raigeki Break. Both of these cards require a discard as a cost, and stop an immediate threat that you are currently facing. I will not be discussing about that but another set of cards with almost the same or similar end effect result but differ from methodology and play.

Both can give good responses to regular Spell and Trap card destruction effects from cards like Mystical Space typhoon or Gladiator Beast Bestiari as these cards can activate the moment they are selected as targets while face-down (except when they are targeted on the turn they are Set). They both prevent destruction of monsters by battle and they both help stop your opponent's assault for a turn. The question is, what card is better running in a deck?

First and foremost, Threatening Roar entirely prevents attacking with monsters. Some monsters activate their effects via conducting battle such as the infamous Gladiator Beasts. Waboku, on the other hand, just prevents card destruction via battle and damage recieved from attacks. Using one if you control a Flip Effect monster would help trigger the effect and at the same time, saving it from destruction for a synchro summon or tribute summon next turn. On deciding which card you are adding to your deck, first you have to consider the pros and cons of each and weigh them down according to the playstyle of your deck. Do you have cards like Morphing Jar or any other Flip effect monsters on your deck? Do you want to prevent Gladiator Beasts from activating their effects? These two are one of the many two or more similar cards with similar effects but play differently.

Random Dark Simorgh Deck

2009-08-08T16:04:00.005+08:00

Original Wind Winged Beast type by far is one of the many unsupported monster types in the OCG/TCG along with Sea Serpents, Dinosaurs and others. I wonder when will be its turn to see some light in the tournament scene?

Dark Simorgh

Winged Beast/Effect
This card's Attribute is also treated as WIND. You can Special Summon this card from your hand by removing from play 1 DARK monster and 1 WIND monster in your Graveyard. You can remove from play 1 DARK monster and 1 WIND monster from your hand to Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. Your opponent cannot Set (or flip face-down) any cards.

Monsters
2 Wind Effigy
1 Whirlwind Prodigy
2 Simorgh, Bird of Ancestry
1 Prime Material Falcon
2 Dark Simorgh
3 Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame
2 Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn
2 Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind
2 Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow
1 Sangan
1 Gorz, the Emissary of Darkness

Spells
2 Allure of Darkness
2 Swallow's Nest
2 Book of Moon
1 Ancient Rules
1 Heavy Storm
1 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Monster Reborn

Traps
2 Anti-Spell Fragrance
3 Solemn Judgment
1 Mirror Force
1 Threatening Roar
1 Phoenix Wing Wind Blast
2 Bottomless Trap Hole

Extra:
2 Black Wing Armor Master
1 Black Wing Armed Wing
1 Black Rose Dragon
2 Dark Strike Fighter
1 Red Dragon Archfiend
2 Stardust Dragon
1 Thought Ruler Archfiend
1 Goyo Guardian
1 Magical Android
1 Iron Chain Dragon
1 Armory Arm
1 Psychic Lifetrancer

Side:
2 Light-Imprisoning Mirror
3 Mirror of Oaths
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Icarus Attack
1 Dust Tornado
2 Royal Oppression
1 Legendary Jiujitsu Master
1 Breaker the Magical Warrior
2 Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter
1 Brain Control

Basically the goal of the deck is to quickly summon Dark Simorgh and lock down your opponent's Spell and Trap cards with the help of Anti-Spell Fragrance. Synchro Summon Black Wing Armor Master as soon as possible with Anti-Spell Fragrance set and use Swallow's Nest for Dark Simorgh. Activate Anti-Spell Fragrance afterwards. Hopefully that would put an end to the duel with victory in your hands.

So, what do you guys think should I add or drop in this deck? As I do not have the all the cards, I cannot try and test the deck in actual duels. Constructive comments and criticism is greatly appreciated.

Compulsory Evacuation Device plus Synchro monster equals?

2009-08-08T12:07:00.013+08:00

The OCG definitely has a bigger cardpool, specifically with the available synchro monsters. Competitive decks in the TCG include Gaia Knight, The Force of Earth on their Extra Decks for the simple reason that it has a huge ATK of 2600, despite having zero monster effects and that's in an easy level 6 synchro. One of the better alternatives for it, if not replace it, is Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier, part of the Ice Boundary archetype, which is not yet introduced in the TCG.

