Dueling Days~

[GAOV] Holy Carved Dragon: New dragon archetype

2012-01-20T00:14:00.004+08:00

All effects are 90% confirmed since there is a super big sized scan.

GAOV-JP019 Holy Carved Dragon - Dragon Geivu

Light 4 Dragon 1800/400

When this card destroys a monster by battle and send it to grave, you can special summon from your deck/hand/grave 1 Dragon type Normal monster and treat the attack and defense as 0. When this card is tributed, special summon from your deck/hand/grave1 Normal monster with [Holy Carved] in its name.

:: This is basically a Shura with extra effects.

GAOV-JP020 Holy Carved Dragon - Aset Dragon

Light 5 Dragon 1900 1200
This card can be summoned without tribute summon. When this card is summoned this way, its base attack becomes 1000. Once per turn, select a Dragon type Normal monster on the field to activate. All [Holy Carved] monsters on the field becomes the same Level as the selected monster. When this card is tributed, you can special summon from your deck/hand/grave 1 Dragon type Normal monster and treat its attack and defense as 0.

:: Something to make all your dragons the level you want for XYZ summon.

GAOV-JP021 Holy Carved Dragon - Nephte Dragon

Light 5 Dragon 2000 1600
This card can be special summoned by tributing a monster with [Holy Carved] in its name. Once per turn, you can tribute a [Holy Carved] monster other then this card from your hand or field, select a monster on your opponent field and destroy it. When this card is tributed, you can special summon from your deck/hand/grave 1 Dragon type Normal monster and treat its attack and defense as 0.

:: Tribute monster from hand or field that destroys only monsters

GAOV-JP022 Holy Carved Dragon - Tophene Dragon

Light 6 Dragon 2100 1400
When your opponent control a monster(s) and you control no monster, you can special summon this card. When this card is special summoned this way this turn, this card cannot declare attack. When this card is tributed, you can special summon from your deck/hand/grave 1 Dragon type Normal monster and treat its attack and defense as 0.

:: A Cyber Dragon

GAOV-JP023 Holy Carved Dragon - Shuu Dragon

Light 6 Dragon 2200 1000

This card can be special summoned by tributing a monster with [Holy Carved] in its name. Once per turn, you can tribute a [Holy Carved] monster other then this card from your hand or field, select a Spell/Trap on your opponent field and destroy it. When this card is tributed, you can special summon from your deck/hand/grave 1 Dragon type Normal monster and treat its attack and defense as 0.

:: Tribute monster from hand or field that destroys only spell/trap

GAOV-JP024 Holy Carve Dragon - Usir Dragon

Light 7 Dragon 2600 700

You can special summon this card by banishing a Light Dragon type Normal monster from your grave. When this card is to be destroyed, you can tribute another monster with [Holy Carved] in its name to prevent it.

:: Boss monster

GAOV-JP025 Holy Carved Dragon - Sethek Dragon
Light 8 Dragon 2800 2000This card cannot be Normal Summoned. You can special summon this card by Banishing 3 Dragon type Normal monster from your grave. Once per turn, remove 1 Dragon type monster from the grave to select and destroy a card on the field.

:: Dark Armed Dragon?

GAOV-JP056 Holy Carved Seal of Gathering

Normal Spell

Add 1 monster with [Holy Carved] in its name

:: Rota for this theme

GAOV-JP071 Holy Carved Seal of Elimination

Normal Trap

Tribute a monster with [Holy Carved] in its name. Select and Banish 1 card from your opponent field.

:: Field removal

==================================

A long time ago, I was joking that in order for Konami to make a tier 1 theme, they needed to follow this recipe

- Dark Armed Dragon (Boss monster)

- Stratos (a Searcher on summon)

- Shura (Beatdown monster that is rewarding)

- Reinforcement of the Army (Search card)

- Destiny Draw (Draw card)

- Icarus attack (Chainable field removal)

True enough this new theme had most of that. Even though it is not an exact same card but the effect are mostly similar. For card draw, there are many that works with the theme. Super Rejuvenation, Advanced Draw, White Elephant Gift etc.

The deck probably won't be top tier at the moment cos this is nothing compared to Inzector. Yes I know I said the deck had all the components of a Tier 1 deck but Inzector broke that.

btw this deck summons Neo Galaxy, easy!

Tourney @ Cardmasters 14/01/2012

2012-01-15T00:05:00.003+08:00

Deck used: Bubbleman Hero Beat
Participants: 26

Round 1: Vs Inzector
1: Got hit by Damsel Centipede combo and I was dumb and used Duality when I could've made Blade heart to clear both. First round of the day, mind not clear.
2: Blade Heart rush accompanied with Solemn Warning and stuff.
3: Chain Disappearance on Hornet, Chain Disappearance on Damsel, Dark Mirror and Alius just beatdown a few turns.
Result: XOO

Round 2: Vs Laval
1: Blade Heart why so good! I just went for it despite knowing he had mained Battle Faders.
2: More Blade Heart rush as he drew 3 Gold sarco in a row.
Result: OO

Round 3: Vs TG Machina
1: Usual Hero Beat control with continuous Spark and Hero Blast.
2: Blade Heart wins game again.
Result: OO

Round 4: Vs TG Agent
1: Decent hand and started with Alius and set Bottomless + Starlight Road. He summoned Striker and Warwolf to make Wander Magician and destroyed my Starlight Road. I did not open Bottomless since I was hoping that he had a Venus follow up which he did. Wander Mag and Alius traded and I am obviously very disadvantaged. He summoned BLS next turn and I had nothing to answer to that. Reminder: Put Vyron Disigma next time.
2: The usual Airman Bubbleman Blade Heart wins game.
3: I was in control and he decided to go for it with his Venus. I activated Maxx C and drew 4 cards (2 balls, Daigusta Phoenix, Hyperion). Survived that turn and made a come back with Double Miracle Fusion.
Result: XOO

Top 8

Round 5: Vs Hero Beat
1: I started first and Duality for Solemn Warning and set it. He summoned Stratos which I used Warning and then he set 2 cards. I activated Storm which he responded with Starlight Road and I chained both my in hand MST to destroy his other set card and my own Storm to prevent the summon of Stardust. Stratos + Reborn for double Blade Heart ftw.
2: I drew none of my combo pieces and couldn't keep up with the advantage.
3: We both had Shining but I had one less banished Hero since I used Cyber Dragon as one of the material. I used Dark Hole to destroy both Shining and I opted not to take back my removed Hero. I normal summoned and special summoned both my in hand Bubbleman and made Blade Heart.
Result: OXO

Top 4
== Insert Conspiracy here ==

Result: Got Secret rare Verz Bahamut.

Anyway the top 8 yesterday was filled with 4 Inzector and 4 Hero Beat. 3 Hero beat made it to the top 4 (only because one of them was a mirror match) I sense more and more people are going to try playing the Bubbleman Style starting next week lol.

If you have any questions regarding Bubbleman, please refer to the post below this.

E Hero Bubbleman

2012-01-14T12:17:00.010+08:00

The new insane tech in Hero Beat decks.

Wrong Bubbleman.
Shoutouts to everyone who plays the Megaman series.

Elemental HERO Bubbleman
800/1200
Water/Warrior
LV 4
If this is the only card in your hand, you can Special Summon it (from your hand). When this card is Summoned: You can draw 2 cards. You must control no other cards and have no cards in your hand to activate and to resolve this effect.

=====================================

Ignore the draw 2, it is not the main story today but it is cool if you manage to pull it off when you are losing or in a top deck situation.

It's a LV4.

The reason to run it is for the easy access to Rank 4 XYZ monsters. Emergency Call/Rota for Stratos, Stratos searches Bubbleman, special Bubbleman, XYZ summon!! One card XYZ, what's not to like. Utopia, Roach, Daigusto Emeral, the usual good Rank 4 XYZ monsters.

It's a Warrior.

You can summon Blade Armor Ninja (OCG: Armored Ninja Blade Heart). Something as simple as Stratos and a Monster Reborn can get you 2 Blade Armor Ninja for 8800 damage.

It's a Water attribute.

Miracle Fusion for Absolute Zero, Mask Change for M Hero Acid. Nothing new here.

The older builds relies on the Anti Meta strategy doing 1 for 1 trades or pro Gemini Spark plays usually ending with Miracle Fusion for the kill. Bubbleman provides the offensive capabilities that Hero Beat deck lacks and can go for the kill right from the start with the right hand. Coupled with the various advantage gaining card like Gemini Spark and Hero Blast, it is now a dangerous deck to watch out for.

EDIT: Why not Ocean?
Because Ocean is thrash and can't do much in the current meta. There are so many cards that swarms the field easily (Inzector/Agent).

You may now all go dig your thrash pile.

Happy New Year from DS and ORCS rulings!

2012-01-01T11:35:00.004+08:00

Hi guys! This is DSummon here and here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year! 2011 has been a really busy year for me especially, what with completing my studies, busy with work, while juggling that with organising the Singapore YGO Asia Plus qualifiers, luckily joining the players at Amsterdam and Taiwan for the Worlds and Regional finals. Really wish I had more time for the blog and Youtube channel, but guess it can't be helped. I look to be as busy in 2012 as I am still stuck with another busy year at work, organising the YGO Asia Regional Championships here in Singapore and more.

Ah well, here's looking to a another good year ahead and I wish the same to all our readers! Same as Baha, I hope to come up with more interesting deck ideas and set spoilers while providing more event coverage! (Hint hint Konami, more overseas judging trips for me please, even though its tiring LOL)

Moving on, finally found some time to do the customary rulings taken from the Japanese Wiki for Order of Chaos. Non Japanese readers can see card effects from Shriek. Interested readers may click on.

Disclaimer: As always, these ruling translations from the Japanese Wikia are accurate as of the date of this post, which is 1 January. If there are any updates after that, will not take responsiblity for them. Also, if I did not mention the ruling here, either there is no ruling question for the card or the answer is not confirmed. Meaning the famous 3 word answer of 调整中

Kuribolt
- If there are no copies of this card left in your deck, you cannot activate it's effect
- The removal of exceed materials and special summoning effect are at the same timing

Gagaga Girl
- You can activate it's level copy effect multiple times each turn
- If you exceed this card with another Gagaga monster to exceed summon Gemknight Pearl, Gemknight pearl becomes an effect monster as it gains the effect through Gagaga Girl
- Its level copy effect maintains even after end phase
- If you exceed using multiple copies of Gagaga Girls, you can choose to activate its attack dropping effect the same number of times as the number of Gagaga Girls used
- Even if Phantom of Chaos which has copied Gagaga Girl's effect is used as an exceed material, the exceed monster will not gain the attack dropping effect
- If Gagaga Girl is used as an exceed material with Phantom of Chaos which has copied Gagaga Magician's name, the exceed monster will gain the attack dropping effect

Gogogo Giant
- If Gogogo Giant's effect cannot resolve as the selected monster is no longer in grave, Gogogo Giant will not turn to defense mode

ZW - Unicorn King Spear
- Its equip effect is an activated effect which can be negated by Divine Wrath. The remainder effects is treated as an equipment card effect and not a monster effect
- When resolving the equip effect, if the selected monster is no longer face up on the field, the card is sent to grave as an equipment card.
- Even if Chain Energy is on the field, you do not have to pay any life points to use its equip effect.
- If ZW - Unicorn King Spear is equipped to Relinquished through Relinquished's effect, Relinquished will gain the battle phase effect nullification effect.

Shaktopus
- Its equipping effect does not target

Reverse Buster
- It may not direct attack
- While Skill Drain is activated and Reverse Buster directly attacks the opponent and Skill Drain is then destroyed by another card's effect, a replay of attack step ensues. If there is no legal targets for Reverse Buster, it's attack will be stopped.

Flame Armor Ninja / Air Armor Ninja
- It's effect may be activated even during damage step

Aqua Armor Ninja
- Its attack nullification effect targets

Inzektor Hornet
- It's equipping effect is an activated effect, the remainder effects are not considered to be monster effects but ruling effects
- Sending itself to grave to activate it's effect is a cost
- When Hornet is equipped and it's effect is activated, as it is not a monster effect, you cannot use Divine Wrath in response
- When you activate Hornet's effect while it is equipped, it cannot be negated by My Body as a Shield, Destruction Jammer or Horus the Black Flame Dragon Lv8
- Hornet's destruction effect can destroy a Vyron Alpha that is equipped
- Even if End of Anubis or Koa'ki Meiru Devil is on the field, Hornet may still activate it's effect

Inzektor Centipede
- It's search effect cannot be activated in the damage step
- After it's equipped card is sent to grave, it's search effect is activated in a separate chain block
- After the effect card is sent to grave, if Centipede is not face up on the field, it's effect cannot be activated
- When an equipment magic is activated on this card and on chain MST is activated to destroy the equipment magic, Centipede's trigger effect cannot be activated

Inzector Damsel (Dragonfly sounds weird some how)
- You may not activate it's special summoning effect during the damage step
- After it's equipped card is sent to grave, it's special summoning effect is activated in a separate chain block (e.g. If you use Hornet's effect, that chain block fully resolves first before Damsel's effect is activated)
- If Damsel is targeted by Book of Moon or Raigeki Break and MST is chained to destroy Damsel's equipment, Damsel is not face up at the end of the chain so you cannot activate it's special summoning effect
- If you activate Hornet's effect while it is equipped on Damsel, then chain using Variable Form to equip Damsel to another Inzector, you cannot activate Damsel's special summoning effect
- If Damsel is not face up on the field when Damsel is triggering it's special summoning effect, it's effect will not resolve and you may not special summon from the deck
- (Notable 调整中) If you chain Enemy Controller and change control of Damsel when the equipment magic is being sent to grave (e.g. Hornet), which player gets Damsel's effect is unconfirmed
- When an equipment magic is activated on this card and on chain MST is activated to destroy the equipment magic, Centipede's trigger effect cannot be activated
- When Damsel is destroyed at the same time as it's equipment (e.g. Black Rose Dragon), it's effect may not be activated
- If multiple equipment cards on Damsel are destroyed at the same time (e.g. by Heavy Storm), you may only special once
- If Hornet and another equipment card is equipped on Damsel and you use Hornet's effect to destroy the other equipment card, you may special summon twice (Due to the equipments going to grave at different times, shoot Giga-Mantis for love)
- If Obsidian Dragon is on the field and equipment magic is used on Damsel, it is treated as the equipment has been successfully equipped before it is sent to grave.

