As I said in the last post, I went to Regionals yesterday.
I brought my Genex Heroes deck, but I was missing one Genex Undine. My plan was to pull one from The Shining Darkness, since we got five upon entering. I didn't pull any, so I had to TRADE for one. Yes, seriously. It was part of a bigger trade involving Dark Grepher and Cards for Black Feathers, so they just threw it in. I mean, it IS a Common.
Okay, so I did a bunch of stuff throughout the event, so I'm debating on whether or not I should put that here or at the end of the post. I suppose that I can put some here and some at the end.
Like last time, I met with DarkZeroHour501st, and we actually talked a little more than last time. Mostly, it was about the game itself, and how only very few people can win tournaments. Also, we talked a little bit about how the game is played and how the way to play well can't be taught, only learned. Cliche, but true.
So, it was ten rounds long, since there were over 600 people participating. As with my first Regionals Report, I'll just state the deck that I played against, the result, and a small note.
Round 1: vs Blackwings - XX
-Royal Oppression is evil. This guy was running two Breeze, by the way. He said that it's not as dead of a card as people think if you draw it. It's like drawing a Vayu, except not as bad, actually...
Round 2: vs Fortune Ladies - OO
-Um, no contest.
Round 3: vs Ojamas - OO
-In the second game, he stole my Rai-Oh with Symbols of Duty. I left it on his field for most of the game, since it prevented him from searching with Ojamagic and Ojama Blue.
Round 4: vs Gladiator Beasts - XOO
-I had a bad hand the first game. He had bad hands the next two games.
Round 5: vs X-Sabers - OO
-In the first game, he barely got any X-Sabers. I was confused as to what deck he was running, since he had Giant Rats and Rykos. I guess it was just a budget build.
Round 6: vs Lightsworn - XOX
-Judgment Dragon is evil. But seriously, this guy's build was very good and actually consistent. From what I heard, I'm pretty sure that he topped yesterday.
Round 7: vs Infernities - OXO
-I had Gorz all three games. In the first game, I used it to make a reversal and killed him. In the second game, I had to block an OTK and he Mist Wurmed it away. In the third game, I didn't draw it until I already had control, since I had drawn five Traps in my starting hand.
Round 8: vs Macro Monarchs - XX
-Remove from play decks are too good this format. And, he just happened to draw multiple copies of Macro Cosmos/Dimensional Fissure, even after I kept destroying them.
Round 9: vs Skill Drain - OO
-This guy was playing Blackwings, Cyber Valley, and some other stuff, along with Skill Drain, of course. Skill Drain doesn't hurt my deck much, since Absolute Zero activates off the field and Genex Undine's effect to send a Water to the Graveyard is a cost.
Round 10: vs Machina Gadgets - XOX
-Gadgets gain too much advantage... And, this guy played very well; he didn't randomly dump his Gadgets just to drop Fortress.
After the last round, I noted that my Genex Heroes deck doesn't really win through E-Hero Fusion beatdown. In fact, I didn't draw Miracle Fusion as often as I had hoped. I usually had to win off of poking with Genex Undine and Genex Controller (which is a better card than you think...) for small amounts of damage.
I generally got positive responses from my opponents about my deck, but I still need to refine the deck a lot more. I might take it to locals next weekend, but there are two things standing in my way. One would be the fact that Junk Destroyer is coming out in two days, and that makes my Quickdraw deck(s) viable again.
The second is that I did a bunch of trading throughout the event. I picked up everything I need for an Infernity deck except Infernity Barrier. So, I might want to play Infernities at locals. The problem I'm trying to overcome is how it's extremely easy to Side Deck against Infernities...
While trading, I also picked up a Breeze the Gentle Wind, three Cards for Black Feathers, and a set of the "manga E-Hero" Fusions (three Absolute Zero and one Gaia). And, I got some Synchros, including Infernity Doom Dragon, Black-Winged Dragon, and two Splendid Roses.
Overall, this Regional was better than the last two I went to. I had a lot of fun, played an innovative deck to confuse people (I often played game one without revealing either the E-Heroes or the Genex engine), and placed well. Out of over 600 people, I got 97th. Yay, double-digits!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Regionals Tomorrow
I've finally decided on what to run. Genex. Yes, Genex. But it also runs some E-Heroes and Debris Dragon. But, why Genex?
Genex Undine is a +1 on the summon that lets you dump a Water from your deck. That could be a Debris target, something to remove for Miracle Fusion, or something that just likes to be in the Graveyard, like Dragon Ice.
It's just what I've been looking for, since it allows me to dump Waters into the Graveyard quickly. Like Prisma, it can set up for a Miracle Fusion by itself.
Moreover, Absolute Zero is just an amazing card this format. All I have to worry about is Infernities, since they could OTK me before I do stuff. I'll probably side heavily for them, X-Sabers, and Machina Gadgets.
At this moment, I'm just figuring out the finishing touches for the Main Deck, as well as the whole Side Deck and what to trim from the Extra Deck.
Raigeki Break seems good, but it's generally a -1. With Dragon Ice taking cards out of my hand, I might not be able to play Raigeki Break. I might consider Enemy Controller instead, since I'm playing Treeborn Frog, but I need a way to protect my smaller Monsters. Or, I could add Woodsman to give me more hand advantage...
As for the Extra Deck, I might have to side Chimeratech Fortress Dragon. There's too many cards I need to run, and I'm not even Main Decking Cyber Dragon. Eh, I'll have to figure it out.
I don't really mind if I don't top, but I don't want to get completely destroyed.
Genex Undine is a +1 on the summon that lets you dump a Water from your deck. That could be a Debris target, something to remove for Miracle Fusion, or something that just likes to be in the Graveyard, like Dragon Ice.
It's just what I've been looking for, since it allows me to dump Waters into the Graveyard quickly. Like Prisma, it can set up for a Miracle Fusion by itself.
Moreover, Absolute Zero is just an amazing card this format. All I have to worry about is Infernities, since they could OTK me before I do stuff. I'll probably side heavily for them, X-Sabers, and Machina Gadgets.
At this moment, I'm just figuring out the finishing touches for the Main Deck, as well as the whole Side Deck and what to trim from the Extra Deck.