Brionac, Dragon of the Ice Barrier

For those non-Japanese empowered people, this card reads as:
Sea Serpent/Synchro/Effect
1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
Discard any number of cards to the Graveyard. Then, return cards from the field to its owner's hand equal to the number of cards discarded.

Although this card does not boast heavy ATK and DEF stats, this card can prove to save your hide on certain duels as it has the effect to bounce any card on the Field back to its owner hand. Perfect targets for this card are Gladiator Beast Heraklinos and Dark Armed Dragon and almost every synchro monster existing today, as this card bounces them back in the Extra Deck. Don't forget that his effect is an ignition effect and you can use it as many times as you can and as you want, provided that you have the cards in your hand to discard for its cost. Just don't expect this card to be effective against certain cards like the Monarchs, for example, as you will help give your opponent an extra devastating monster effect, sometimes to destroy even more of your cards, including this card.

This alone makes this card worthy to put in every Extra Deck when the time comes that this card is released in the TCG.

Cold Wave: adding insult to injury

2009-08-07T16:50:00.006+08:00

Tired of getting your strategy ruined by cards like Mirror Force, Solemn Judgment and Dimensional Prison? It is really annoying when you are dominating the field and they play these cards to reverse the table and put you on cold water. Apparently, there is card that would solve these problems and when played at the right moment, will ensure complete dominance throughout the duel.

This card will pave way for your army of Blackwings or keep your Gladiator Beasts safe to ensure victory as this card prevents your opponent from activating Spells and Traps for two turns (yours and your opponent's following turn). This card can also protect your monsters for two turns from the deadly effects of Spell and Trap cards. Just remember that this card needs to be played properly for it to be effective-You can only play this Spell card on the beginning of your Main Phase 1. Make sure that this is the first card effect you activate on your Main Phase 1 or else you can't play this card for that turn. Also, always keep in mind that this card prevents the activating and setting of Spell and Trap cards not only your opponent, but also you. Just don't expect this card to save you in a pinch.

The Duelist Genesis: dueling redefined

2009-08-06T18:52:00.012+08:00

In 2008, the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game introduced a new set based on the newest Yu-Gi-Oh TV show 5D's. This set drastically changed how the TCG is played with more additions to the young synchro summoning system and added two new deck archetypes (Piece Golem and Psychics) and further support to the long forgotten Spirit monster cards. The first set to ever feature cards from 5D's-this set is The Duelist Genesis.

I will be discussing the highlights of this set: its top 3 cards and my opinions regarding the set in general.

Top 3 cards

3: Krebons (C)

This card is a all-in-one card with so-so initial stats of 1200ATK and 400 DEF at level 2. It is DARK based, which can be splashed around on any decks revolving in this type, at the same time, it runs as a Tuner aside from its primary type, Psychic. This card can take in any punishment from monster attacks and live to tell the tale, regardless of its attack power if you activate its effect. It can survive a turn or two for just paying 800 Life Points for every monster that attacked it. This card is also searchable by Sangan, Mystic Tomato and Emergency Teleport (more about this card below), it serves as an immediate solution to aggro decks. This card can also be be special summoned with Graceful Revival for a quick emergency tuner. Played carefully, this card can prove to annoy your opponent and bring the lashing with a synchro summon the following turn.

2: Emergency Teleport (UR)

This card took a serious hit with the March list, restricting it to 1 per deck. There has to be a reason why this card was sanctioned. One of them is that this card is a quick play spell card, which can be activated at the Battle Phase and your opponent's turn and combo it with a Book of Moon to cancel out its destruction effect. Another is that it can be activated to aquire and easy tribute fodder for your regular tribute monster. Lastly, this card can easily summon a Krebons or a Psychic Commander for an easy tuning. If you somehow run an Urgent Tuning in your deck, you can abuse this card with it and do massive damage. This card also thins the deck by one card.

And the best card is... *drumroll*

1: Goyo Guardian (UR)

Easy synchro requirements. Conveniently level 6. Massive base stats of 2800 ATK and 2000 DEF. Brain Control effect every time it destroys a monster. No wonder every Extra Deck that has synchro summoning has this card in it. This card is so good that it was changed to Limited status in the March list.

Honorable Mention:

Gladiator Beast War Chariot (SR)

This card is never without in a Gladiator Beast deck because of its easy requirements(Having any Gladiator Beast monster on the field) and massive game breaking effect. With the current meta revolving around monster effects more than anything else-Judgement Dragon? Gotcha. Dark Armed Dragon? Na-ah. Rescue Cat? I don't think so. A simple card with a simple purpose-annoy the living out of your opponent.