Inzector Giga-Mantis / Inzector Giga-Weevil
- This card's equipping effect is an activated effect, it's special summoning effect is a trigger effect
- Even if the selected monster has another equipment card on it other then Giga-Mantis, apply all attack/defense changes. (E.g. Equipped with Hornet and Giga-Mantis makes the monster 2900 attack)
- When the equipped monster is destroyed, you may not activate Giga-Mantis' effect
- When Giga-Mantis as an equipment is destroyed at the same time as the equipped monster (e.g. Black Rose Dragon), it's effect may be activated
- It's special summoning effect may be activated in the damage step (Note: If the equipment, Giga-Mantis is destroyed. This has nothing to do with the equipped monster dying due to battle)
- If you activate it's equipping effect and the selected monster is not face up on the field at resolution, Giga-Mantis is sent to grave
- If this card's equipping effect is negated by Divine Wrath, it is sent to grave
- If this card's equipping effect is negated by Light and Darkness Dragon, it remains in hand (Infinite loop pro)

Zenmai Mouse
- It's mode change and special summoning occurs at the same timing

Evoldo Pleuros
- It's effect may be activated during the damage step

Evoldo Casineria
- The removing of the monsters special summoned by it's effect does not use the chain block

Evoldo Elias
- It's effect may be activated during the damage step

Ninja Master - Hanzo
- It's effect may be activated during the damage step

Masked Ninja - Ebisu
- If at resolution there are no cards to return to hand at the same amount as the number of Ninjas on the field, Ebisu's effect cannot be applied. (E.g. Opponent's MST is chained and that MST is already marked to go to grave, since it can't go hand, Ebisu's effect cannot be applied)

Trance Archfiend
- It's effect may be activated during the damage step
- (Notable, though not mentioned in the rulings segment but mentioned in the description segment) The discard is not a cost but an effect, therefore it works with Dark World

Twin Photon Lizard
- You may use Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon as one of the fusion materials
- It's effect does not target
- During effect resolution, if 1 of the fusion materials is no longer in the grave, the remainder fusion materials cannot be summoned

Number C39: Utopia Ray (Still wondering if there's anything wrong with a perfectly nice name like Hope)
- The materials under Number 39: Utopia will be overlaid together with Utopia itself as exceed materials for Utopia Ray
- Phantom of Chaos with the name copied to be Number 39: Utopia may be used as an exceed material for Utopia Ray
- It's effect does not target
- Even if there is no monster on the opponent's field, you may still activate it's effect. In that situation you only apply the attack adding effect
- Even if the opponent's monster's attack is less then 1000, you may still apply Utopia Ray's effect and make it 0. You can also apply it's effect on a monster that's attack is already 0.
- If Utopia Ray is not face up on the field at resolution, its attack reducing effect cannot be applied

Number 12: Crimson Shadow Armor Ninja
- It's effect applies also to Ninjas that are summoned after it's effect is activated

Number 96: Black Mist
- It's effect does not target
- The attack change for both monsters stays after battle phase
- If Black Mist or the opponent's monster is not on the field during effect resolution, it's effects are not applied
- If Inverse Universe is activated when Black Mist stats are 2000/1000 after using its effect, it's stats become 1000/2000

Zenmai Carrier Zenmighty
- It's effect cannot be activated during the damage step

Evolkaiser Solde
- It's effect cannot be activated during the damage step

Inzector Exa-Beetle
- Even if 1 of the selected targets is no longer on field during resolution, the other target is still sent to grave
- If Exa-Beetle is equipped with Giga-Mantis, it's attack becomes 2400 + 1200 = 3600 (Giga-Mantis effect + Exa-Beetle effect)

Blow with all One's Might
- The destruction of the opponent's monster does not use the chain block

Double Defender
- It's attack nullification effect targets

Galaxy Storm
- If the exceed monster is face down at resolution, the monster is not destroyed

Armored Ninjitsu Gold Conversion
- Facedown Ninjas are not destroyed
- This card cannot destroy itself
- If Imperial Custom is chained and no Ninjitsu card can be destroyed, you may not draw
- If multiple Ninjitsu cards are on the field, and 1 of them is protected by Card Guard and the remainder are destroyed, even though not all the Ninjitsu cards were destroyed, you may draw

Armor Blast
- You cannot select a face down Inzector on the field
- Even if 1 of the selected targets are no longer on the field, the remainder cards are still destroyed
- Even if the selected Inzector card is changed into a monster or equipment card by Variable Form's effect, that selected Inzector is still destroyed

Primordial Soup
- If you only have 1 card left in your deck, you may only return 1 card to your deck for it's effect and not 2.

Altar of Mist Valley
- Only the controller of this card may activate it's effect
- It's effect cannot be activated during the damage step
- Even if the wind monster is sent to grave while it is face down, this card's effect may still be activated
- Monsters summoned by this card's effect will still have their grave based effects when they go to grave.

Dicyclone
- You may activate this card's effect when there is only 1 other magic/trap card on the field. However if the dice roll result is 5, it's effect is not applied
- If there is no magic/trap card on the field, this card cannot be activated

Repellent Force
- This card does not target

Gagaga Guard
- It's effect applies also to monsters that are summoned after it's effect is activated

Exceed Reflect
- Even if this card negates the effect of a card that activates in grave like Newdoria, and Newdoria cannot be destroyed as it is in grave, the life point damage effect is still applied

Splash Capture
- This card's effect targets
- If the exceed monster is face down at resolution, it's effect is not applied

Armored Ninjitsu Freeze Lock
- This card's attack nullification effect does not target
- During resolution, if the attacking monster is not face up on the field to nullify the attack, this card's effect to nullify attack is not applied

Armored Ninjitsu Rust Mist
- It's effect uses the chain block
- Even if this card leaves the field, monsters which already have the effect applied on by this card will maintain the half attack

Inzector Orb
- You cannot activate this card in the damage step
- If Icarus attack targets and Inzector and another card, you may not activate this card

Junction of Evolution
- The destruction and special summon effect occurs at the same timing

Ninjitsu Art of Super Transformation
- The original level of the card when it enters grave is used
- As exceed monsters do not have a level, they cannot be selected for this card's effect (Notable since I have seen a lot of people use this card wrongly)
- Either of the selected monsters can be a monster token (Assuming you can fit the condition for the token to have the name Ninja), but its level is not considered as it only considers the level when the monster enters grave
- The Ninja as well as the selected monster must both be face up to activate this card
-If any of the monsters is face down at resolution, the monsters are still sent to grave and the levels are still considered for this card's effect
- If any of the monsters' control is switched at resolution, the selected monsters still go to grave and this card's effects are applied as normal
- If three is no monsters that may be summoned from the deck at resolution, the selected monsters are still sent to grave
- If Dimensional Fissure is on the field, this card may still be activated. However as the monsters do not enter grave, you may not special summon from deck
- While this card stays face up on the field, the monster special summoned by this effect is constantly targeted by this card
- If 1 of the selected monsters is not on field during resolution, the other monster is still sent to grave and you may special summon a monster with the level equal to or lower then the monster sent to grave.

Exceed Reborn
- When this card is activated and MST is chained to destroy this card, the exceed monster is still special summoned but this card does not become the exceed material for the exceed monster
- If MST is used on this card and this card is chained, the exceed monster is special summoned and this card still becomes the exceed material for the exceed monster
- The special summoning for the exceed monster and this card becoming the exceed material occurs at the same timing

Huge Revolution Reversal
- If 3 Vase of Greed are chained, then Vanity's Call is activated, Huge Revolution Reversal cannot be used to negate Vanity's Call
- If there are face up magic or trap cards on the field and Shining Silver Force is activated, Huge Revolution Reversal cannot be used to negate Shining Silver Force

And thats it! I know I skipped Photon Shockwave but was busy that period and I think there was nothing really specific about that pack that needed effect clarifications. Anyway, hope this post has helped!
-

Happy new year everyone!

2011-12-31T23:59:00.001+08:00

Last post for the year!

Wishing all the readers (and trolls) a Happy New year.

Hopefully we can provide more random deck ideas, set spoilers, event coverage and stuff like that.

See you all in 2012!

Gold Series 2012 [OCG] Part 2 (FULL LIST)

2011-12-31T14:34:00.008+08:00

GS04-JP001 《カオスポッド》 Morphing Jar #2
GS04-JP002 《昇霊術師ジョウゲン》 Jougen
GS04-JP003 《溶岩魔神ラヴァ・ゴーレム》 Lava Golem
GS04-JP004 《カオス・ソルジャー－開闢の使者－》 N-Rare BLS
GS04-JP005 《雷帝ザボルグ》 Zaborg
GS04-JP006 《Ｄ.Ｄ.クロウ》 DD Crow
GS04-JP007 《終末の騎士》 Armaggedon Knight
GS04-JP008 《ローンファイア・ブロッサム》 Lonefire Blossom
GS04-JP009 《スターダスト・ドラゴン》 Stardust Dragon
GS04-JP010 《発条機雷ゼンマイン》 Zenmaines
GS04-JP011 《魂の解放》 Soul Release
GS04-JP012 《強制転移》 Creature Swap
GS04-JP013 《王家の眠る谷－ネクロバレー》 Necrovalley
GS04-JP014 《エネミー・コントローラー》 Enemy Controller
GS04-JP015 《強欲で謙虚な壺》 N-Rare Pot of Duality
GS04-JP016 《グラヴィティ・バインド－超重力の網－》 Gravity Bind
GS04-JP017 《ウィジャ盤》 Destiny Board
GS04-JP018 《ゴッドバードアタック》 Icarus Attack
GS04-JP019 《次元幽閉》 Dimension Prison
GS04-JP020 《スターライト・ロード》 Starlight Road

Soldier and Duality is the normal rare, the world is peaceful again.

Day 4 at Asia Plus Championship

2011-12-20T02:33:00.003+08:00

Alright, final blog post of the series! Sorry this blog post is so late though. Once I reached home, I practically had a concussion on my bed and was dead to the world. As usual, click on!

In the end, our Sunday night session ended at about 4.30am. Pretty fun having inter-country plays, especially for me, since it was really the first time in the trip I got to take out my deck even lol.

Finally getting to sleep in (somehwat), I work up at about 9.30am, then packed up. All of us checked out at about 11am and had long sessions of saying good byes and everything before we headed off.

Jimmy with the Thailand team!

Accompanied by the Taiwan and Malaysia players, Jimmy led the way and we headed over to his house and dumped our luggage there, then walked around the area. He brought us to get some lunch, then onto a underground mall at a train station, where there was easily 8 card shops in the area lol. Everyone turned on their full shopping mode and went to buy stuff. However it didnt last long since I think everyone were pretty tired. We just walked around for 2 hours, before finally settling down in 1 of the card shops where we just played deck for another 2 hours or so, before returning to Jimmy's home to take our luggage and headed on to the airport, and we arrived back in Singapore at about 1am.

Apologies that I have lack of photos for this segment, since I was pretty brain dead and totally didnt think of taking out my camera. On hindsight I should have at least taken photos of the card shops.

Ah well, thats the end of the Taiwan series folks! Next up will be the Asia Championships 2012, in no where other then Sunny Singapore! Event will be held around end March/early April so note it down in your calendars. In the meantime, excuse me while I start planning for the organising of the event in Singapore... (True Story)

Day 3 at Asia Plus Championship

2011-12-19T01:35:00.006+08:00

Day 3 is finally over! Even though I only had 4 hours of sleep yesterday, I somehow made it through today! Even still managed to head out to walk around night markets again and visit the other countries' rooms. Im even typing my blog post in the Thai representatives' room as I speak. Click on!

Here are our representatives from each country as well as the shops that they are representing!

And a big turnout again today! About 200 players joined in the top shop today due to the large number of shops in Taiwan.

Format to select the top 8 was pretty interesting. Basically they first held a single elimination to reduce the number of players to about 100 players. After that, each of the 100 players were issued 2 star chips and the battle was a rush to get the first 6 players to have 30 star chips. This was done by 1 game battles between the players who basically gamble for star chips and try to increase their amount of chips.

Game format was really fast paced and exciting. Basically I was shouting myself hoarse for about 2 hours finding opponents for players with lots of shouting of stuff like "4 chips, who wants to fight for 4 chips!" As time continued, things got pretty exciting with people having to gamble 18 chips just to get the remainder 12 chips or nobody would play with them. Pretty soon, the top 6 players were settled. Then accompanied by 2 seeded players, the top 8 players played single elimination to decide first place to represent Taiwan. By the time top 8 was completed and the rep was decided, it was only 2+pm so it was really fast paced.

My opinion is this game format is really exciting, but pretty unfair since it encourages fast decks and control decks are at a disadvantage. Also, the games are 1 game decision matches, so there is no side decking. This is pretty different from the typical YuGiOh game. Furthermore, they would have to play the same deck in single elimination during the top 8 as well, so deck choices get restricted.

And the top 4 players are decided!

Here are the 6 players going against each other. Similar to the team play format, the 6 players are separated into 2 groups and play round robin. The winning team of each group then goes on to the finals while the 2nd place team will then go on to fight for 3rd or 4th.

The nice goodies for the players!

Malaysia and Philippines fighting it out for 1st and 2nd place

Hong Kong and Thailand fighting it out for 3rd and 4th

And the results are out!
1st - Malaysia
2nd - Philippines
3rd - Hong Kong
4th - Thailand

Photo of me with an old friend Jimmy, as well as one of the cuter girls manning (or woman-ing) the side events. Jimmy just jumped at the chance to get closer to her by promising to send her the photo, hence why she is in the photo, lol!

Photo with the Philippines team, who are also readers of our blog!
(Apparently quite a few Philippines read our blog, since even the distributor knew who I was straight away once the Philippines team introduced me. Thanks for all the support!)