Raigeki Break seems good, but it's generally a -1. With Dragon Ice taking cards out of my hand, I might not be able to play Raigeki Break. I might consider Enemy Controller instead, since I'm playing Treeborn Frog, but I need a way to protect my smaller Monsters. Or, I could add Woodsman to give me more hand advantage...
As for the Extra Deck, I might have to side Chimeratech Fortress Dragon. There's too many cards I need to run, and I'm not even Main Decking Cyber Dragon. Eh, I'll have to figure it out.
I don't really mind if I don't top, but I don't want to get completely destroyed.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Random Stuff #8
So, for 5D's Episode 111, Jack got owned by Bommer's little brother, who just happened to be possessed by some spirit or something. Okay, so Jack didn't get "owned," but he crashed after taking a bunch of damage. With that, we can call it a normal duel for Jack Atlas.
Onto more important news, I've got Regionals this weekend, and I still don't know what to run. I'm still trying to find a good Absolute Zero variant, but I doubt that it could do very well at Regionals. I'm thinking about running a Destiny End Dragoon/Ab Zero hybrid, but I'll have to see.
If I can't figure anything out at all, I might just play some sort of Frog deck. I don't really like the idea of playing like 12 Monsters that need tributes. If you draw too many of them, you lose. And, how aren't people playing Crevice into the Different Dimension to get rid of both Treeborn Frogs at once?
I just don't want to play a slow deck. They get killed too easily now, as I discussed in an earlier post. I would play Infernities, but I'm waiting on the Archfiends. If I can trade for them at Regionals, then I can have the deck finished soon, but Archfiends cost too much right now. Eh, I'll see what I can do.
Lately, I've been playing Megaman Battle Chip Challenge and Duel Masters. They're fun. Duel Masters is a much more balanced game than Yu-Gi-Oh, and Battle Chip Challenge is a nice strategic game. Hmm, maybe that's why I haven't been thinking of deck lists recently.
I should be able to try some decks on Friday with Aki and Riku, so I hope that's enough time to finalize a deck for Regionals...
Onto more important news, I've got Regionals this weekend, and I still don't know what to run. I'm still trying to find a good Absolute Zero variant, but I doubt that it could do very well at Regionals. I'm thinking about running a Destiny End Dragoon/Ab Zero hybrid, but I'll have to see.
If I can't figure anything out at all, I might just play some sort of Frog deck. I don't really like the idea of playing like 12 Monsters that need tributes. If you draw too many of them, you lose. And, how aren't people playing Crevice into the Different Dimension to get rid of both Treeborn Frogs at once?
I just don't want to play a slow deck. They get killed too easily now, as I discussed in an earlier post. I would play Infernities, but I'm waiting on the Archfiends. If I can trade for them at Regionals, then I can have the deck finished soon, but Archfiends cost too much right now. Eh, I'll see what I can do.
Lately, I've been playing Megaman Battle Chip Challenge and Duel Masters. They're fun. Duel Masters is a much more balanced game than Yu-Gi-Oh, and Battle Chip Challenge is a nice strategic game. Hmm, maybe that's why I haven't been thinking of deck lists recently.
I should be able to try some decks on Friday with Aki and Riku, so I hope that's enough time to finalize a deck for Regionals...
Monday, May 24, 2010
Absolute Zero in the Current Format
It's a great answer to most of the major decks this format. It's a huge beater that nukes the opponent's field when it leaves the field.
It helps against Machina Gadgets and other decks that swarm. It can also be an out to things like Tytannial or XX-Saber Gottoms, and it can't be Saber Holed.
But, using it properly is quite tricky. Using Polymerization loses you too much advantage. Miracle Fusion is slow; you generally can't use it during the first few turns.
And, what type of engine would best suit Absolute Zero? A D-Hero engine with some Waters? Meta-beat E-Heroes with some Waters? Straight E-Heroes? Some random deck with some Waters and some Heroes?
Seriously, I'm trying to figure out an Absolute Zero deck for Regionals this weekend, and I can't seem to make an effective build. The thing is that I want to also use Debris Dragon, since the ability to proactively destroy the field is too good to pass up.
It helps against Machina Gadgets and other decks that swarm. It can also be an out to things like Tytannial or XX-Saber Gottoms, and it can't be Saber Holed.
But, using it properly is quite tricky. Using Polymerization loses you too much advantage. Miracle Fusion is slow; you generally can't use it during the first few turns.
And, what type of engine would best suit Absolute Zero? A D-Hero engine with some Waters? Meta-beat E-Heroes with some Waters? Straight E-Heroes? Some random deck with some Waters and some Heroes?
Seriously, I'm trying to figure out an Absolute Zero deck for Regionals this weekend, and I can't seem to make an effective build. The thing is that I want to also use Debris Dragon, since the ability to proactively destroy the field is too good to pass up.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Machina Gadgets
What makes them so good?
Well, they can run amazing cards like Smashing Ground that other decks just don't have room for. And, all of the Gadgets and Machina Gearframe are searchers, which makes them floaters.
They also have access to Machina Fortress, which is an amazing "boss Monster." It can be hard to get rid of for some decks, which rely on Monster-based Monster removal (Caius, Ryko, and such).
Limiter Removal is also too good a card. The downside only affects you if you don't win that turn, which will basically be never.
Also, anyone can play the deck. Yes, anyone. You have $30, don't you? Yeah? Then you can make and play the deck. Although newbs will often misplay Fortress, the free card advantage gained with Gadgets usually makes up for that.
What are the downsides to the deck? Drawing too many Gadgets? No, Fortress that deal with that. Drawing too few Gadgets? That's hard to accomplish when you play nine of them...
Really, it's hard to take advantage of your opponent when they're playing this deck. There are a few things you can do, though.
Cyber Dragon (and E-Hero Prisma or anything acting as Cyber Dragon) can turn all of your opponent's Machines into a huge plus for you. System Down can also remove from play their Fortresses, whether they're on the field or in the Graveyard.