Verdict: This set contains essential cards that are staple on the current metagame. With other game breaking cards like Izanami, The Tricky and synchro monsters like Red Dragon Archfiend, Thought Ruler Archfiend and Stardust Dragon, this set is a must for every competitive player, and collector alike. And the best part of it all is that this set runs for the cheapest among all the sets available today. Don't hesistate to contact me for pricing and availability if you are interested to purchase a Booster Box or two.

Scaling defined

2009-08-06T17:16:00.002+08:00

Ever wonder why you always get those regular rares and miss out all the holo cards from booster packs you buy from regular hobby stores no matter how many packs you buy? Be aware, you might be the victim of scaling.

Full credit goes to JerichoPojo from YouTube. I did not make any part of this video at all.

Our regular hobby stores might be scaling their packs before they put them for sale. What do I mean by this? When you buy a booster box and open it up, you can each individually weigh the packs and find out which ones has the Super and Ultra rares even without opening the booster packs. In this case, the store might have already acquired the holos of the box even before the regular customers has the chance to pull them from the packs.

Buying factory sealed Booster Boxes will help circumvent this problem because you are assured that the products are not searched yet and you still have the chance to pull those hard to find holos. The disadvantage to this is that you are forced to open up more packs than you should and get many useless copies of commons for that particular set instead of buying multiple packs from different sets.

There are other methods of finding out where the rare cards are and some of them are freezing, foiling, but the most rampant method used is scaling. This does not apply only to Yu-Gi-Oh but also to different card games.

When buying booster packs, always keep this in mind. Let the buyer beware.

Mind Control: outright broken card

2009-08-05T22:26:00.008+08:00

Back then, when people were still enjoying nuking the field with their Raigeki and Dark Hole, one of the outright strongest spells was Change of Heart. This card allowed you to literally steal your opponent's monster and either tribute summon with it or clear your opponent's field for an easy direct attack, sometimes resulting in an easy win. What made matters worse was this spell could also target face-down defense position monsters, destroying any hope of surviving for your opponent for one more turn in case he/she is wishing to stall with a defense position monster.

Good thing we don't see Change of Heart on tables anymore today, but what we do see is Mind Control. At a glance, this card doesn't do anything quite useful at all aside from Change of Heart's monster stealing effect. You could also use the effect of a monster you took control off, for example, Dark Armed Dragon's effect. But your opponent is still safe and is assured that the monster you stole would come back to him at the End Phase and at the same time, it can't attack you and it can't be used for as a tribute.

With the introduction of 5D's, synchro summons were introduced. So what does this have to do with this card? Basically, even though you can't use the stolen card as a tribute nor attack with it, you could use it as a part for synchro summoning-almost the same as using it as a tribute! With a prep-ed up Extra deck of a mixture of level 5 to 9 monsters, whatever monster your opponent throws at you, you can still use it for a synchro summon. What's even worse is that this card is still in unlimited status, meaning you can have 3 copies of it on your deck. Oh, and let's not conveniently forget about this card being able to target face-down defense position monsters too. Having a change of heart?

I am eagerly waiting for the latest list and definitely, this card is one of those cards that are sure to get hit, at least in my opinion.

The Destiny Engine defined: an essential for every Dark deck

2009-08-05T21:07:00.017+08:00

In this topic, I will be discussing the Destiny Engine, its components and how it works.

I. Defining the Destiny Engine
The Destiny Engine is a set of cards that will speed up a deck provided that is is mainly dark-type monster based, in which the Blackwings, one of the top meta decks today for example, can utilize.

II. Main Components

Monsters:
2 Armageddon Knight
2 Destiny Hero - Malicious
1 Destiny Hero - Dasher
1 Plaguespreader Zombie

Spells (select 3 of any combination of):
1-2 Destiny Draw
1-2 Allure of Darkness

Optional engine support components:
1 Krebons
1 Psychic Commander
1 Emergency Teleport

III. Destiny Defined

Destiny Hero - Malicious

At a first glance, this monster seems to be a junk card, sporting only 800 on both sides at level 6. While the base stats are disgusting as it is, this card has lots of uses. First of all, this card works well with Allure of Darkness and Destiny Draw as it can serve as fodder for these spell cards to activate. Another good combo with this card is that it can be combo-ed with Armageddon Knight's effect, choosing it as the card discarded. As this card's effect only works in the graveyard and not in the hand, it can easily special summon another copy for an instant tribute or level 6 fusion. Lastly, if this card and Plaguespreader Zombie is in your graveyard, you can easily do a level 8 synchro by activating both their effects and bring out beasts like Stardust Dragon and Red Dragon Archfiend with ease, provided that the other copy is still in your deck.