And thats the end of the tournament! Really ended much earlier with the entire event ending at about 5.30pm. Packing up was quick and we headed back to the hotel to rest before dinner at the hotel. However we just had a quick meal before we headed out to the night market again! The Philippines team and Thailand translator also joined in as well while we got Jimmy to help bring us around the Shilin Market better as he pointed out some areas we missed yesterday.

Exciting dish of snake meat soup! Despite all the concerns, everyone was convinced to try some in the end (Yes, including the Philippines team and Thai translator!)

Interesting game of fishing for prawns lol. Basically if we catch a prawn, the shop will fry it for us and we eat it fresh on the spot! Pretty fun game, we spent a good half hour struggling with the prawns!

After that, we headed onto Jimmy's family cafe which was also in Shilin, where a lot of the local players were there as well. It was pretty interesting for everyone as we all got to play decks, while I was speaking to quite a few of them and exchanging info on how different players are like in Singapore and Taiwan. Basically we stayed till 1 before heading back to the hotel to do more trading and paying games. Really thankful to the Philippines players since they gave me (And Baha, since 1 of the cards was for him) quite abit of discount on cards as fans, thanks guys!

And thats about it folks! Will probably be playing deck more and sleeping less tonight. For tomorrow, the plan is to checkout by 11am, then head out to a couple of the local card shops as well as shopping areas. After that will get on a 7pm plane and arrive back after midnight. Will probably do that final post when Im back in Singapore, hopefully with pictures of card shops and stuff in Taiwan, though maybe only on Tuesday morning since I will be pretty dead tired when Im back. See you again when Im back!)

==================================================

And once again, here we are at the YGO information segment! Here are the decks used by the players from the various countries.

Singapore - TG Agent
Malaysia - Insectors
Philippines - TG Agent
Taiwan - Agent Angel (Jupiter build)
Thailand - Machina Gadget
Hong Kong - Agent Angel

Also, here are the deck lists of our finalists!

1st Place Winner deck list - Kee Kian Sim (Malaysia)

2nd Place Winner deck list - Rey Vincent M. Lim (Philippines)

Alright, finally done with the blog post, I'm off to finally have a chance to play deck with the representatives!

Day 2 at Asia Plus Championship

2011-12-18T01:45:00.006+08:00

Time for a very long day 2! Lots of photos though very tired since Im typing this at like 2am and I have another full day judging coming up in 6 hours... Click on for the story...

Nice big event billboard right outside the event hall. Surprisingly, the event hall is just a 5 minute walk away from the hotel, pretty good since it means I won't have to bring as much stuff tomorrow.

Event hall early in the morning before the Taiwan crowd is let in

Photos of the various reps from each country for the Asia Plus Team Tournament, minus Taiwan which was decided only in the later part of the day

Some photos of the various trophies and prizes for the players

Interesting mini game. They had 5 mini games available though this was the most interesting one in my opinion. Basically you just pick 3 cards on each side, and the player that gets to go first can look at his cards and decide to attach/defend. Then the other player side will be the opposite. Basically its a game that if you manage to attack through, you win, sorta thing.

Nice booth area for various shops to setup and sell products, including singles.

The typical photo booth photo choices. Not as popular as the token booth at Worlds for sure though.

Event hall map and event info

And the crowd is let in! The place fills up quickly with over 84 teams joining, so thats at least 252 players already, not counting as well a lot of people who are there just to support friends/taking part in the primary school tournament etc, so easily 300 players. I was really busy since I was basically judging for the Taiwan main event as well. Tournament format was basically single elimination all the way till the top.

I was introduced as be the head judge for Singapore and made head judge as well for 2 rows of tables. (The Hong Kong and Taiwan head judge were similar made head judge of 2 rows each as well, so they had an interesting triple hierarchy of assistant judges, moving on to the 3 head judges.) Pretty stressed since I had thought I was just gonna be an assistant judge rather then a head judge lol. Luckily I had no issues with the rulings and was able to adapt to their style of judging and answering rulings quickly.

The top 4 teams for Taiwan! The winning team is in front right.

And the 8 representative teams gather in their team t-shirts! This part was especially tiring, since I had to look after the Korea team which I had totally no idea what they are saying, so was abit difficult to handle. Best time was when Korea was against Thailand and seriously had to work between the 2 translators to settle the ruling issue. Among the judges there, I was the only one who could speak fluent English as well so I had to run around the other countries such as Philippines and Thailand (Translator can only speak English).

Format wise, the 8 teams were split into 2 groups where they played round robin. The top scoring team of each group would then go up to play the finals, while the 2nd scoring team would play for 3rd and 4th place. Also, there was a trump card system where basically the leader could use it only once to obtain an extra multiplier to earn even more points in the round they use it. However, they would also lose extra points should they lose, so its pretty interesting.

And the results are out for both groups!

Fighting for 3rd and 4th place, we have Korea on the left and Thailand on the right~

And fighting in the finals, we have Malaysia on the left and Philippines on the right~ Do have some videos taken, though haven't had chance to check the quality, hope everything is ok. Will get it up once I am back in Singapore and have time to edit it.

Prizes for the top 4 teams, really quite a spread looking at all the prizes.

And our winners are decided! Here they are in order...
1st - Philippines
2nd - Malaysia
3rd - Korea
4th - Thailand

Philippines team in their moment of glory!

Philippines team with their distributors

Tournament ended later then expected and it was already 9pm, so the congratulatory dinner was cancelled and we ended up eating burgers lol. Well, this is the extra dinner since there is another one planned for tomorrow as well, so don't think it will be missed. Most of us were glad that it was removed anyway since its another long day tomorrow.

Once we were back at the hotel, a lot of us were still not tired though, and there was a lot of moving around between rooms between the players to chat, duel as well as do trading. We ourselves headed to the Philippine players' room to congratulate them as well while I also took photos of their deck lists, coming up at the end of the post!

On to night market at Shilin! Determined to get to visit around the area despite having stood for over 12 hours judging, the singapore group gathered and 5 of us headed out. Place was crowded even at 11pm. We did quite a lot of shopping and eating snacks, so it was pretty fun and a lot of things are cheap as well. However we got tired out and headed back to our hotel at 1+am. My dedication refused to stop me from doing this blog post though, lol.

========================================================================
And here are some interesting info for the YGO player in you! For starters, here are the various decks used by each country's representatives. Do keep in mind that the players share their ban list (Max of 3 of any card among the 3 players, 2/1 for the restricted cards) Order in from of Team leader, followed by Team member A, then Team member B

Korea - Agent Angel, Insector, Karakuri
Malaysia - Six Samurai, Agent Angel, Dark World
Macau - TG Agent, Dark World, Six Samurai
Hong Kong - Rabbit Raggia, Agent Angel, Lightlord
Thailand - Black Feather, Gladiator Beasts, Gravekeepers
Taiwan - Agent Angel, Rabbit Ragia, Six Samurai
Singapore - Insector, TG Agent, Rabbit Ragia
Philippines - Insector, TG Agent, Six Samurai

And here are the deck lists for team Philippines!

And thats finally the end of the blog post folks! Finally done at 3am, gonna quickly sleep 4 hours before I get up again, ugh. Another long day ahead for me. Will try to update about the Top Shop tournament results earlier in the shout box as well so keep a lookout~

Day 1 at Asia Plus Championships

2011-12-16T23:02:00.010+08:00

And we are headed off to Taiwan! Super early morning flight but still quite a lot of people came to send us off, thanks everyone, especially considering we were meeting at the airport at 5am. Flight took us about 4+ hours and we arrived in Taiwan about noon and took a long 40min cab ride to our hotel, Hotel Eight Zone. For more info about the first day, click on~

Typical quiet first day I guess. We arrived and checked into the hotel at the usual check-in counter for players. Im actually staying in the same room as the head judge from Hong Kong. Guess its meant more to be a chance to build up relationship for me since I will be working with him for next year's Asias. Anyway after checking in it was already 2pm and we were starving, so off to grab some lunch. We managed to find a place that had pretty fantastic food! ($2 rib cutlets are awesome, true story)

After that we went around the area to shop at a nearby electronics plaza. Prices are really cheap, i managed to buy my portable hdd at 2/3 of the price I would have to pay in Singapore so its really cheap. Anyway basically walked around till it was time to go for dinner.

Considering that it was near, we were asked to take the train since it was just 1 stop. Bad move.... Taipei was flooded with people doing christmas shopping and we were squashed like sardines. That photo you see is the back view of all the various country reps getting out of the train station as we made our way to the restaurant.

Singapore reps getting involved in icebreaker games

More reps getting pulled in for games

Konami in charge Wylie declaring how our Singapore William is her close BROTHER lol

Gifts for all the players. Nothing exciting pack wise since theres only a box of EXP2 but they had the full set of accessories like dice, calculator, playmate, deck sleeves that they can use, though no new exciting accessory.

Team of judges! Head judge Simon is 3rd guy from the left

The various Konami staff and distributors from each country getting together for a toast.

I was asked to be the emcee for the evening so was practically on my feet running around and announcing stuff for almost 2 hours while people eat. Pretty fun to interact with the various countries reps I guess. Aside from the player welcome gifts, each player also got a medal for winning the respective qualifiers in their countries. Either way, dinner ended at about 10 and we took a long 20 minutes walk back to the hotel to avoid the train crowd. Heard we're walking to the event site too, hopefully its not that far...

And back to the hotel room! The only thing i have totally no complaints of. Room is really big, and the jacuzzi looks like it can easily fit 2 people. I would probably consider staying here again if Im ever back in the future. Only sad part is wifi in the room pretty sucks so I have to go to the lobby and make do with whats still pretty sub-standard wifi. Ah well, I need to get ready for another long day tomorrow so here's DSummon, signing off.

Heading off to Taiwan!

2011-12-16T01:19:00.002+08:00

Sorry I've been basically quiet ever since I finished posting up the videos and decklists. Basically been busy rushing out the last bits of work and checking things out for the Singapore reps and stuff. Why? Cause Im off to Taiwan!

Basically, been invited there to help out as a judge this time round. I would believe its mainly due to the fact that Asia Regional Championships 2012 will be held here in Singapore, so it will be sorta an internship for me to be there to learn how they do things. I will be emcee-ing for the welcome dinner event and judging for the main event tournaments for both days.

Konami Hong Kong seems to like the idea of creating side events and have lots of interesting things lined up such as guessing the weight of cards, gift card tournaments, etc. For the chinese readers, you can head over here to check out for more details. Also considering that they are having not just the Asia Plus Team Tournament championships but also holding another championships for Top Shop, the 2 day events looks to be packed with lots of events happening! Only sad point is my judge schedule looks as packed as well...

As for the blog, I should be doing my regular daily updates. Not sure if I have time to do live updates since I will be busy with judging so will have to see how that goes. Ah well, will be heading to the airport in a few hours and will arrive in Taiwan about 1pm local time so keep a lookout at the blog!

Gold Series 2012 [OCG]

2011-12-13T08:39:00.006+08:00

Only one month left to release and all we get is information on 2 more cards. More cards should be revealed in the next Vjump (with Osiris)

Pot of Duality

It's been 2 years and a reprint is inevitable. Better here than in some random Structure Deck half a year from now.

Before Reprint - omg I can't form this deck cos I can't afford pot!
After Reprint = omg now everyone is gonna have pot noooo!

That's the general reaction I'm seeing lol

Windup Zenmaines

A surprise considering it's only been a month since the release of TCG Photon Shockwave. My guess is Konami really loves the Windup archtype. (or they just ran out of random stuff to print in Gold Series)

Other things I hope is in the Gold Series

Chain Disappearance
It hasn't been reprinted since Expert Edition 2 and Inzectors are everywhere, good time to print.

Royal Oppression
Sure it's banned, not the first time there are banned cards in the Gold Series.

Smashing Ground
Needs a foil version!

Trap Dustshoot/Mind Crush
Needs a foil version!

If you think there is gonna be Reborn Tengu/Tourguide in the set, you'll be in for disappointment lol.

Update:

There will be Necrovalley, Stardust, Starlight Road, Armageddon Knight in Gold Series. Nice Gold Series, true story.

====

And to end this post, let's all play guess the Uncommon!

I pick Duality and Zenmaines!

If Duality is not uncommon, then I'm sorry to say that something horrible is gonna happen to it this coming March lol. The same can be said for BLS.

Tourney @ Cardmasters 10/12/2011

2011-12-11T11:27:00.006+08:00

Participants: 34
Deck used: Conspiracy Plant synchro

Tourney report ahead, skip all the way to the bottom for decklist =D

Round 1: Vs Junk Doppel
1: Long game which was basically me stopping a Quasar and two BLS and me having 700 LP for a very long time lol. I can't remember all since this whole duel was fought till the time was up.
2: Time was called and after the 3 additional turn I managed to deal damage.
OO

Round 2: Vs Karakuri (DSummon lol)
1: He did his Burei/Bureido Combo and made Big Eye to gain control of my face down but he forgot that Big Eye couldn't attack and I survived. Made a come back from there.
2: He made the usual field of Burei and Bureido, I opened Scapegoat to block and he used Chain Disappearance to remove them all lol.
3: I started off with Dustshoot and his hand was very bad. I made Chimera Fortress and made Chain to stack a BLS but he Crow my only Dark and then used Big Eye to take my Fortress leaving me with no Dark. I got Debris and made Orient and attacked over Chimera to get back my dark and summoned BLS to remove Big Eye. He had no come back from that.
OXO

Round 3: Vs Karakuri
Did not play out and went for lunch. Conspiracy.
O-

Round 4: Vs Herald Agents
1: I played poorly and only managed to stall with a Reaper against a Perfect Herald and a Kristya and it was a matter of time before he summoned Hyperion by Tributing Gelan Duo.
2: Quick plant synchro rush.
3: Another long intense game. I had 2 set Mind Crush and a Solemn Judgment. I Mind Crush and declared Jupiter since it was the only card that I know he searched and saw Hyperion, 2 Orange Light, Manju and Honest. I had Raioh and Call of Haunted and he already had Gachi. So I made Stardust and tried to push. Defense failed shortly when he Heavy Storm since he had Orange Light against my Stardust. The story here is, even if I Solemn and used Raioh to negate the summon of Hyperion, he would Orange Light and I can't Stardust that since Raioh is not on the field.
XOX

Round 5: Vs Laval
1: Attacked into a Gorz, followed by Rekindling. A timely Maxx C drew me Gorz and I made a come back.
2: Attacked into a Gorz again. This time I had no Maxx C or anything useful.
3: Made Trishula and removed yet another Gorz from his hand. Hax. After that I made Roach and prevented his Rekindling and he only made some XYZ.
OXO

Top 8 with a 4-1 swiss score.