Some people like Pulling the Rug. It's meh. It helps against the olden Gadget decks, since they only play two of each Gadget. With Machina Gadgets increasingly playing three of each Gadget, chances are they'll have a second Gadget in their hand to make up for losing the first. Pulling the Rug does help against Machina Gearframe, though, as well as against Monarchs, Infernity Necromancer, and Summoner Monk.
Lightning Vortex seems like a good card that not many people are playing anymore. Back in the "Lightsworn format," everyone was maining one and siding a second. It might help more, now that X-Sabers, Infernities, and Machina Gadgets are around.
Since Machina Gadgets won the first Yu-Gi-Oh Champion Series thing, expect to see more of them in the near future.
Well, they can run amazing cards like Smashing Ground that other decks just don't have room for. And, all of the Gadgets and Machina Gearframe are searchers, which makes them floaters.
They also have access to Machina Fortress, which is an amazing "boss Monster." It can be hard to get rid of for some decks, which rely on Monster-based Monster removal (Caius, Ryko, and such).
Limiter Removal is also too good a card. The downside only affects you if you don't win that turn, which will basically be never.
Also, anyone can play the deck. Yes, anyone. You have $30, don't you? Yeah? Then you can make and play the deck. Although newbs will often misplay Fortress, the free card advantage gained with Gadgets usually makes up for that.
What are the downsides to the deck? Drawing too many Gadgets? No, Fortress that deal with that. Drawing too few Gadgets? That's hard to accomplish when you play nine of them...
Really, it's hard to take advantage of your opponent when they're playing this deck. There are a few things you can do, though.
Cyber Dragon (and E-Hero Prisma or anything acting as Cyber Dragon) can turn all of your opponent's Machines into a huge plus for you. System Down can also remove from play their Fortresses, whether they're on the field or in the Graveyard.
Some people like Pulling the Rug. It's meh. It helps against the olden Gadget decks, since they only play two of each Gadget. With Machina Gadgets increasingly playing three of each Gadget, chances are they'll have a second Gadget in their hand to make up for losing the first. Pulling the Rug does help against Machina Gearframe, though, as well as against Monarchs, Infernity Necromancer, and Summoner Monk.
Lightning Vortex seems like a good card that not many people are playing anymore. Back in the "Lightsworn format," everyone was maining one and siding a second. It might help more, now that X-Sabers, Infernities, and Machina Gadgets are around.
Since Machina Gadgets won the first Yu-Gi-Oh Champion Series thing, expect to see more of them in the near future.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Shift of the Format
Yes, I haven't posted a review on new episodes of 5D's recently. That's because nothing has happened. Yusei killed Placido with Shooting Star Dragon's effect, and the preview seems to indicate that the show will go back to doing random fillers involving unimportant characters (from the past).
So, on the the main topic. Well, not yet. I was planning on doing a discussion on the card Forced Back, but I realized that with the advent of The Shining Darkness, it's not as relevant.
Now, onto the main topic. With the advent of The Shining Darkness, four new decks have become (more) competitive. Frogs, Infernities, X-Sabers, and Fairy (Herald of Perfection) variants.
Frogs, Infernities, and X-Sabers all mean that the format just got a lot faster. Back before The Shining Darkness, it was okay to set Flip Effect Monsters every turn or pile up a wall of tokens. Now, that'll get you killed.
I, personally, have been taking advantage of that, which is why I've been doing well at locals recently. But now, we have to prepare for random Infernity OTK's and Frog FTK's. Of course, this is why slow decks like Quickdraw Plants and Synchro Cat have been doing so poorly lately.
So, with this knowledge, you can prepare for the new decks this format (in the TCG, at least). Oh, and people will be net-decking the Machina Gadget deck that won the Yu-Gi-Oh Championship Series thing, so watch out for that, too.
So, on the the main topic. Well, not yet. I was planning on doing a discussion on the card Forced Back, but I realized that with the advent of The Shining Darkness, it's not as relevant.
Now, onto the main topic. With the advent of The Shining Darkness, four new decks have become (more) competitive. Frogs, Infernities, X-Sabers, and Fairy (Herald of Perfection) variants.
Frogs, Infernities, and X-Sabers all mean that the format just got a lot faster. Back before The Shining Darkness, it was okay to set Flip Effect Monsters every turn or pile up a wall of tokens. Now, that'll get you killed.
I, personally, have been taking advantage of that, which is why I've been doing well at locals recently. But now, we have to prepare for random Infernity OTK's and Frog FTK's. Of course, this is why slow decks like Quickdraw Plants and Synchro Cat have been doing so poorly lately.
So, with this knowledge, you can prepare for the new decks this format (in the TCG, at least). Oh, and people will be net-decking the Machina Gadget deck that won the Yu-Gi-Oh Championship Series thing, so watch out for that, too.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Duel Masters Entry Deck Zero
Aki and I ordered the two Entry Deck Zero decks. There are only two different ones in that series, by the way...
So, Aki got DMC-49 Force of Dragon, and I got DMC-50 Perfect Angel. The Force of Dragon Entry Deck has a bunch of (Armored) Dragon support, while the Perfect Angel Entry Deck has a bunch of huge Blockers and the foundation of a good Water-based draw engine.
I'm not entirely sure what Aki is going to do with the new cards. He said that he would make a Fire/Light deck, but he might also throw in some Dark.
As for me, I was planning on making a Heaven's Gate-based build with a Water-based draw engine and a Nature-based mana engine. But, then I realized that Heaven's Gate isn't all that great. If you're using 11-cost Light Triple-Breaker Blockers, then it can be helpful. But when you don't want to depend on Heaven's Gate, it's not worth it.
So, I'm thinking about using a more consistent build that cuts back a little bit on the huge Blockers to play some helpful Dark cards. Demon Hand (Terror Pit) is pretty nice, and there's a neat loop that you can pull off with Reverse/Rebirth Charger (Corpse Charger) and Syforce...
So, Aki got DMC-49 Force of Dragon, and I got DMC-50 Perfect Angel. The Force of Dragon Entry Deck has a bunch of (Armored) Dragon support, while the Perfect Angel Entry Deck has a bunch of huge Blockers and the foundation of a good Water-based draw engine.
I'm not entirely sure what Aki is going to do with the new cards. He said that he would make a Fire/Light deck, but he might also throw in some Dark.