Destiny Hero - Dasher

Another card with seemingly useless auto-defense position effect, this card does not stand out because of its mediocre 2100/1000 attack and defense at 6 stars. What is really good about this card is that its third effect works when it is in the graveyard, which allows you to special summon any monster you draw on your draw phase. Like Malicious, this card also works very well with Allure of Darkness and Destiny Draw. Lastly, its first effect can be used to generate ammo for Dark Armed Dragon's destructive effect if you manage to protect him carefully.

The three optional psychic related cards included are based on fast synchro-ing. You never know when your opponent unleashes powerful monsters like Judgement Dragon or Dark Strike Fighter in surprise. Mind Control and Emergency Teleport can net you an easy level 6 or 7 synchro in an instant if you manage to take control of a level 4 monster from your opponent. Krebons can help delay those regular damaging attacks and can prove to last long in duels. As these monsters are Dark-based, they can also help you dish out your strongest monster: Dark Armed Dragon!

Always keep in mind that cards should be in harmony for them to work properly.

Purchase Yu-Gi-Oh TCG in the right price locally

2009-08-05T20:05:00.002+08:00

Being sick of the availability and choices of the TCG offered in the Philippines, I will help fellow TCG collectors acquire their cards at the right selection and prices. I will accept orders of any Yu-Gi-Oh TCG products like Booster boxes, Duelist Packs and Collector Tins. This will ensure that you get your TCG at the right condition, quantity, specifications and price. A 30% downpayment is required to ensure that there are no orders going to be made for the sake of just ordering and actually not going to purchase the products. All you have to do is tell me which set(s) of cards you want to buy and I will contact you back for pricing and other further instructions. I will guarantee that these products are kept factory sealed and unsearched in any way possible.

Interested people can e-mail or add me on my Yahoo! Messenger (camille7688@yahoo.com). You can also reach me through my handphone: 09173558194. Minimum orders should be at least a booster box or two tins or any combination of both.

The difficulties of purchasing the TCG in the Philippines

2009-08-05T19:43:00.002+08:00

There are only two major outlets who majorly sell the TCG in the Philippines, namely Hobbes and Landes and the official distributor which is Courtside. Both of them sells the TCG at outrageously expensive prices with limited selections. For example, a simple UDE The Duelist Genesis booster pack runs at regularly $2.99 per booster pack in most retail stores in the US. The same booster pack is available at these outlets for $6. Another example is a Crystal Beast Sapphire Pegasus Tin.

This tin runs for rougly $14 on Amazon. Here in the Philippines, it is retailed on the country for as high as $40 (PhP2000). This makes it hard for local TCG collectors to acquire certain cards. Top that off with the regular OCG using locals and near zero TCG community support, its really a pain to create even a simple deck-in this case a simple crystal beast deck.

OCG or TCG?

2009-08-05T19:12:00.001+08:00

Alright, as we all know, the Yu-Gi-Oh card game runs at multiple languages, being English and Japanese the most prominent ones. EN tagged sets can only be used on the eastern part of the globe whereas the JP and the newly introduced AE sets can only be used for the west.

Here is the regular TCG - EN tagged card "Black Rose Dragon"

This is the Japanese version of the card

Moving on, the only difference between the two cards is obviously the language used to tell what does the card do. They are both authentic and both tournament legal in their respective countries. This is where the problem arises. The Philippines, the country where I'm from, is majorly an English speaking country aside from its native language which is Filipino. Konami is forcing our country to play cards that belong to the OCG with incomprehensible text, at least for me and everyone who is not Japanese literate. So if a duelist from my country wants to play the game locally on organized play, he should cough up a deck in an unknown language.

As a collector and a casual duelist, I prefer my cards to be readable as a matter of personal preference. I have nothing against the OCG but hey, at least give us the chance to pit with our English cards. Language barriers aren't supposed to be part of the challenge in playing Yu-Gi-Oh right?