Top 8: Vs Agents
1: Conspiracy Kristya and a Ancient Sacred Wyvern at 7000 ATK.
2: Dustshoot and Mind Crush is too skillful. Roach stopped Hyperion Kristya from doing some conspiracy.
3: Ball and Kristya hand lolol
XOO

Top 4: Vs TG Agents
1: He was going for the kill even under the effect of Maxx C and I managed to draw out my 2 Veilers to stop the Gachi boost and an Armory Arm equip effect. Made a comeback from the massive draw.
2: Dustshoot and Mind Crush again and saw all the cards that he had and just made plays accordingly.
OO

==== Bonus Round ====

Final: Vs Inzecter (not played officially since we shared the prizes)
1: Inzecter second turn destruction. My hand was thrash and Gorz couldn't do anything.
2: Raioh beat wins game.
3: My opponent activated Dimension Fissure and then activated Damsel effect, I mind Crush and called Hornet removing it from the hand and was forced to equip a Gigamantis. I Dark Hole and beatdown with Tengu and Reborned Gigamantis.
XOO

You won't see anymore Proxy Daigusto Emerald in my future youtube videos!

Decklist:

22
[1] BLS Envoy of Beginning
[1] Gorz
[1] Caius
[2] Raioh
[3] Reborn Tengu
[1] Lonefire Blossom
[1] Dandylion
[1] Spore
[1] Growup Bulb
[1] Debris Dragon
[2] Effect Veiler
[2] Maxx C
[1] Sangan
[1] Spirit Reaper
[1] Mystic Tomato
[1] Phantom Skyblaster
[1] Verz Mandrago

13
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] One for One
[1] Mind Control
[1] Scapegoat
[1] Book of Moon
[2] Enemy Controller
[2] MST

6
[1] Solemn Judgment
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Bottomless Traphole
[1] Solemn Warning
[1] Call of the Haunted
[1] Trap Dustshoot

[1] Trishula
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Brionac
[1] Orient Dragon
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] TG Hyper Librarian
[1] Armory Arm
[1] Formula Synchron
[1] Lavalval Chain
[1] Inverz Roach
[1] No39 Utopia
[1] Leviair the Sea Dragon
[1] Chimeratech Fortress Dragon

Just a regular Plant Synchro without Tourguides.

The 3 replacement cards are just something to help me set up my Lavalval Chain better.

Double feature! Inzecters and Gemknights

2011-11-29T11:08:00.004+08:00

Long over due post that I left under "draft" for so long lol.

Casual duel between Inzecter and Gemknight.

Watch to find out what is going on with these themes.

How Gemknight wins.

How Inzecter wins

============================================

Gemknights

25
[2] Tragoedia
[3] Thunder Dragon
[3] Volcanic Shell
[3] Gemknight Garnet
[3] Gemknight Tourmaline
[3] Gemknight Obsidian
[3] Gem Armadillo
[2] Gem Turtle
[3] Rescue Rabbit

9
[3] Pot of Duality
[3] Gemknight Fusion
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Dark Hole

6
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Mirror Force
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Return from DD
[2] Compulsary Evacuation Device

Gemknight Ruby = Gemknight + Garnet
Gemknight Zirconia = Gemknight + Rock (Turtle/Obsidian/Armadillo)
Gemknight Prism Aura = Gemknight + Thunder (Thunder Dragon/Tourmaline)
Gemknight Citrine = Gemknight + Pyro (Volcanic Shell/Garnet)

The general idea here is to spam and OTK.
Use Lavalval Chain to dump the Gemknight Fusion.
Citrine is extremely strong.

============================================

I don't think Inzecter needs any introduction lol.

Asia Top Shop 2011 SG Qualifiers

2011-11-25T06:33:00.004+08:00

And finally done! Last 3 videos are up and deck list here as well for top 4 finalists. Really have been spending all my spare internet bandwidth just uploading videos none stop recently. Once again, click on for the deck lists and video links!

1st Place - Yu Bixuan (TG Agent)
[3] TG Striker
[2] TG Werewolf
[3] The Agent of Mystery - Earth
[3] The Agent of Creation - Venus
[3] Mystical Shine Ball
[3] Master Hyperion
[1] Archlord Krstya
[1] Herald of Orange Light
[1] Honest
[1] Sangan
[1] Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning
[2] Tragoedia

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Mind Control
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Book of Moon
[1] Heavy Storm
[2] Pot of Duality
[2] MST

[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Torrential Tribute
[2] Phoenix Wing Blast
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[1] Solemn Judgement

2nd Place - Jeff Soh (Junk Doppel)
[1] Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning
[1] Dark Armed Dragon
[2] Tragoedia
[2] Chaos Sorceror
[1] Lonefire Blossom
[1] Dandylion
[1] Spore
[1] Glowup Bulb
[1] Killer Tomato
[2] Effect Veiler
[1] Sangan
[1] Debris Dragon
[2] Card Trooper
[2] Lightsworn Hunter Ryko
[1] Lightsworn Magician Lyla
[2] Junk Synchron
[2] Doppel Warrior

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] One for One
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Scapegoat
[1] Mystical Space Typhoon
[1] Charge of the Light Brigade
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Book of Moon

[1] Trap Stun
[1] Torrential Tribute
[2] Call of the Haunted
[1] Raigeki Break

3rd/4th Place - Vishal Dharshan (Blackwing)
[1] Blackwing - Vayu the Emblem of Honor
[3] Blackwing - Bora the Spear
[1] Blackwing - Zephyros the Elite
[3] Blackwing - Blizzard the Far North
[3] Blackwing - Shura the Blue Flame
[1] Blackwing - Kalut the Moon Shadow
[1] Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind
[3] Blackwing - Sirocco the Dawn
[1] Dark Armed Dragon

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Mind Control
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Book of Moon
[1] Heavy Storm
[3] Pot of Duality
[1] Allure of Darkness
[2] MST
[1] Black Whirlwind

[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Mirror Force
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[1] Solemn Judgement
[2] Solemn Warning
[3] Icarus Attack

3rd/4th Place - Lauren Tan (Agent Angel)
[3] The Agent of Mystery - Earth
[3] The Agent of Creation - Venus
[3] Mystical Shine Ball
[3] Master Hyperion
[2] Archlord Krstya
[3] Herald of Orange Light
[1] Honest
[2] Gellenduo

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Mind Control
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Book of Moon
[1] Heavy Storm
[3] Pot of Duality
[2] MST
[1] Forbidden Lance

[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Torrential Tribute
[2] Dimensional Prison
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[1] Solemn Judgement
[2] Call of the Haunted

PS: Will not be putting up side deck and extra deck, since that will really make the blog post too long

Asia Plus 2011 SG Qualifiers - Decklists and Videos

2011-11-19T08:43:00.009+08:00

Hi Guys, finally had time to sit down for the good hour to key in all the decklists and get the videos up. Well videos more like have been slowly going up for the last few days, and editting them. Its a long post so click on for the decklists and video links!

Team FTW Leader - Nian Jie (Laggia Rabbit)
[3] Rescue Rabbit
[3] Sabersaurus
[3] Kabazauls
[3] Jurrac Guaiba
[2] Spirit Reaper
[1] Neo-Spacian Grand Mole

[2] Shrink
[2] Fissure
[2] Forbidden CHalice
[1] MST
[1] Smashing Ground
[1] Pot of Duality
[1] Forbidden Lance

[3] Macro Cosmos
[3] Widespread Ruin
[2] Xing Zhen Hu
[2] Starlight Road
[1] Mirror Force
[1] Bottomless Trap Hole
[1] Solemn Warning
[1] Dark Bribe
[1] Black Horn of Heaven

Team FTW Member A - Daniel Ang (Gladiator Beasts)
[3] Gladiator Beast Laquari
[2] Gladiator Beast Darius
[2] Gladiator Beast Equeste
[1] Gladiator Beast Murmillo
[1] Gladiator Beast Retiari
[1] Gladiator Beast Bestiari
[1] Gladiator Beast Samnite
[1] Gladiator Beast Hoplomus

[2] Forbidden Lance
[2] Smashing Ground
[3] Gladiator Proving Ground
[1] Book of Moon

[3] Safe Zone
[3] Dimensional Prison
[1] Black Horn of Heaven
[1] Solemn Warning
[2] Horn of the Phantom Beast
[1] Starlight Road
[1] Bottomless Trap Hole
[2] Compulsory Evacuation Device
[1] Solemn Judement
[3] Gladiator Beast War Chariot
[2] Call of the Haunted

Team FTW Member B - William Oh (TG Agent)
[3] TG Striker
[3] TG Werewolf
[3] The Agent of Mystery - Earth
[3] The Agent of Creation - Venus
[3] Mystical Shine Ball
[3] Master Hyperion
[1] Honest
[1] Junk Synchron
[1] Sangan
[1] Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Begining
[2] Tragoedia
[2] Herald of Orange Light

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Mind Control
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[2] Pot of Duality
[1] MST
[2] Creature Swap

[3] Royal Decree
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Torrential Tribute

Team AGD Leader - Jonas Bai (TG Agent)
[3] TG Striker
[3] TG Werewolf
[3] The Agent of Mystery - Earth
[3] The Agent of Creation - Venus
[1] The Agent of Miracles - Jupiter
[3] Mystical Shine Ball
[3] Master Hyperion
[2] Archlord Krstya
[1] Honest
[1] Junk Synchron
[1] Sangan
[1] Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Begining
[1] Tragoedia

[1] Valhalla, Hall of the Fallen
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Mind Control
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Pot of Duality
[1] Heavy Storm
[2] MST
[2] Creature Swap

[2] Royal Decree
[1] Trap Dustshoot

Team AGD Member A - Toh Rui Feng (Dark World)
[3] Snoww, Unlight of Dark World
[3] Beiige, Vanguard of Dark World
[2] Scarr, Scout of Dark World
[3] Grapha, Dragon Lord of Dark World
[3] Broww, Huntsman of Dark World

[3] The Gates of Dark World
[1] Foolish Burial
[2] Dragged Down into the Grave
[3] Dark World Dealings
[2] Dark World Lightning
[1] Card Destruction
[3] Upstart Goblin
[1] Terraforming
[1] MST
[1] Fissure

[2] Deck Devastation Virus
[1] Mind Crush
[2] Skill Drain
[1] Mirror Force
[1] Compulsory Evacuation Device
[1] Dimensional Prison

Team AGD Member B - Chow Wing(Gravekeepers)
[3] Gravekeeper's Descendant
[3] Gravekeeper's Spy
[3] Gravekeeper's Commandant
[2] Gravekeeper's Assailant
[3] Gravekeeper's Recruiter
[1] Spirit Reaper
[1] Malefic Cyber End Dragon

[3] Necrovalley
[1] My Body as a Shield
[2] Royal Tribute
[1] Allure of Darkness
[2] Gravekeeper's Stele
[2] Pot of Duality
[2] Wonder Wand
[1] Book of Moon

[2] Dimensional Prison
[2] Bottomless Trap Hole
[1] Dark Bribe
[1] Compulsory Evacuation Device
[2] Solemn Warning
[1] Solemn Judgement
[1] Torrential Tribute

Note: In between the videos, there are segments where there may be 2 minutes of no movement from either players. This is due to the timeout ruling that each team is entitled to 1 timeout each to discuss game strategy. Check the main channel for the video to the next round. (Cant do my usual video response for some reason)

Team Member A: Daniel Ang (Team FTW) vs Toh Rui Feng (Team AGD)

Team Member B: William Oh (Team FTW) vs Chow Wing (Team AGD)

Team Leader: Nian Jie (Team FTW) vs Jonas Bai (Team AGD)

PS: Finally finished doing up these many videos. Next up will be the ORCS box opening video as well as the Top Shop finals video so check the blog often!

Let's play Windup (Zenmai)!

2011-11-19T00:22:00.008+08:00

Also fan-translated as Mainspring.

New cards from Order of Chaos definitely gave the theme a boost even though it become a Hunter abuse deck.

Skip if you are lazy, scroll down till you find the video.

Here are some combo

Required: Windup Hunter + LV 3 monster
- XYZ Summon Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach Hunter get Rat
- Rat effect get Hunter
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card
- Hunter and Rat XYZ into Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach Hunter get Rat
- Repeat

Result: Drop 3 cards

Required: Magician + 2 LV3 monster
- XYZ into Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach a card and special summon Hunter from deck
- Magician will trigger and special summon another Magician
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card (-1)
- Magician will trigger and special summon another Hunter
- 2 Hunter XYZ into Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach a card and special summon Rat from deck
- Rat effect special summon Hunter from grave
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card (-1)
- Hunter and Rat XYZ into Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach a card and special summon Rat from deck
- Rat effect special summon Hunter from grave
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card (-1)
- Hunter and Rat XYZ into Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach Rat to special summon Hunter from grave
- 2 Magician XYZ summon Daigusto Emeral
- Daigusto Emeral effect shuffle back 2 Zenmighty and a Rat and draw a card
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card (-1)
- Hunter and Rat XYZ into Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach a card and special summon Rat from deck
- Rat effect special summon Hunter from grave
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card (-1)

Result: Drop 5 cards and a draw

Required: LV3 monster x4
- XYZ into 2 Zenmighty
- Zenmighty detach a card to special summon Magician from deck
- Second Zenmighty detach a card to special summon Hunter from deck
- Magician effect will trigger and special summon another Magician from deck
- Hunter tribute Zenmighty to drop a card
- Magician effect will trigger and special summon another Hunter from deck
- XYZ summon Zenmighty
- XYZ summon Daigusto Emeral
- Pretty much the same as above

Result: Drop 5 cards and a draw

Wall of text too much for you? Heres a video!