As for me, I was planning on making a Heaven's Gate-based build with a Water-based draw engine and a Nature-based mana engine. But, then I realized that Heaven's Gate isn't all that great. If you're using 11-cost Light Triple-Breaker Blockers, then it can be helpful. But when you don't want to depend on Heaven's Gate, it's not worth it.
So, I'm thinking about using a more consistent build that cuts back a little bit on the huge Blockers to play some helpful Dark cards. Demon Hand (Terror Pit) is pretty nice, and there's a neat loop that you can pull off with Reverse/Rebirth Charger (Corpse Charger) and Syforce...
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Tournament Report 5/15/10
Like I said in my last post, I needed a new deck for locals. So, I tried a Volcanic engine. I didn't like it, because drawing Shells and Counters without Blaze Accelerator is bad. I just decided to go with a Dark Simorgh deck that mains D.D. Crows and has a Plant engine.
Riku and a bunch of his friends where at locals. I also saw that the shop had three Infernity Launchers and two Infernity Mirages. I had enough money for them, but I wanted to wait to see if I would win store credit.
Round 1: vs Newbie Deck
I won both duels...
Round 2: vs Dragons
Duel 1: I blew up his field with Black Rose Dragon after he waste all of his cards. I won from there.
Duel 2: He opened with Future Fusion, and I lost to his swarm of Dragons.
Duel 3: I slowly gained advantage. Near the end of the duel, he used Heavy Storm to clear the way for his Dark Creator. I chained Crevice into the Different Dimension to remove two of his Darks, which made his Dark Creator dead. He scooped at that.
Round 3: Quickdraw Plants
-Duel 1: He killed my field with Black Rose Dragon and I lost too much advantage.
-Duel 2: I forgot how I won.
-Duel 3: He drew badly, and I won.
Round 4: vs Hopeless Dragon
-Duel 1: The Main Decked D.D. Crows helped, and I was able to remove all of his stuff. I finished him with Tytannial and Dark Simorgh.
-Duel 2: He drew nothing, and I beat him down with Ancient Fairy Dragon.
Round 5: vs Flamvell Zombies
At this point in the tournament, my opponent, one other guy, and I were undefeated. My opponent asked to split with me if either of us won store credit. I accepted, since I knew that I would lose to the other guy, who was playing Gladiator Beasts.
-Duel 1: I owned him with Dark Simorgh.
-Duel 2: Rai-Oh messed up his Goblin Zombie, and D.D. Crows messed up his Rekindlings and Plaguespreader Zombie.
Unfortunately for me, the last undefeated guy, who was paired down, won, so I had to face him.
Round 6: vs Gladiator Beasts
-Duel 1: I knew that my match-up with Gladiator Beasts was bad and that I needed to rely on my Side Deck. Drawing badly and getting killed by Trap Dustshoot didn't help.
-Duel 2: I got killed by Trap Dustshoot again and didn't draw my sided cards until it was too late...
So I went 5-1 and got 3rd place. The person I split with got 2nd, so we both got $20 each in store credit. I went to buy the Infernity Launchers and Mirages, but the guy who won the tournament bought two of the Launchers. So, I settled on getting the last Launcher and the two Mirages.
I'm surprised that I did so well, seeing as how I didn't even have time to test my deck. I also had a bunch of good match-ups. Well, I'll probably run a different deck next weekend. Hopefully Infernities, if I can get my hands on the cards I need...
Riku and a bunch of his friends where at locals. I also saw that the shop had three Infernity Launchers and two Infernity Mirages. I had enough money for them, but I wanted to wait to see if I would win store credit.
Round 1: vs Newbie Deck
I won both duels...
Round 2: vs Dragons
Duel 1: I blew up his field with Black Rose Dragon after he waste all of his cards. I won from there.
Duel 2: He opened with Future Fusion, and I lost to his swarm of Dragons.
Duel 3: I slowly gained advantage. Near the end of the duel, he used Heavy Storm to clear the way for his Dark Creator. I chained Crevice into the Different Dimension to remove two of his Darks, which made his Dark Creator dead. He scooped at that.
Round 3: Quickdraw Plants
-Duel 1: He killed my field with Black Rose Dragon and I lost too much advantage.
-Duel 2: I forgot how I won.
-Duel 3: He drew badly, and I won.
Round 4: vs Hopeless Dragon
-Duel 1: The Main Decked D.D. Crows helped, and I was able to remove all of his stuff. I finished him with Tytannial and Dark Simorgh.
-Duel 2: He drew nothing, and I beat him down with Ancient Fairy Dragon.
Round 5: vs Flamvell Zombies
At this point in the tournament, my opponent, one other guy, and I were undefeated. My opponent asked to split with me if either of us won store credit. I accepted, since I knew that I would lose to the other guy, who was playing Gladiator Beasts.
-Duel 1: I owned him with Dark Simorgh.
-Duel 2: Rai-Oh messed up his Goblin Zombie, and D.D. Crows messed up his Rekindlings and Plaguespreader Zombie.
Unfortunately for me, the last undefeated guy, who was paired down, won, so I had to face him.
Round 6: vs Gladiator Beasts
-Duel 1: I knew that my match-up with Gladiator Beasts was bad and that I needed to rely on my Side Deck. Drawing badly and getting killed by Trap Dustshoot didn't help.
-Duel 2: I got killed by Trap Dustshoot again and didn't draw my sided cards until it was too late...
So I went 5-1 and got 3rd place. The person I split with got 2nd, so we both got $20 each in store credit. I went to buy the Infernity Launchers and Mirages, but the guy who won the tournament bought two of the Launchers. So, I settled on getting the last Launcher and the two Mirages.
I'm surprised that I did so well, seeing as how I didn't even have time to test my deck. I also had a bunch of good match-ups. Well, I'll probably run a different deck next weekend. Hopefully Infernities, if I can get my hands on the cards I need...
Friday, May 14, 2010
Flip Effects
They're way too slow!
I've stopped playing Quickdraw Synchron, since it's too inconsistent and predictable. So, I tried making a Dark Simorgh deck that uses Flip Effects. In testing, I found myself wanting to make plays that I was unable to make because I had to wait for a turn for the Flip Effects.
Just because Ryko is awesome doesn't mean that you can use it in a fast-paced deck. When Lightsworn decks weren't dead, they didn't play Ryko regularly, because it's too slow.
Maybe it was okay to play Ryko last week, because the format was still slow. But now, Infernities and Frogs will be killing everyone. If you live through their attempt for game, Ryko won't help you next turn.
Ryko will still be played, since it's the best answer to Flamvell Firedog and Shura, but it's not going to be as helpful now.
So, thanks to The Shining Darkness, people won't play Ryko as much. But, the moral of the story is to play a faster deck; one that can outspeed the slow decks of last format, but is also consistent enough to deal with Infernities, Frogs, and other OTK decks.
Why did I have Ryko represent all Flip Effect Monsters in this post? Because it's the most widely-played one, as well as one of the best. Regardless, now that I've bashed on Ryko, I'll need to make a new deck to locals...
I've stopped playing Quickdraw Synchron, since it's too inconsistent and predictable. So, I tried making a Dark Simorgh deck that uses Flip Effects. In testing, I found myself wanting to make plays that I was unable to make because I had to wait for a turn for the Flip Effects.
Just because Ryko is awesome doesn't mean that you can use it in a fast-paced deck. When Lightsworn decks weren't dead, they didn't play Ryko regularly, because it's too slow.
Maybe it was okay to play Ryko last week, because the format was still slow. But now, Infernities and Frogs will be killing everyone. If you live through their attempt for game, Ryko won't help you next turn.
Ryko will still be played, since it's the best answer to Flamvell Firedog and Shura, but it's not going to be as helpful now.
So, thanks to The Shining Darkness, people won't play Ryko as much. But, the moral of the story is to play a faster deck; one that can outspeed the slow decks of last format, but is also consistent enough to deal with Infernities, Frogs, and other OTK decks.
Why did I have Ryko represent all Flip Effect Monsters in this post? Because it's the most widely-played one, as well as one of the best. Regardless, now that I've bashed on Ryko, I'll need to make a new deck to locals...
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Random Stuff #7
I was going to do an episode review for 5D's Episode 109, but nothing really happened. Placido and Yusei continue their duel, Aki saves a little girl, Yusei Accel Synchro Summons Shooting Star Dragon. That's all.
Aki and I met today because the box of Duelist Revolution arrived today. I'm debating on whether or not I should post the box opening video, since it wasn't that exciting. We did get a Holographic Rare Dragoequites and an Ultimate Rare Scrap Dragon, the latter of which I traded Aki for. The sad thing is that we didn't get Scrap Chimera or Pot of Greed and Generosity.
We played Duel Masters, because it's fun. If you make your deck well enough, your starting hand won't be full of dead cards, ever. And, you should be able to play cards consistently, unlike Yu-Gi-Oh or Magic the Gathering. Whether or not those cards are helpful, though, is still up to luck (and skill, since what you Charge as Mana influences what you can play, of course)...
Aki is considering posting Duel Masters videos, but we haven't decided for sure, yet. The problem would be that we don't have access to new cards frequently, so we would just be using the same decks over and over. But, since Aki doesn't have the time to upload videos consistently, it wouldn't make that much of a difference.
I've been collecting Timer Balls on the Pokewalker, since you can't get them in HG/SS. I've got about 30 now, which is good. I basically try to get three every day, and it's been working out so far.
I still need to figure out a new deck for locals this weekend. I saw the Debris Plant deck that won a tournament in Japan, and I might play something like that. The problem is that people side against decks like that, nowadays. I'll see what I can do...
Aki and I met today because the box of Duelist Revolution arrived today. I'm debating on whether or not I should post the box opening video, since it wasn't that exciting. We did get a Holographic Rare Dragoequites and an Ultimate Rare Scrap Dragon, the latter of which I traded Aki for. The sad thing is that we didn't get Scrap Chimera or Pot of Greed and Generosity.
We played Duel Masters, because it's fun. If you make your deck well enough, your starting hand won't be full of dead cards, ever. And, you should be able to play cards consistently, unlike Yu-Gi-Oh or Magic the Gathering. Whether or not those cards are helpful, though, is still up to luck (and skill, since what you Charge as Mana influences what you can play, of course)...
Aki is considering posting Duel Masters videos, but we haven't decided for sure, yet. The problem would be that we don't have access to new cards frequently, so we would just be using the same decks over and over. But, since Aki doesn't have the time to upload videos consistently, it wouldn't make that much of a difference.
I've been collecting Timer Balls on the Pokewalker, since you can't get them in HG/SS. I've got about 30 now, which is good. I basically try to get three every day, and it's been working out so far.
I still need to figure out a new deck for locals this weekend. I saw the Debris Plant deck that won a tournament in Japan, and I might play something like that. The problem is that people side against decks like that, nowadays. I'll see what I can do...
Monday, May 10, 2010
Rock Stun
Well, I'm not going to be playing my Quickdraw deck anymore. Even though mine is an obscure variant, the deck is too predictable and too slow. Random rush OTK's aren't always reliable, since the amount of Traps people are playing nowadays is really high.
So I'm thinking about going to an Infernity or Frog FTK deck! Just kidding. I'm thinking about using Rock Stun, since Koa'ki Meiru Guardian and Sandman are awesome.
I don't have the money for three Doomcaliber Knights, though. And, Thunder King Rai-Oh and Legendary Jujitsu Master aren't very good this format. Ryko can kill them too easily, and no one attacks randomly into set Monsters anymore, except maybe Gadgets, Blackwings, and Flamvell variants, but those aren't widely played anymore.
So what Rocks would I use? Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo seems like a good choice to mess with "Quickdraw Dandywarrior" and other decks. Morphing Jar and Neo-Spacian Grand Mole are practically staples in Rock Stun, so those are in. But what else?
Maybe stuff like King Tiger Wanghu? It stops Frogs and Infernities, and it can help a little against "Quickdraw Dandywarrior." Cyber Dragon is good, too.
And the Spell line-up? If I run Wanghu, then I'd run Burden of the Mighty. I don't really like the whole 3 Smashing Ground/3 Fissure thing, since it seems like overkill to me. Especially since no one summons anything anymore. Book of Moon and Enemy Controller might be nice, though.