So poor thing, this is the second time I do a video with a Proxy Emeral!
I accept Donations!

And of course, my build. The deck is filled with many LV3 monsters that can be special summoned. TCG have it easy! Tourguide!

[3] Windup Magician
[3] Windup Rat
[3] Windup Hunter
[1] Sangan
[2] Marauding Captain
[2] Spell Striker
[2] Junk Forward
[2] A Genex Birdman
[2] TG Striker
[3] TG Warwolf

[3] Instant Fusion
[3] MST
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[3] Upstart Goblin
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Heavy Storm

[1] Solemn Judgment
[3] Compulsory Evacuation Device

Asia Plus 2011 Singapore Qualifiers Photos

2011-11-16T23:49:00.008+08:00

Hi Guys! Really extremely busy, what with the new set coming out and all, thankfully Shriek came out with the translations earlier then expected so at least I wont have to work on that when the set is released. I am also currently doing some simple editting for the videos for the Singapore Qualifiers last Sunday, so would like to ask you to be patient with that. Uploading takes quite awhile as well.

In the mean time, I have put up some photos I managed to take during the event, so click on if you're interested!

People getting ready for the tournament while the hall starts to fill up!

Registration is open!

And the tournament begins! Some shots here and there of the games on-going

And we have a quick shot of our top 8 teams! (And yes, Bahamut84 made it to top 8 so hes in here somewhere, spot him if you can LOL!)

Team 3DS - 3rd / 4th position

Team Where Got Time? - 3rd / 4th position

Team AGD - 2nd position

Team FTW - 1st position that also wins the trip to Taiwan to fight it out in the Asia Plus 2011 Championships!

And our last group shot showing the top 4 teams as well as our team of judges

And thats about it! Didnt have too much photos taken obviously since I was busy running the event. Check out on Youtube as well as the blog as I will be putting up the top team's deck list as well as the videos of the finals soon! (Once I have the time that is... Target is by end of this week!)

Order of Chaos (partial)

2011-11-15T21:35:00.018+08:00

All images taken from BBS

Rarity List

Ghost Rare
- CNo 39 Hope Ray

Ultra/Ultimate Rare
- CNo 39 Hope Ray
- No 12 Armored Ninja Crimson Shadow
- No 96 Black Mist
- Evolkaiser Solde
- Inzecter Exabeetle

Super Rare
- Gagaga Girl
- Twin Photon Lizard
- Ninja Master HANZO
- Dark Storm Dragon
- Inzecter Gigamantis
- Windup Carrier Zenmighty
- Armored Ninja Blade Heart
- Exceed Reborn
- Creeping Darkness

Normal Rares
- Trans Demon
- The turtle which would be called god
- Dice Cyclone
- Revolution Reversal

Reverse Buster
Light/4/Fiend
1500/0
This card can only attack face down defense monster. When this card declares attack, opponent cannot activate spell or trap card until the end of damage step. When this card attacks a face down defense monster, destroy the monster without applying damage calculation.

Exceed Reborn
Trap
Activate by selecting an Exceed monster in your grave. Special summon it and attach this card to the selected monster as an Exceed Material.

Will have better scan when we get out own boxes.

Edit by DS: Shriek put up their full translations before I could finish up ours so not going to put it up. You can check out their website here for the translations. Do note though, I noticed a few minor errors though nothing major so everyone shouldnt have much problems with using it. :)

Asia Plus 2011 Report

2011-11-13T22:22:00.003+08:00

Team name: Challenge Accepted!
Team consisted of
Bahamut (Leader) : Dark World
Jeremy : TG Agent
Jeff : Machina Gadget

Additional rule: The cards from the Banlist is shared, meaning only 1 copy of Limited card per team, 2 Semi Limited per team and so on.

Match 1: Vs Machina Gadget
1: Poor hand of card destruction and all spell/traps. After getting hit by Gearframe and a gadget I had to use the Dealing in my hand with no monster, I drew Beige and discarded it. Pasted Field card and attacked into Widespread Ruin. After that I just activated my Card Destruction and drew some dark world monsters which can't do anything. Set Scar and ended. Took somemore damage, and then drew Duality which I got Mirror Force, yes lah. After that from there it became wonderful and Grapha loop wins game.
2: He started with a Gearframe and a set card. I activated Dark World Lightning and it succeeded which I discarded Grapha and brought it back for a direct attack. It got destroyed by a smashing ground or something and he summoned Green Gadget and I negated the search with a Skill Drain. He discarded another Gadget to special Machina Fortress but met Bottomless Traphole. On the next turn, I brought back Grapha again and special summoned Sin Cyber End and made an attack with both, he activated Limiter Removal to take less damage. On the next turn he drew Lightning Vortex with 1 card remaining in hand. Looped back Grapha to direct attack for the win.

Personal result: 2-0
Overall: OOX

Match 2: Vs Agent Angel
1: Card Destruction, some Drag, some Mind Crush, too many power plays.
2: He started with Venus Gantetsu, and on the next turn made Ancient Fairy, and I saw his hand of Kristya, FML.
3: Started with Card Destruction with no DW monster except Scar. I set it for at least 3 turn and he didn't make any move either. Finally I decided to Card Destruction and revealed his hand of 2 Hyperion and 3 Shine Balls. From there the game is supposed to be in my favor but I called Spell by mistake when I activated Eradicator Epidemic Virus after I saw his hand with a Drag. After much struggling of using Snow to be a shield against his Venus, he Vortex on it, and I Dark Hole in return. I knew he had Honest and Prison and I couldn't move until I drew Dust Tornado which I used to destroy the Prison and managed to make an attack with Broww. He had no monsters after that Until I drew my next Grapha which I discarded with a Lightning and special summoned back.

Personal result: 2-1
Team result: OOX

Match 3: Vs Machina Gadget
1: Cheating Darkworld Plays with Drag, Mind Crush, lalalalala
2: He started with Dimension Fissure and I had no outs to it.
3: I started first with Field card, Dark Hole, Return from DD, Eradicator Virus, Drag and Morphing Jar. Set everything, played Field card and set the Morphing Jar, a completely obvious play but I had nothing to do lol. Somehow few turns later, I managed to clear his backrow with some Lightning and Grapha, Did a Drag which revealed his hand filled with Gadgets, Gale and Smashing Ground. Took away the Smashing ground, activated Devastation Virus and Mind Crush whatever was left.

Personal result: 2-1
Team result: OOX

Match 4: Vs Lightsworn
1: Trago and Card Trooper attacked till I die.
2: Super thrash hand of Traps and 2 Dark Bribe. He activate Decree, I bribe, and he drew another Decree. He Decree again and I Bribed that too and he drew yet another Decree, FML. Next turn I ate Trishula + Sorcerer + Judgment Dragon instant 8000.

Personal result: 0-2
Team result: XXX (lol)

We went to top 8 with 3-1 score.

Top 8 Match 1: Vs Rabbit Ragia
1: He started with Rabbit into Kabalsaur then handed me his deck to shuffle. As I was shuffling I noticed his sleeves had those circular Ultra Pro markings but not all of it. I called it out to the judge and he was given a game loss.
2: He started with a Rabbit again into Ragia. Thrash hand is thrash and I lost.
3: Gozen and Skill Drain locked down the Rabbits and I just looped Grapha despite the Dark Imprisoning Mirror.

Personal result: 2-1
Team result: OXX (T.T)

And so we scrubbed at top 8 boo boo.

It's ok! We lost to the champion team lol.

Congratulations to Daniel, William and Nian Jie consisting of Gladiator Beast, TG Agent and Rabbit Ragia.

Video of the finals will be up in the next few days.

Let's play Laval

2011-11-10T11:55:00.009+08:00

Another deck that I have been trying. I always liked the DT archtypes because they are different (aka not many are playing them lol)

Anyway Lavals made appearance in several OCG tourneys and a few topped, so I'm gonna cover some stuff in case people want to start playing them =D

The deck itself is very simple, mill your deck, Rekindling, Synchro/XYZ spam and win.

Effect: Send 2 "Laval" monsters from your Deck to the Graveyard.

Previously I was playing the deck using Laval Miller, it was ok, but still not fast enough. Then comes DT13 with the new spell card that is super powered Foolish Burial.

Play Pattern:
- Get Tender of the Laval Volcano and a Laval Magma Canoneer into the grave
- Send 2 more Tenders, and then a Laval Lady of the Burning Lake
- Clear any set card using Burning Lake Lady if you need to

The deck has many ways to send Tender into grave even without the use of the spell card.

Summon Priest
- special summon Magma Canoneer
- XYZ into Lavalval Chain
- detach Magma Canoneer to send Tender to grave.

Flamvell Firedog
- Special summon Magma Canoneer and do the same as above
or
- Special summon Laval Forest Sprite
- Synchro into Lavalval Dragoon
- Search and discard Tenders
or
- Special summon Laval Lady of the Burning Lake
- Synchro into Laval Stannon
- Discard Tender from your hand for the drawback

Once you get your grave loaded, just Rekindling and use your imagination and summon all the delicious Synchro to destroy your opponent.

- Ancient Flamevell Deity
- Laval Stannon
- Lavalval Dragoon
- Red Nova Dragon (Scar Red Nova)
- Shooting Quasar if you run Boost Warrior
- and the usual Brionac Trishula Librarian love if you need to

Here is a sample deck list that I'm playing at the moment.

Monster = 16

[1] Gorz
[3] Flamevell Firedog
[2] Summoner Monk
[2] Laval Magma Cannoneer
[2] Laval Cannoneer
[3] Tender of Laval Volcano
[2] Laval Lady of the Burning Lake
[1] Laval Forest Sprite

Spell = 19

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Dark Hole
[2] MST
[3] Sweltering Heat Transmission Field
[3] Rekindling
[3] Gold Sarcophagus
[3] Pot of Duality
[1] Burial from DD
[1] Reinforcement of the Army (Laval Cannoneer is a warrior!)

Trap = 5

[1] Solemn Judgment
[2] Raigeki Break
[1] Compulsary Evacuation Device
[1] Return from DD

Extra

[1] Lavalval Chain
[1] Lavalval Dragon
[1] Lavalval Dragoon
[1] Laval Stannon
[x] Generic Synchro monsters

There are other builds that are more focused on summoning Red Nova Dragon and it will have a Laval Lancelot for easier summon of Red Dragon Archfiend.

===============================

*BONUS* TG Agent cheating skillz

Tourney @ Cardmasters 29/10/2011 + Updated Infernity

2011-10-30T00:15:00.005+08:00

Participants: 25
Format: 4 round swiss + top 8
Deck used: Infernity

Round 1: Vs Machina Gadget
1: Started first. Disgusting hand of Monk, Archfiend , a random dark monster and 3 S/T. Monk intro Grepher and dropped Patrol and used its effect to special Archfiend to grab launcher. made Lavalval Chain from Monk and Archfiend to mill Beetle, used Launcher to get back Archfiend and Beetle to make Gantetsu. At this point it was a field of Archfiend, Gantetsu, Lavalval Chain and a Barrier. Control!
2: Almost as good hand and made a field of Lavalval Chain, Gantetsu, Necromancer, Archfiend and Monk. I top decked an Archfiend and couldnt special it. I had to clear my field since my Infernity Traps couldn't be activated but I got destroyed by his traps and couldn't make any recovery.
3: Pretty much the same as above lol, I can't believe I top decked Archfiend again and couldn't special it because of a full field. Got wiped by a Torrential when I XYZ summon and a Warning on my normal summoned Archfiend. He just kept drawing Gearframe and I can't Barrier that without any monster on my field!.
Result: OXX

Round 2: Vs Blackwings
1: Stacking Archfiend with Lavalval Chain wins game.
2: I had a very controlling field of a Gantetsu powered Archfiend with 3 Barrier, Prison and Break.
Result: OO

Round 3: Vs TG Agent
1: He started with Earth and Duality into Kristia. I shuffled back his Venus with Dustshoot and saw his hand of Kristia, Soldier, Striker and Bottomless. I kinda forgot what happened but he managed to summon the Soldier a few turns later from suicides to get the Warwolf which is dark. I managed to get Summoner Monk a few turns later and got Archfiend and cleared slowly with repeated Break searches.
2: He started first with a set Honest. I had a poor hand of Infernity traps and a lone Necromancer. He summoned Earth and bounced back his Honest. Can't do anything on my next turn and he just proceeded to OTK with Leviair, Daigusto Phoenix and Hyperion lol.
3: I only remember the final field was a Lavalval Chain, an attack position Necromancer and a Doom Dragon and he had 1000 LP left. He summoned Hyperion after the battle phase and was thinking of which to destroy. I had Barrier but did not activate it since either way I will get back the Doom Dragon to use its effect to destroy Hyperion and burn away his remaining LP.

Round 4: Vs Infernity (Randomizer build)
1: First turn Monk into Archfiend and multiple searches created an early game lead.
2: One of those rare moments where I had Beetle hand and am happy lol. Beetle > Randomizer. Most of his backrow cards are Barriers which can't do much against the Beetles beating down on the Reloaders lol.
Result: OO

Top 8: Vs TG Agent
1: It was Jess! Victim of year 2009 Infernity when there were 3 Launchers and 3 Trishula. Always got paired against him back then. I wrote this because I forgot what actually happened.
2: He started with Earth and 2 set card. I Heavy Storm and set Necromancer. Afterwards it was Beetle again but he activated Orange Light which I negated with Debunk, made Gantetsu. Few turns later I drew Archfiend and it was wonderful.
Result: OO

Top 4: Vs Darkworld
1: Made Doom Dragon with a backrow of Barriers and Break since the Archfiend will probably get run over by Grapha.
2: He started of with a Card Destruction and the advantage was too much for any deck to fight.
3: A very fast game where he used Solemn Judgment on my attempt to special summon Archfiend but I had more special summon cards and he offered the hand shake.
Result: OXO

Final: Offering TG Gadget
1: The same old Gantetsu and Necromancer blocking till I topped an Archfiend and he scooped.
2: I turned retarded for awhile and set my Call of the Haunted at the monster zone thinking it was a Necromancer LOL. Nothing I could do this game as he had an early Balkion.
3: It was a very long game. I started first and had Dustshoot. He had 3 gadgets, Dust Tornado, MST and a Striker which I shuffled back. From there it was my Necromancer and multiple set cards vs his endless gadgets and XYZ summons which was back and forth until I finally topped an Archfiend and gained control from there.
Result: OXO

Result: 1st.