Traps should be self-explanatory. Mirror Force, Dimensional Prison, Bottomless Trap Hole, Solemn Judgment, Dark Bribe, Starlight Road, Royal Oppression. All I'm worried about is the conflict between Starlight Road and Royal Oppression. It should be okay, though.
Wait a second... How does Rock Stun even work, anyway? Everything nowadays is a 1-for-1 card, so how does a Rock Stun deck gain advantage? Battle? Pfft. Practically all Monsters that are widely played are floaters. Gadgets, Ryko, Blackwings, everything. The only way I can see Rock Stun winning is by just making all of the opponent's cards dead. That would probably be pretty difficult.
So, what's some way that I could innovate a Rock Stun deck to improve it? Ryko might help the deck, but milling wouldn't be very good most of the time... Some sort of draw/search engine would allow easier access to the key Monsters. Reusing Guardian and Sandman would also help, but that's only truly possible in a Koa'ki Meiru deck.
Eh, even Guardian and Sandman can't save Rock Stun in this format...
So I'm thinking about going to an Infernity or Frog FTK deck! Just kidding. I'm thinking about using Rock Stun, since Koa'ki Meiru Guardian and Sandman are awesome.
I don't have the money for three Doomcaliber Knights, though. And, Thunder King Rai-Oh and Legendary Jujitsu Master aren't very good this format. Ryko can kill them too easily, and no one attacks randomly into set Monsters anymore, except maybe Gadgets, Blackwings, and Flamvell variants, but those aren't widely played anymore.
So what Rocks would I use? Fossil Dyna Pachycephalo seems like a good choice to mess with "Quickdraw Dandywarrior" and other decks. Morphing Jar and Neo-Spacian Grand Mole are practically staples in Rock Stun, so those are in. But what else?
Maybe stuff like King Tiger Wanghu? It stops Frogs and Infernities, and it can help a little against "Quickdraw Dandywarrior." Cyber Dragon is good, too.
And the Spell line-up? If I run Wanghu, then I'd run Burden of the Mighty. I don't really like the whole 3 Smashing Ground/3 Fissure thing, since it seems like overkill to me. Especially since no one summons anything anymore. Book of Moon and Enemy Controller might be nice, though.
Traps should be self-explanatory. Mirror Force, Dimensional Prison, Bottomless Trap Hole, Solemn Judgment, Dark Bribe, Starlight Road, Royal Oppression. All I'm worried about is the conflict between Starlight Road and Royal Oppression. It should be okay, though.
Wait a second... How does Rock Stun even work, anyway? Everything nowadays is a 1-for-1 card, so how does a Rock Stun deck gain advantage? Battle? Pfft. Practically all Monsters that are widely played are floaters. Gadgets, Ryko, Blackwings, everything. The only way I can see Rock Stun winning is by just making all of the opponent's cards dead. That would probably be pretty difficult.
So, what's some way that I could innovate a Rock Stun deck to improve it? Ryko might help the deck, but milling wouldn't be very good most of the time... Some sort of draw/search engine would allow easier access to the key Monsters. Reusing Guardian and Sandman would also help, but that's only truly possible in a Koa'ki Meiru deck.
Eh, even Guardian and Sandman can't save Rock Stun in this format...
Sunday, May 9, 2010
"Quickdraw Dandywarrior"
It's not as good as you think it is.
First of all, the name is very misleading. It barely relies on Quickdraw Synchron. It's mainly just beating the opponent down with Tytannial, gaining card advantage of Ryko and Caius, then dropping Light and Darkness Dragon to prevent your opponent from making a comeback.
Even if it were to rely on Quickdraw Synchron, the deck plays too many (incoherent) Spells. More often than not, you won't have a Monster to send to the Graveyard for Quickdraw Synchron. In fact, when I've played against or seen the deck, Quickdraw Synchron would be Tribute Summoned more often than being Special Summoned.
So how has the deck been doing so well?
Ryko is the key. It's an Electric Pokemon can use Lightning Tackle on any card on the field. As recoil, though, you lose three cards off of the top of your deck. But seriously, it can take out any threat you need it to take out. It stops Flamvell Firedog and Shura from getting their effects, it can destroy set Monsters before they get their Flip Effects, it can mess with your opponent's back row to enable your big plays. Maybe that's why the top "Quickdraw Dandywarrior" decks at SJC Edison played Super-Nimble Mega Hamster and/or Night Assailant...?
Ryko and Caius prevent you from trying to use stuff like Royal Oppression and Dimensional Fissure to mess with their strategy. Of course, good players who use the deck will try to clear your back row before they pull of their stunts, either way.
But, there are ways that you can arm yourself against the deck. D.D. Crow and Crevice into the Different Dimension prevent Pot of Avarice and Debris Dragon from working. They can also help somewhat against Drill Warrior, but because Drill Warrior doesn't target, Soul Release is much better for that purpose.
If you really hate Drill Warrior with a passion, then Burial from a Different Dimension can be your friend. It's a waste to play it just to hate on Drill Warrior, so make sure it can help you in other ways, as well.
Raigeki Break, Phoenix Wing Wind Blast, and Karma Cut are chainable removal cards that can actually get rid of Drill Warrior. Since good players won't attack with Drill Warrior if you have back rows, you can use these to get rid of it no matter what your opponent decides to do. They're all good cards in their own right, too.
Most importantly, you need luck to beat the deck. It draws dead more often that you'd expect, and if you can take advantage of that, then you'll be able to win.
First of all, the name is very misleading. It barely relies on Quickdraw Synchron. It's mainly just beating the opponent down with Tytannial, gaining card advantage of Ryko and Caius, then dropping Light and Darkness Dragon to prevent your opponent from making a comeback.
Even if it were to rely on Quickdraw Synchron, the deck plays too many (incoherent) Spells. More often than not, you won't have a Monster to send to the Graveyard for Quickdraw Synchron. In fact, when I've played against or seen the deck, Quickdraw Synchron would be Tribute Summoned more often than being Special Summoned.
So how has the deck been doing so well?
Ryko is the key. It's an Electric Pokemon can use Lightning Tackle on any card on the field. As recoil, though, you lose three cards off of the top of your deck. But seriously, it can take out any threat you need it to take out. It stops Flamvell Firedog and Shura from getting their effects, it can destroy set Monsters before they get their Flip Effects, it can mess with your opponent's back row to enable your big plays. Maybe that's why the top "Quickdraw Dandywarrior" decks at SJC Edison played Super-Nimble Mega Hamster and/or Night Assailant...?
Ryko and Caius prevent you from trying to use stuff like Royal Oppression and Dimensional Fissure to mess with their strategy. Of course, good players who use the deck will try to clear your back row before they pull of their stunts, either way.
But, there are ways that you can arm yourself against the deck. D.D. Crow and Crevice into the Different Dimension prevent Pot of Avarice and Debris Dragon from working. They can also help somewhat against Drill Warrior, but because Drill Warrior doesn't target, Soul Release is much better for that purpose.
If you really hate Drill Warrior with a passion, then Burial from a Different Dimension can be your friend. It's a waste to play it just to hate on Drill Warrior, so make sure it can help you in other ways, as well.
Raigeki Break, Phoenix Wing Wind Blast, and Karma Cut are chainable removal cards that can actually get rid of Drill Warrior. Since good players won't attack with Drill Warrior if you have back rows, you can use these to get rid of it no matter what your opponent decides to do. They're all good cards in their own right, too.
Most importantly, you need luck to beat the deck. It draws dead more often that you'd expect, and if you can take advantage of that, then you'll be able to win.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Blackwings in the OCG
Why? Why are Blackwings so prevalent in the OCG?
In my experience, playing Blackwings is basically just hoping that you get your Siroccos and Shuras near the beginning of the game. If you open with stuff Kalut or weaker, you'll have a hard fight ahead of you.
Moreover, some the weaker Blackwings are BAD to have in your hand. Kalut, Gale, and Blizzard are nice to have sometimes, but you'd die a little inside if you draw that teched Breeze or Vayu.
Yes, Blackwings have Black Whirlwind (too good) and Black Feather Treasure/Cards for Black Feathers (meh...), which increase their consistency. Vayu is also helpful for a free, effectless Synchro Monster.
Being able to play Icarus Attack and Royal Oppression is probably what makes the deck decent. Everyone knows that Icarus Attack is annoying to deal with and that Royal Oppression can shut down entire decks by itself. But is that really the reason?
Could it be the fact that the OCG meta allows for Blackwings to do well? From what I've seen, Infernities, Lightsworn, Meta-Beat, and Synchro Cat win tournaments consistently. There are also Dragon, Monarch, and FTK decks that pop up sometimes. We can also expect to see Drill Plants (the OCG name for Quickdraw Plants/"Quickdraw Dandywarrior") top more tournaments soon.
Blackwings generally have a good match-up against decks that rely on Special Summons. They also can work well against slower decks that may not rely on Special Summons, like Monarchs and Meta-Beat. Is that why they're so widely played?
But the theme itself is fundamentally flawed. If you don't draw your big Blackwings and your Black Whirlwind, you generally won't be able to gain much card advantage. If you don't draw your Monsters, you won't be able to do anything. If you draw too many Monsters, you won't be able to do much, unless the Monsters you draw just happen to be a combination of Sirocco, Bora, Kalut, and Gale.
I'd appreciate some insight from anyone as to why Blackwings take up a big chunk of the meta in the OCG. Leave a comment if you have any ideas..
In my experience, playing Blackwings is basically just hoping that you get your Siroccos and Shuras near the beginning of the game. If you open with stuff Kalut or weaker, you'll have a hard fight ahead of you.
Moreover, some the weaker Blackwings are BAD to have in your hand. Kalut, Gale, and Blizzard are nice to have sometimes, but you'd die a little inside if you draw that teched Breeze or Vayu.
Yes, Blackwings have Black Whirlwind (too good) and Black Feather Treasure/Cards for Black Feathers (meh...), which increase their consistency. Vayu is also helpful for a free, effectless Synchro Monster.
Being able to play Icarus Attack and Royal Oppression is probably what makes the deck decent. Everyone knows that Icarus Attack is annoying to deal with and that Royal Oppression can shut down entire decks by itself. But is that really the reason?
Could it be the fact that the OCG meta allows for Blackwings to do well? From what I've seen, Infernities, Lightsworn, Meta-Beat, and Synchro Cat win tournaments consistently. There are also Dragon, Monarch, and FTK decks that pop up sometimes. We can also expect to see Drill Plants (the OCG name for Quickdraw Plants/"Quickdraw Dandywarrior") top more tournaments soon.
Blackwings generally have a good match-up against decks that rely on Special Summons. They also can work well against slower decks that may not rely on Special Summons, like Monarchs and Meta-Beat. Is that why they're so widely played?
But the theme itself is fundamentally flawed. If you don't draw your big Blackwings and your Black Whirlwind, you generally won't be able to gain much card advantage. If you don't draw your Monsters, you won't be able to do anything. If you draw too many Monsters, you won't be able to do much, unless the Monsters you draw just happen to be a combination of Sirocco, Bora, Kalut, and Gale.
I'd appreciate some insight from anyone as to why Blackwings take up a big chunk of the meta in the OCG. Leave a comment if you have any ideas..
5D's Episode 108
What appeared to be Shreddder in the preview for this episode was really only Bicular. Oh well...
Placido and his evilness causes lightning to fall from the sky and basically cause everything electronic (except dueling implements...) to explode. This causes Aki to wake up in the hospital, which seems pretty unimportant...
Yusei starts his duel with Placido, who already has his whole Machine Emperor Wisel Infinity on the field. Of course, Yusei has the Quickdraw Synchron/Bolt Hedgehog combo in his hand, and plays it along with Needle Gunner (Level 1) to Synchro Summon Junk DESTROYER! Its effect is basically rendered useless by Placido, though...
When Machine Emperor Wisel attempts to absorb Junk Destroyer, Yusei uses Star Shift, which is basically the Trap version of Synchro Change. That lets Yusei drop Stardust Dragon to set up for his Accel Synchro!