Big improvement from the score of 1-4 I got few days ago lolol.

================================

Monster

[3] Infernity Archfiend
[3] Infernity Necromancer
[3] Infernity Beetle
[2] Summoner Monk
[2] Dark Grepher
[1] Stygian Street Patrol

Spell

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Zero Max
[1] Infernity Launcher
[3] Pot of Duality
[2] MST

Trap

[1] Solemn Judgment
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Solemn Warning
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[2] Call of the Haunted
[3] Infernity Break
[3] Infernity Barrier

Extra

[2] Lavalval Chain
[1] No 39 Utopia
[1] Steelswarm Roach
[1] Sea Dragon Leviair
[1] Gachigachi Gantetsu
[1] Daigusto Phoenix
[1] Trishula
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Infernity Doom Dragon
[1] Gaia Knight
[1] Brionac
[1] Catastor
[1] Hyper Librarian

================================

Things to do:
- Make Lavalval Chain and stack Archfiend
- Archfiend top deck and search for Barrier/Break!
- Profit!
- Repeat to win games.

Top Shop of Asia 2011 - Singapore Qualifiers

2011-10-28T08:12:00.003+08:00

*Click to enlarge the picture

And another official tournament is up! This time round, Konami Digital Entertainment (HK) has started a new initiative, Top Shop of Asia! Basically, the official distributor shops of each Asia country will select players to represent their shops through selection tournaments or recommendations from the shop owners.

These players will then pit their skills against each other in a tournament where the winner of that tournament gets the glory of representing Singapore as well as his represented shop in Taiwan and participate in a Top Shop of Asia 2011 Championship Finals. The winning players as well as the shops that they represent both will then get nice prizes. (This event will run concurrently with the Asia Plus Championships in Taiwan on 17-18 December) For more details on the tournaments, check out here!

*Aside from the team deck building restrictions, rules for this tournament is basically the same as the Asia Plus itself in terms of rulings and card legalities.

I think its a pretty good initiative from Konami, since this puts a new twist on the tournaments as well as brings the shops into the action. Hopefully this will also carry on in the future. What about our TCG readers, wish you had something like this going on for you guys? Looks like the Taiwan trip will be pretty exciting for the winners this year, since 5 of them will travel together. (1 from Top Shop, 3 from Asia Plus, and another 1 from our own Singapore Showdown (already over) which our distributor will be sending the winner to Taiwan as well though he will not get to play in the event)

And yup, once again I am judging for the event. Work and helping to organize these 2 official tournaments is taking up a lot of my time, I will be pretty glad once this month of November is over.

Infernity 2011

2011-10-27T00:31:00.004+08:00

Monster

[3] Infernity Archfiend
[3] Infernity Necromancer
[3] Infernity Beetle
[2] Summoner Monk
[2] Dark Grepher
[1] Stygian Street Patrol

Spell

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Zero Max
[1] Infernity Launcher
[3] Pot of Duality
[3] MST

Trap

[1] Solemn Judgment
[1] Torrential Tribute
[2] Solemn Warning
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[2] Call of the Haunted
[2] Infernity Inferno
[3] Infernity Break
[1] Infernity Barrier

========================

The new Infernity that runs on XYZ monsters. Of course you still would summon Trishula and Doom Dragon if you could but most of the time it is running on Lavalval Chain.

- Summoner Monk is in the deck for easy access to Chain
- No Mirage because it uses up your normal summon and clashes with the other cards since this is sort of a speed build
- Zero Max in the deck because it is a Monk discard and can set up combos too
- Most plays will be using Chain to stack the Archfiend to the top and using multiple Breaks and Barrier to control.

Changing some card ratios soon, kept F-ing drawing multiple Beetles and Patrol. >=(

For people looking for the loop build, it really is just a matter of putting Avengers instead of the full set of Beetles.

A random update

2011-10-25T23:52:00.007+08:00

Sorry for the lack of post these few days.

Not sure on what to write about so I'm just going to mash everything that has been happening recently into this post.

Light Pulsar Dragon

I have no idea who is the original creator of this image but credits to you for the discovery.

The Cannon Pulsar OTK/FTK does not work anymore as it has been errata-ed causing it to miss the timing if it is not the last thing to happen. All is well in the world again and the only reason you would want to buy the new SD is for the common Red Eyes Darkness Metal Dragon if you don't have one by now.

Order of Chaos

From the spoilers, the set is shaping up to be a really good one with many decent support for Wind Up (Mainspring) and the Ninjas. The Inzectors are still questionable but the XYZ is pretty good.

All the new Windup cards are usable especially Rat and Zenmaighty which can mass special summon and create some hand destruction loops with Wind Up Hunter.

The Ninja to look out for is obviously Hanzo and Gold Ninja since they are splashable in trap heavy decks and an example can be seen here. Jurrac Ninja, yeah wtf. Also, Blade Heart is good!

VJump Edition 6

The only useful card here is obviously Heavy Machine King Dobok Zak. At best it becomes a 3 for 3, assuming you summon it successfully. No using turn player priority in the OCG lol. The rest of the cards are quite meh...

Lavalval Chain

The oh so happening card right now in the world of OCG. So many random decks to play with abusing its effect. Most involves the use of Summon Priest and getting random bonus from the other level 4 that it summons before turning it into Chain. Armageddon Knight, Grepher, Stratos and the list goes on.

So anyway I am trying out several decks that revolves around abusing Chain as much as possible, still testing in progress.

The state of TCG

Congratulations to Billy Brake for winning YCS twice in a row.

Most of the top 32 players are running Plant Synchro (can it still be called that?). It really is a mix of all the wonderful TCG stuff such as Tourguide, Tengu and Maxx C. It is like the new Chaos Good Stuff deck.

TCG Exclusives imba?

=================================

Ok that is about it. Two more weeks to Order of Chaos and hoping to do spoiler again if it arrives early.

Asia Plus Team Tournament 2011 - Singapore

2011-10-14T17:06:00.002+08:00

*Click to enlarge the picture

And we are finally beginning our Singapore qualifiers for the Asia Plus Touranment 2011! 4 Pre-Qualifiers will be held and winners make it to top 8 at the main Singapore event, where only 1 team will win the top prize of travelling to Taiwan on 17-18 December to take part in the Regional Finals!

Expect to see some updates along the way from Bahamut84 as he takes part while I will be judging, though only for the main qualifier event to be held on 13 Noevmber.

For our foreign readers who are interested to find out more about this tournament, check out here!

Infernity loop in text

2011-10-09T11:21:00.007+08:00

Someone requested this. It will be a wall of text so get ready.

To start, you need:
Grave: Necromancer, Archfiend, Avenger
Field: Mirage

The key is to make Brionac and have 3 Necromancers in your grave.

=-= Making the Brionac and getting the 3 Necro =-=

Video reference: 0:00 - 2:03

- Mirage for Necromancer, Avenger. Necro special Archfiend searching for Launcher.
- Synchro Avenger, Necro and Archfiend into Hundred Eyes.
- Hundred Eyes banish and copy Mirage.
- Hundred Eyes (Mirage) effect into Necro and Avenger. Necro Special Archfiend and search for second Necro.
- Launcher effect discard Necro into Grave
- Archfiend and Avenger into LV5 Synchro
- Launcher special summon Necro and Avenger, Necro Special Archfiend and search for third Necro.
- Avenger and LV5 Synchro into Brionac. XYZ both Necro into Leviair and special summon back the banished Mirage.
- Brionac discard the third Necro from your hand to bounce Archfiend and then bounce Leviair.
- Mirage for two Necro and special summon Avenger and Archfiend. Archfiend search for Barrier.
- Synchro into Hundred Eyes copying Mirage again.
- Special summon two Necro.
- Now your field is Brionac, 3 Necro (2 unused), a Barrier and a banished Mirage.

============================================

The combos below requires:
Field: Brionac, 3 Necromancer (2 unused)
Grave: Avenger, Archfiend, Beetle (for Trishula)
Banished: Mirage

=-= The Emeral =-=

Video reference: 2:03 - 3:56

- Necromancer special Archfiend and search for another Archfiend.
- XYZ Leviair using the used Necro and special back the banished Mirage
- Discard Archfiend to bounce Leviair
- Special summon Archfiend again from the other Necro effect and search Infernity Beetle if you dont have it in your grave yet, needed to do Trishula.
- XYZ Emeral from two Archfiend and shuffle back Archfiend and 2 Hundred Eyes to draw a card. (you can actually shuffle back 2 Infernity monster and Hundred Eye also if you need to refill your deck)
- Discard Infernity Beetle to bounce the last Necro on the field and then bounce Emeral by discarding Necro.
- If the card you drew is Spell/Trap, set it. Otherwise bounce your set Barrier if it is a Monster.
- Your field should now be Brionac and Mirage
- Mirage for two Necro and special summon Avenger and Archfiend. Archfiend search for Barrier.
- Synchro into Hundred Eyes copying Mirage again.
- Special summon two Necro.
- Now your field is Brionac, 3 Necro (2 unused) and a banished Mirage again.

=-= The Trishula=-=

Video reference: 4:00 - 5:25

- Necro for an Archfiend and search for any Infernity card you wish to discard
- XYZ Leviair from two used Necro and special back the Banished Mirage
- Discard the card you searched to bounce Leviair
- Necro special summon Beetle.
- Synchro Trishula from Necro, Archfiend and Beetle.
- Mirage special summon two Necro.
- Necro special Archfiend and search for any Infernity card you wish to discard.
- Discard the card you searched to bounce Trishula
- Necro special summon Avenger
- Synchro into Hundred Eyes copying Mirage again.
- Special summon two Necro.
- Now your field is Brionac, 3 Necro (2 unused) and a banished Mirage again.

=-= The Quasar =-=

- Necro special Avenger
- Synchro into Armory Arm
- Necro special Avenger again
- XYZ Leviair and special summon the banished Mirage
- Synchro Formula Synchron from Mirage and Avenger to draw a card.
- Synchro Shooting Quasar Dragon from Brionac, Armory Arm and Formula.
- *Warning* Loop will end and you will have no Infernity monsters on your field making your Barriers non functional. Not fancy if you lose.

I am done with Infernity for now =(

Bahamut's Divine Performance Vol.3: Infernity Infinite Trishula

2011-10-05T15:28:00.017+08:00

I believe most people know about the crazy Infernity combo that made it suddenly become popular again.

Now the combo is supposed to end when you used up all your copies of Hundred Eyes Dragon. But now you can continue the loop endlessly with the help of Daigusta Emeral from DT13.

Daigusto Emeral
Rank 4/WIND/
Rock-Type - Effect, Xyz
1800 ATK/800 DEF
2 Level 4 Monsters.
Once per turn, you can detach 1 of this card's Xyz Materials to activate one of the following effects:
• Select 3 monsters in your Graveyard and shuffle them into your Deck. Draw 1 card.
• Target 1 monster in your Graveyard, other than an Effect Monster, and Special Summon it.

For those lost, here is a video.

Just when I thought all hope is lost, Konami once again prints cards that allows me to touch myself infinitely =D

Edit:
I keep getting PMs about Emeral first effect. The shuffling back of monsters is NOT a cost and works exactly the same way as Pot of Avarice. If I were to put it in the new english text, it would be something like...

Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card to activate 1 of the following effects: ●Target 3 monsters in your Graveyard and shuffle them into your Deck, then draw 1 card.

No semi-colon! Read the Japanese text! Compare it with Pot of Avarice! Go spam edit that wiki now!

[Deck] Pure Karakuris

2011-10-03T11:10:00.006+08:00

Hi everyone, here is DSummon again with a slightly different deck this time, Pure Karakuri. Managed to get 3-2 in a Swiss round last week despite several mistake plays which caused the 2 losses so I think its pretty stable. Basically this deck exchanges the speed that Machina provides to allow more control, as requested by some people who wanted a less "all out or nothing" deck so here it is!

Monster [18]
[3] Karakuri Soldier 236
[3] Karakuri Ninja 919
[2] Karakuri Strategist 248
[3] Karakuri Komachi 224
[2] Karakuri Merchant 717
[1] Karakuri Guard 313
[2] Effect Veiler
[2] Cyber Dragon

Magic [12]
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Book of Moon
[1] Karakuri Anatomy
[3] Karakuri Cash Cache
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Limiter Removal
[2] Instant Fusion
[1] Enemy Controller
[1] Forbidden Lance

Trap [10]
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Starlight Road
[2] Solemn Warning
[1] Solemn Judgement
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[2] Compulsory Evacuation Device
[1] Divine Wrath

Combos wise is basically about the same, just that lack of Machinas and Bulb makes it impossible to do a first turn triple Bureido unless you have some Monster Reborn and Instant Fusion at least. However in return, you gain easy access to Natural Beast to protect your traps! (Just remember to use the effect, I kept forgetting to use its effect in my last week tournament except for protecting my traps, including Lightning Vortex lol. Not used to playing such stuff, and yes forgetting to use its effect is the main reason why I got the 2 losses ROFL)

Basic New Combos as follows:
Komachi + Merchant = Beast with search. Cover many traps for cool factor.
Komachi + Merchant + Instant fusion = Bureido + Beast + Search + draw 1. Instant +1 and also set up field next turn for free card drawing.
Merchant + Anatomy/Cash Cache *2 = Search deck for the Anatomy or the 2nd Cash Cache, spin the Merchant around and draw 2 from Anatomy while reducing deck size by 3
Above Combo + Komachi = Same effects but ending with Beast
And of course Above Combo + Instant Fusion = All the nice benefits though of course difficult to achieve since too many cards required lol

The deck has quite alot of tricks up its sleeve, which I had to discover for myself during the tournament as well, so hopefully I can do better next week now that I know what it can achieve. I could have hands with Cyber Dragon + Strategist + Merchant which seems like a useless hand, but I ended up making Bureido to summon Ninja, to hit a monster to bring back Strategist + draw 1, then making a Burei, calling Komachi which further calls Merchant to search, and lastly summoning Natural Beast. So basically hand of Cydra + Strategist + Merchant = Bureido + Burei + Natural Beast + draw 1 + search 1. Pretty cool stuff which is why I love Ninja compared to stuffing in a Haipa.