Yusei does Synchro Summon the Synchro/Tuner Formula Synchron (Level 2) two turns later. But, his Accel Synchro FAILS! Supposedly, it was because Placido was taunting him during the Accel Synchro. If that is the case, then Yusei doesn't deserve main character status anymore, since he's supposed to be able to focus and concentrate despite distractions.
Of course, after failing terribly, Yusei loses enthusiasm and gets all depressed. But, based on the title for episode 109, we should be seeing Shooting Star Dragon next episode...
Placido and his evilness causes lightning to fall from the sky and basically cause everything electronic (except dueling implements...) to explode. This causes Aki to wake up in the hospital, which seems pretty unimportant...
Yusei starts his duel with Placido, who already has his whole Machine Emperor Wisel Infinity on the field. Of course, Yusei has the Quickdraw Synchron/Bolt Hedgehog combo in his hand, and plays it along with Needle Gunner (Level 1) to Synchro Summon Junk DESTROYER! Its effect is basically rendered useless by Placido, though...
When Machine Emperor Wisel attempts to absorb Junk Destroyer, Yusei uses Star Shift, which is basically the Trap version of Synchro Change. That lets Yusei drop Stardust Dragon to set up for his Accel Synchro!
Yusei does Synchro Summon the Synchro/Tuner Formula Synchron (Level 2) two turns later. But, his Accel Synchro FAILS! Supposedly, it was because Placido was taunting him during the Accel Synchro. If that is the case, then Yusei doesn't deserve main character status anymore, since he's supposed to be able to focus and concentrate despite distractions.
Of course, after failing terribly, Yusei loses enthusiasm and gets all depressed. But, based on the title for episode 109, we should be seeing Shooting Star Dragon next episode...
Sunday, May 2, 2010
The Shining Darkness Sneak Preview
It was disappointing. Not because my pulls were bad; it's because I didn't get any pulls: they ran out of packs!
Not to worry, though. I was able to get most of the cards I wanted:
Ronintoadin
Spore
Koa'ki Meiru Sandman x3
Koa'ki Meiru Prototype x2
Koa'ki Meiru Initialize
Koa'ki Meiru Shield x2
Crevice into the Different Dimension x3
Genex Neutron!
I still need one more Koa'ki Meiru Prototype for my Koa'ki Meiru deck, and I was fortunate enough to get a Core Compression. I gave up on getting Infernity stuff, of course. I didn't see any Mirages, and I only saw one Launcher and a few Beetles.
When I saw Genex Neutron in someone's binder, I bought it immediately. It can search freaking Quickdraw Synchron! It's an 1800 Light Machine floater!
Unfortunately, people were either not selling their Black-Winged Dragons or were selling them for outrageously high prices. $30, seriously? It's not even good...
What's even more unfortunate is that I basically spent all of my time there getting all of those cards. I barely even got to duel.
Well, I got most of the cards that I needed for new decks and stuff. I'll need to figure out a deck to use at locals next weekend. I'm just reluctant to use a Quickdraw Synchron deck, since they've become extremely popular. At least now I can sell my Drill Warriors (1st Edition Ultimate Rare) for over $30 each...
Not to worry, though. I was able to get most of the cards I wanted:
Ronintoadin
Spore
Koa'ki Meiru Sandman x3
Koa'ki Meiru Prototype x2
Koa'ki Meiru Initialize
Koa'ki Meiru Shield x2
Crevice into the Different Dimension x3
Genex Neutron!
I still need one more Koa'ki Meiru Prototype for my Koa'ki Meiru deck, and I was fortunate enough to get a Core Compression. I gave up on getting Infernity stuff, of course. I didn't see any Mirages, and I only saw one Launcher and a few Beetles.
When I saw Genex Neutron in someone's binder, I bought it immediately. It can search freaking Quickdraw Synchron! It's an 1800 Light Machine floater!
Unfortunately, people were either not selling their Black-Winged Dragons or were selling them for outrageously high prices. $30, seriously? It's not even good...
What's even more unfortunate is that I basically spent all of my time there getting all of those cards. I barely even got to duel.
Well, I got most of the cards that I needed for new decks and stuff. I'll need to figure out a deck to use at locals next weekend. I'm just reluctant to use a Quickdraw Synchron deck, since they've become extremely popular. At least now I can sell my Drill Warriors (1st Edition Ultimate Rare) for over $30 each...
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Frogs
They're amazing. So why haven't I played them yet?
I just didn't have the cards. But, I bought Substitoads a week ago. And, upon looking through my Crimson Crisis and Stardust Overdrive cards, I found that I had playsets of Dupe Frog, Flip Flop Frog, and Swap Frog. I'm hoping to get at least two Ronintoadins tomorrow at the Shining Darkness Sneak Preview, and that would give me more than enough Frog cards to make a deck.
But they have no win condition. They all have like less than 1000 ATK, with many of them sporting just 100 ATK. So what's the solution?
Some have thrown Monarchs and Frogs together to give the Monarchs easy tributes. With Ronintoadin, that type of deck will become even better.
I want to try something different. Maybe something like Quickdraw Frogs or some other Frog Synchro deck. I'm not exactly sure. The idea of using Drill Warrior to keep recycling Quickdraw Synchron for endless Synchros with Frogs sounds pretty cool, though.
I just didn't have the cards. But, I bought Substitoads a week ago. And, upon looking through my Crimson Crisis and Stardust Overdrive cards, I found that I had playsets of Dupe Frog, Flip Flop Frog, and Swap Frog. I'm hoping to get at least two Ronintoadins tomorrow at the Shining Darkness Sneak Preview, and that would give me more than enough Frog cards to make a deck.
But they have no win condition. They all have like less than 1000 ATK, with many of them sporting just 100 ATK. So what's the solution?
Some have thrown Monarchs and Frogs together to give the Monarchs easy tributes. With Ronintoadin, that type of deck will become even better.
I want to try something different. Maybe something like Quickdraw Frogs or some other Frog Synchro deck. I'm not exactly sure. The idea of using Drill Warrior to keep recycling Quickdraw Synchron for endless Synchros with Frogs sounds pretty cool, though.
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