As for selection of traps/magic, basically I pretty much threw in everything that I thought was useful and it works out pretty well for me. Only problem is this deck has extremely tight space issues for the extra deck... Oh well, hope everyone enjoys this deck as much as I do! Will still be playing around with it for awhile more.

Tag Force 6!!!

2011-09-22T12:01:00.006+08:00

Tag force 6 is out and "already available", get it now!

Bahamut84 and DSummon both away for tag force...

Spoiler: T.G Gear Zombie lets you draw your whole deck in 1 turn for old banlist using Junk Do, true story

=========================================

Random video to entertain you.

I "intentionally" made misplays to keep the video long and entertaining!

Ok fine that was a lie.

Even in game I start with a stupid Spore + Bulb hand, sigh!

Bahamut.

Singapore Showdown @ 9 Sep 2011 Top 4 Decklist

2011-09-13T00:13:00.015+08:00

Format
Day 1: 24 participants consisting of players who got 2nd-4th for the qualifiers, 5 Rd Swiss top 8
Day 2: Top 16 elimination consisting of top 8 players from Day 1 and 8 winners from the qualifiers

Winner: Anthony/(Junk Doppel)
2nd: Tan Wan Xin/(Ragia Rabbit)
3rd: William Oh/(TG Agent Angel)
4th: Soh Jun Yuan Jeff/(Junk Doppel)

[9/14] *Updated with First Place Decklist*

=========================================

Anthony
Winner
Junk Doppel

Monster

[2] Tragoedia
[1] Black Luster Soldier Envoy of Beginning
[1] Gorz
[1] Dark Armed Dragon
[1] Chaos Sorcerer

[1] Zephyrus the Elite
[2] Card Trooper
[1] Lonefire Blossom
[1] Dandylion
[1] Spore
[1] Growup Bulb
[2] Junk Synchron
[2] Doppel Warrior
[1] Debris Dragon
[2] Effect Veiler
[1] Sangan
[3] Lightsworn Hunter Ryko

Spell

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] One for One
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Charge of the Light Brigade
[1] Book of Moon
[2] MST

Trap

[1] Torrential Tribute
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[2] Call of the Haunted

Extra

[1] Shooting Quasar Dragon
[1] AOJ Decisive Armor
[1] Trishula
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Arcanite Magician
[1] Brionac
[1] Chain Dragon
[1] TG Hyper Librarian
[1] Magical Android
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Junk Warrior
[1] Armory Arm
[1] Formula Synchron

Side

[2] Thunder King Raioh
[2] Magical Warrior Breaker
[1] Snowman Eater
[1] DD Crow
[1] Lightning Vortex
[1] MST
[2] Chain Disappearance
[2] Dimension Prison
[1] Transmigration Prophecy
[1] Divine Wrath
[1] Mirror Force

=============================================

Tan Wan Xin
2nd Place
Ragia Rabbit

Monster

[1] Black Luster Soldier Envoy of Beginning

[3] Kabazauls
[3] Sabersaurus
[3] Thunder King Raioh
[3] Rescue Rabbit
[2] Tourguide from the Underworld
[1] Sangan

Spell

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Mind Control
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] Book of Moon
[1] Smashing Ground
[2] MST
[3] Pot of Duality

Trap

[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Mirror Force
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Solemn Judgment
[1] Fiendish Chain
[2] Dimension Prison
[2] Bottomless Traphole
[2] Solemn Warning

Extra

[1] No 17. Leviathan Dragon
[2] Leviair the Sea Dragon
[1] Steelswarm Roach
[1] No 39. Utopia
[1] Gemknight Pearl
[1] No 16. Shock Ruler
[1] Vylon Disigma
[2] Evolkaiser Ragia
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Brionac
[1] Trishula
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] AOJ Decisive Armor

Side

[2] DD Crow
[2] AOJ Quarantine
[2] Snowman Eater
[1] Gorz
[1] Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
[1] MST
[1] Enemy Controller
[1] Lightning Vortex
[1] Chain Disappearance
[1] Compulsary Evacuation Device
[2] Shadow Imprisoning Mirror

=============================================

William Oh
3rd Place
TG Agent Angel

Monster

[2] Tragoedia
[1] Black Luster Soldier Envoy of Beginning
[3] Master Hyperion
[1] Gorz

[1] Honest
[2] Herald of Orange Light
[3] Agent of Mystery Earth
[3] Agent of Creation Venus
[3] Mystic Shine Ball
[3] TG Warwolf
[3] TG Striker
[1] Sangan

Spell

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Mind Control
[2] MST
[2] Creature Swap
[3] Pot of Duality

Trap

[1] Trap Dustshoot
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Mind Crush

Extra

[1] No 17. Leviathan Dragon
[1] Leviair the Sea Dragon
[1] Daigusto Phoenix
[1] Gachigachi Gantetsu
[1] Trishula
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Ancient Sacred Wyvern
[1] Brionac
[1] TG Hyper Librarian
[1] TG Wonder Magician
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Magical Android
[1] Armory Arm
[1] Chimeratech Fortress Dragon

Side

[2] DD Crow
[2] Cyber Dragon
[2] Thunder King Raioh
[2] Kycoo the Ghost Destroyer
[1] Archlord Kristya
[1] Snowman Eater
[2] Dimension Prison
[2] Chain Disappearance
[1] Mind Crush

=============================================

Soh Jun Yuan Jeff
4th Place
Junk Doppel

Monster

[1] Tragoedia
[1] Black Luster Soldier Envoy of Beginning
[1] Gorz
[1] Dark Armed Dragon
[2] Chaos Sorcerer

[1] Lightsworn Sorceress Lyla
[2] Lightsworn Hunter Ryko
[1] Mystic Tomato
[2] Junk Synchron
[2] Doppel Warrior
[1] Lonefire Blossom
[1] Dandylion
[1] Spore
[1] Growup Bulb
[2] Effect Veiler
[1] Sangan
[2] Card Trooper
[1] Debris Dragon

Spell

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] One for One
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] Charge of the Light Brigade
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] Scapegoat
[1] Book of Moon

Trap

[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[2] Call of the Haunted
[2] Bottomless Traphole

Extra

[1] Shooting Quasar Dragon
[1] AOJ Decisive Armor
[1] Trishula
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Arcanite Magician
[1] Brionac
[1] Chain Dragon
[1] TG Hyper Librarian
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Junk Warrior
[1] Armory Arm
[1] Formula Synchron
[1] TG Recipro Dragonfly

Side

[1] DD Crow
[2] Snowman Eater
[2] Thunder King Raioh
[2] MST
[1] Lightning Vortex
[1] Chain Disappearance
[2] Dimension Prison
[2] Mind Crush
[1] Trap Stun
[1] Divine Wrath

SG Showdown Day 1 + decklist

2011-09-12T09:19:00.010+08:00

Deck used: Junk Doppel (lol the only Junk Doppel out of the 24 ppl invited)

Wont be doing any report since I can't recall what happened.

Round 1 Vs Calvin (Offering Gadget): 2-0
Round 2 Vs Jackie Lim (Hero Beat): 1-2 (Time Out)
Round 3 Vs Sunny (Twilight): 2-0
Round 4 Vs Samuel (Twilight): 1-2 (Time Out)
Round 5 Vs Shaun (Machine Gadget): 1-2

I was prepared against Agents but did not meet any in the swiss round. With a miserable score of 2-3, obviously I did not make it into day 2 lol~

Monster [24]

[1] Chaos Soldier Envoy of Beginning
[1] Dark Armed Dragon
[2] Chaos Sorceror
[2] Tragoedia
[1] Gorz

[1] Mystic Tomato
[1] Debris Dragon
[1] Sangan
[2] Junk Synchron
[2] Card Trooper
[1] Dandylion
[1] Lonefire Blossom
[2] Doppel Warrior
[2] Lightsworn Hunter Ryko
[1] Spore
[1] Growup Bulb
[2] Effect Veiler

Spell [11]

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] One for One
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Charge of the Light Brigade
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] Scapegoat
[1] Book of Moon
[1] Mind Control

Trap [5]

[1] Mirror Force
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[2] Call of the Haunted

Extra [15]

[1] Shooting Quasar Dragon
[1] AOJ Decisive Armor
[1] Trishula
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Arcanite Magician
[1] Brionac
[1] Chain Dragon
[1] Orient Dragon
[1] TG Hyper Librarian
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Armory Arm
[1] Formula Synchron
[1] TG Recipro Dragonfly

============================================

Why Dragonfly?

Ignore the effect, you can never use it here. But it is still included in the extra because it makes some combination work.

What would you make out of, One for One + Dandylion + Junk Synchron?

This is what I would make: Here!

Of course there are other things you can do with it, but if you start with this 3 cards, this would make a pretty good set up.

Cyber-Stein vs Agent of Creation - Venus

2011-09-08T22:59:00.009+08:00

Decided to do a post comparing the old and new 'pay life to special summon' monsters.

Cyber-Stein
Pros:
Call any fusion monster you want including huge beatsticks
Generic so no specific deck required to play it

Cons:
No further continuation for combos after you have used its effect
Pay 5k LP so only usable once
Searchable only by Sangan and Killer Tomato (Excluding any other obsecure method which nobody uses, Tomato actually almost included as one of them)
Large amount of lifepoints paid also means any card used to destroy the summoned monster / counter its effect such as Veiler makes this card totally useless
And of course once the monster is summoned, Stein on its own is completely useless due to lack of size to even be much of a threat to opponent lifepoints

Agent of Creation - Venus
Pros:
Only pay 500LP so usable multiple times even if negated
Searchable via Agent of Mystery - Earth which can be run in 3
1600 attack lets it serve as a relatively ok sized beatstick even without Gachi Gachi
Can be discarded from hand together with any of the Heralds to counter cards
Can be protected from hand through Honest
Sets up the field for synchro / exceed together with Earth itself, effectively making summoning Trishula and Black Rose and other cards which earns even more card advantage while only using effectivly 1 card to summon everything
Sets up the grave by filling it with light monsters for summoning Krystia and bullets for Hyperion
Can be removed from hand/field/grave to special summon even more awesome boss monsters

Cons:
Having to build a deck around it (aka 3 Yellow skins in deck)
At the moment limited to mainly summoning Gachi Gachi / Daigusta Phoenix on its own. Summoning anything else requires an additional Earth / Striker though easy to achieve

Similarities:
Both Stein and Venus create an OTK by paying lifepoints and using an extra equipment card assuming all the monsters hit through, though abit easier for Stein simply because of size of monsters. (Stein can summon Cyber Twin/End, equip Megamorph for win, Venus can summon 3 Shine Balls, Exceed Daigusta, equip Power of Unity for win)

Looking at the similar win conditions, Venus looks to have so many advantages over Stein. Even though Stein can summon alot more different monsters on its own, none of the fusion monsters actually generate card advantage. Plus with the major amount of lifepoints used for the combo, Stein users can only aim to go for an OTK where summoning anything like Extrio at the cost of 5k LP to control is stupid. Furthermore Stein was only strong in an era where a Hurricane or Storm was fatal. With the current decks with cards such as Veiler/Orange Light/Gorz/Tragodia/Battle Fader among some of the more common cards that easily stop an OTK, Stein is no longer as easy to use as before. Furthermore, if you pay 5k and fail to make a kill, insert BLS/Judgement/whatever awesome boss monster there is among all the decks available now and say good bye to not just your monsters but your remainder lifepoints as well.

In comparison, Venus players may be abit more restricted in what they can summon and the deck plays around Venus and the Shine Balls. However, in return, they also gain access to extra boss monsters such as Krystia and Hyperion as well. Also, Venus players get to choose between going for control / otk / gaining card or field advantage depending on the hand that they have and the current situation.

To end off my rant, ban Venus and reinstate Stein! Seriously no matter what reasons you can give, none of them can somehow make Stein look more overpowered then Venus. I welcome anyone to try.

Interesting tech for the meta

2011-09-05T00:44:00.001+08:00

So basically over the last few days, I've been looking at either tech to further improve the deck, or basically more side deck material. Also been looking at other decks, and here's some of the useful things I've found which I believe is especially good this meta.

Koa'ki Meiru Drago
This is pretty deck specific since it requires an upkeep every turn of revealing a Dragon. That being said, this is pretty much one of the strongest monsters that can be used. It blocks Light special summons, so no sudden Hyperion, Krystia, BLS, or any ball summoning to get Gachi Gachi out. Blocking dark as well means it blocks the TG varient tricks as well with no Werewolf special summons, and even if they do Striker + Venus, basically all the 5 star synchros they use are dark/light so they cant do much on it anyway. The Dragunity decks that have success in Japan share the same point, they main 3 of this and managed to lock down their opponents, till they either beatdown the opponent, or manage to summon their boss monster to otk and win.

Ally Salvo
This is pretty good side deck material in my opinion. Its generic so it fits all decks, even mirror matches for TG Agents, though Krystia is probably better. Being a dark sets up your own grave as well to activate your own BLS or Chaos Sorc. And lastly being 2 star and below 500 attack means it allows you to use Debris as well as Junk Synchron for Junk Doppel diehards. Some of you may prefer AOJ Core Destroyer, but this is better in my opinion since it hits 2 cards, and you can just set it so it will be unexpected.

Ally of Justice Quarantine
This is a new personal favourite of mine. Its pretty generic since you dont have to worry about the steep upkeep that Drago has. It similarly blocks all the generic tricks that any Agent related deck can do by blocking the Light special summons. Though it does not block the level 5 synchros or Werewolf special summons like Drago does, not having to build a deck around the tech makes it worth while. And of course 1700 is just nice fit enough to take out a Venus, making its stats pretty good enough. Even if your opponent does a dark synchro and kills Quarantine, it would have hopefully made him use his Venus in the summon, making him have to dig for another Venus. If not, at least hes slowed down by a turn and you can do your own combos the following turn. And of course, being a 4 star machine means it fits in nicely into my Machina Karakuri for my synchro purposes.

Hope the above helps!

Asia Card Shop Tournament Lookback (3/9/11)

2011-09-04T00:16:00.006+08:00

Deck used: Machina Karakuri - Life Completer
Participants: 27

5 Round Swiss and top 8

Round 1: vs WWBF (Akira) XOO
1: Pretty bad hand with 2 Veilers against a beatdown deck and he had traps to answer my remainder cards so scrubbed from there.
2: Slight exchange of going around since it was abit more beatdown till he had 5200 left. Cydra + Machina Fortress, then sac Cydra with Controller for his Gorz takes the game
3: He mistook that Komachi's double summon effect had to be activated so he couldnt activate his Trap Dustshoot from my turn 1 Cydra + Komachi + Ninja play. Managed to flood the field from there and won

Round 2: vs Quickdraw Junk Doppel (Kevin) OXO
1: Bureido love
2: Bureidos and Bureis but didnt manage to do a kill. In the end Junk Destroyer and friends cleared my field and I didnt have any answer after that
3: More Bureido love and Landoise blocks Gorz ftw

Round 3: vs Tour Guide Agent (Yeow Keat) OXO
1: Trap Dustshoot and Mind Crush early game returns Agent and drops 2 Tour Guides lol. Win from there
2: Flooded with Bureidos though not enough damage. On his turn did a blind Mind Crush thinking about Hyperion. In the end got shown a hand of 2 lightning Vortex, Venus and BLS. Didnt draw into Avarice and lost from there.
3: Cant remember exactly, basically just flooded for game

Round 4: vs Agent Angel (Sam) XOX
1: Lovely hand on his side and I got OTK-ed by some Krystia jumping out on his side
2: Managed to survive his flood of Daigusta with Arms Aid and Unity + Hyperion flood and turned the tables back next turn with some Burei and Machina Fortress and more Enemy Controller abuse
3: Crappy full tuner hand while I got 2nd turn OTK again with double Daigusta + Venus + Krystia, cause I did mistake of setting Ally Salvo when I could have suicided it previously to clear his Venus

Round 5: vs GK (Poh Seng) OO
1: No tribute so I rushed my flood out for win
2: Got hit by tribute, but I had sided out alot of monsters for m/t destroyers so only discarded a Gearframe. Slowly drew into monsters and managed to win awhile later with Limiter awesomeness

Top 8: vs Junk Doppel (Kah Meng) XOO
1: Not sure what deck I was against since didnt really know what he was playing, so I played passively and didnt manage to kill cause of a Ryko. On his turn he had a flood of multiple synchros and Chaos Sorcerers and won
2: He charged for Ryko and ended. Wanted to do early control and had no way to summon Bureidos, I summoned double Bureis then Big Eye his set monster, which turned out to be Spore. So special summoned my Fortress, did some Bureidos from there and took the game.
3: Somehow drew 2 Effect Veilers early game and 2 Crows after that. That of course meant also I didnt have any of my machine monsters to take the game too, so game dragged on awhile while I blocked all his plays. Finally drew into machines and won with Bureido floods, while my Landoise blocks Gorz

Top 4: vs Agent Angel (Sam) OO
1: Took early game with Bureido flood and won
2: Used Machina Fortress to bait his Rai-Ou, then flood monsters ftw

Finals: vs GK (Poh Seng) OXO
1: Early flood ftw
2: Got controlled with multiple Spy + Descendent while I only had a Burei
3. Back to basics of random machine flood and Limitter ftw

Result: 1st and got a Parallel BLS (LOL, the 1 card which I say doesnt fit in the deck yes)

By this tournament the life completer joke had completely spread all over. Before our finals we had people walk up to us and told Poh Seng if he was ready to have his life completed lol. So I guess somehow the deck name is stuck now.

I realised that this version somehow turns out to be harder then my previous banlist build, as that was a very basic, open Trap Stun, use my remainder cards in hand to spam summon and win. With this version, considering that I may not have any m/t destroyers or ways to clear Veiler / Orange Light, I actually had to think through my plays more to consider which plays would assist to setup / leave me with methods to setup should my current play be interuppted by whatever reason. And of course, lack of defenses totally and the more explosive gameplay in this meta leaves me very wide open, so this deck might not be suitable for everyone. Honestly, it takes quite abit of familiarity with the way the deck works to decide which move to make.

In all, pretty satisfied with my deck's performance. In general, my deck didnt fail me and I managed to do early floods to take the game as per my full intention. Only issue is this version seems somewhat vulnerable to Trap Dustshoot unlike my previous banlist build, simply because I had all my moves kept in my hand till I was ready to play them, unlike previously when I had Trap Stuns and other cards to set and maintain my advantage. That being said, with this current meta I guess any combo deck that gets hit by Dustshoot has the same issue and using cards just to counter that 1 Dustshoot seems stupid, so will probably carry on with this version.

PS: As usual, my memory sucks. If any people I played see this and notice something wrong with my looking back, please let me know

Machina Karakuri (Post Sep 2011)

2011-08-31T00:17:00.009+08:00

Updated Machina Karakuri decklist for the new format as requested by everyone, here goes!

Deck Name: Machina Karakuri - Life Completer

Monster [26]
[3] Machina Gearframe
[3] Machina Fortress
[1] Machina Cannon
[3] Karakuri Soldier 236
[3] Karakuri Ninja 919
[2] Karakuri Strategist 248
[3] Karakuri Komachi 224
[1] Karakuri Guard 313
[2] Grow-up Bulb
[3] Effect Veiler
[2] Cyber Dragon

Magic [11]
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] One For One
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] De-Synchro
[1] Limiter Removal
[1] Enemy Controller
[1] Pot of Avarice
[2] Pot of Duality

Trap [3]
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[2] Mind Crush

Extra Deck [15]
[1] No. 11: Big Eye
[1] Steelswarm Roach
[1] Empty Space Sea Serpent Levaiel
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Brionac
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Trishula
[1] Naturia Landoise
[3] Karakuri Shogun Burei
[3] Karakuri Steel Shogun Bureido

Counting through the main deck, basically 11 cards have changed. True to following OCG Japan's style, Singapore's meta is quickly changing to TG Agents as THE deck to play. Even Bahamut84 is trying it out to get a feel of it. I have been fooling around with some concept decks actually, though decided to form the updated Machina Karakuri to suit the meta. With all the MST flying all over the place to ensure that everyone's combos go through, I have gone the opposite route, which is to totally ignore traps, and also ensure my own 'traps' are fully chainable. And of course, triple Veilers is my new trap, with the main targets usually on Agents Earth / Venus. Enemy Controller is also used as a way to do damage when my monsters get destroyed by Orange Light / Bottomless and any other Random trap you can think of, while also doubling up as defense against BLS or to steal it to sweeten the deal.

The deck is even simpler then before, basically back to my old style of deck playing. Either you manage to kill me quickly or I will flood the field first for the win. However considering Agents requiring abit of time to setup, though of course still fully possible to do a sudden otk. This gives my deck the advantage since it requires little to no setup. (Minimising setup and number of Mind Crush flying around is why I reduced Duality to 2, has nothing to do with me having only 2 lol)

The aim is basically to just flood until they have no more backrow left and win. (Only possible in this format where there isnt bullshit cards like Oppression which I have to clear it before I can proceed on) Dark Hole as backup in case of monsters like Krystia appearing which my special summoned based deck has trouble clearing, though as always remembering the aim to flood the field and take the game before Krystia's condition can even be met.

Cyber Dragon + Komachi + random 4 star Karakuri makes double Bureido with Strategist and 2 cards in hand (Or use Ninja for triple Bureido and 3 cards in hand). Baha and me treat it as the new Junk Synchron + Doppel + 1 star tuner. 3 cards used, and almost similar results lol. Not done previously since 1 Oppression would wreck everything.

Last change will be in the extra deck. Big Eye is just extremely delicious. Use Bureis to change small monsters to attack mode, then xyz to Big Eye and steal some big monsters. Since also usable with Machina Fortress, its pretty easy for the deck to summon. Its just a matter of if its necessary, so only xyz if there is something delicious like BLS. Else, do in situations when you cannot kill the opponent due to cards like Gorz / Tragodia and leave him with nothing.

So thats about it, quite a long rant on the new version of the deck, with explanations on my build and certain choices of cards. Shall not explain anything else about the deck, since combo wise is basically about the same. Enjoy!

PS: No, I do not want to put in Tour Guides to fulfil the dark monster condition and enable BLS thanks. Tour Guides totally do not fit in this deck...

What to expect after September

2011-08-29T01:23:00.007+08:00

Nagoya Championship
Participants: 180
September 2011 List

<優勝>
まささん/【TG代行天使】/TG Agent Angel
<準優勝>
クロルさん/【TG代行天使】/TG Agent Angel
<3位>
ロモレイさん/【TGジャンド】/TG Junk Doppel
<4位>
ユウさん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel

<ベスト8>/Best 8
<グロスさん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel
ライザーさん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel
永遠の初心者さん/【TG代行天使】/TG Agent Angel
ラウツさん/【スキドレTG】/Skill Drain TG

<ベスト16>/Best 16
アークさん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel
ミラーマンさん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel
タン塩さん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel
次元幽閉さん/【代行天使】/Agent Angel
コーヒーさん/【ライトロード】/Lightsworn
ナガットさん/【ドラグニティ】/Dragunity
mirinaさん/【墓地BF】/Grave BW
アルパカさん/【暗黒界】/Dark World

See the pattern here? lol

Y u no put Tourguide!?

2011-08-26T09:31:00.008+08:00

Firstly, the decks made here are based on the OCG. We try to avoid using TCG exclusives unless it is something really fun and original such as DSummon's Kara Black Kuri utilizing Karakuri Shinkuro in a Jinzo Future Fusion deck.

Even if I were to use Tourguide here in OCG environment, it would not work the same because we are playing by different rules. I am of course talking about detaching Sangan.

What I am trying to say is, it is irritating to see the constant
"Why not put Tourguide in this deck?"
"How will this deck match against other Tourguide decks?"

Don't you TCG readers feel the same? Every deck you make will be scrutinized and you will receive the same "y u no put tourguide!?"

Junk Doppel Sep 2011 beta

2011-08-21T21:40:00.006+08:00

This is gonna be a post on my early build of the deck after the list.

Monster = 21

[1] Gorz
[1] Dark Armed Dragon
[1] Black Luster Soldier
[2] Chaos Sorcerer
[2] Quickdraw Synchron

[2] Junk Synchron
[2] Doppel Warrior
[2] Effect Veiler
[1] Dandylion
[1] Growup Bulb
[1] Spore
[1] Level Eater
[1] Card Trooper
[2] Lightsworn Hunter Ryko
[1] Sangan

Spell = 14

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Heavy Storm
[1] Pot of Avarice
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] Allure of Darkness
[1] One for One
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Charge of the Light Brigade
[2] MST
[3] Tuning

Trap = 5

[1] Mirror Force
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Trap Dustshoot
[2] Call of the Haunted

====================================

Basically going the same style as Quickdraw Quasar but running more boss monsters than ever.

I am taking out Mirror Force and some other cards to make space for Bottomless cos it is still quite important but have not decided which.

So anyway now that the deck runs BLS, there are more crazy things you can do with it such as BLS and Armory arm which results in an OTK.

Trap Dustshoot is the new addition since many people are going to be conservative with their cards now and it helps to remove obstacles like Veiler, Gorz, Trago and stuff like that. I am also considering Mind Crush but maybe I'll leave that as side deck.

Drill Warrior is the way to go now with Avarice at 1, recycle the boss monsters (BLS!) if you need to.

So far the test results are quite satisfactory, I have been able to pull off Librarian Formula combo consistently without interruption most of the time lol. Maybe its the psychological effect that people don't cover a billion cards anymore, but then again I was testing mostly against Twilight variants and decks that are not so trap-heavy by nature.

TCG Limited and Forbidden List

2011-08-19T11:30:00.003+08:00

http://www.yugioh-card.com/en/limited/

Exact same with the addition of Trishula to 1.

Now stop the Sangan hate please lol.

Thoughts on Sep 2011 banned list

2011-08-17T09:24:00.004+08:00

Banned

Fishborg Blaster
Didnt expect this to get banned. I thought at worst it should just get restricted to 1 since a DD Crow wouldve stopped it.

Mental Master
Had it coming, I had a post of why this card should be banned about 6 months ago and here it is.

Giant Trunade
Rotating with Storm is kinda expected, see you in another year time =D

Royal Oppression
My wish finally come true. Every time I play some draw whore self touching, it will be stopped by Oppression. But banning it now is pretty stupid with 3 MST and Storm, and the multiple boss monsters.

Restrict to 1

Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of Beginning
Probably the main topic. After many years of joking this will never return because this with Honest = OTK, and it finally came true..

Debris Dragon
Lonefire Blossom
As expected, Lonefire is finally Lone even though the hit on Debris is uncalled for.

Legendary Six Samurai Shi En
Skill Samurai die in fire~

TG Hyper Librarian
Formula Synchron
Another to be expected hit. With one Lonefire and a revival card it is still possible to do a Librarian+Formula, one Lonefire with 2 tokens can still do a Trishula. So yeah no big deal, I'll still put it.

Heavy Storm
No more set 5 end turn, even though there is still Starlight Road. Activate only if you are very sure, or after summoning a Photon Cerberus lol.

Primal Seed (wtf?)
Yes... "wtf"?

Shien Smoke Signal
Six Samurai die in fire~

Pot of Avarice
Another hit that was somewhat expected, I have played 1 copy for many weeks so I don't feel so affected.

Restricted to 2

Summoner Monk
Monk into Monk into another Lv 4 = SHOCK RULER!

Tragoedia
Necro Gardna
Your 2 new safety cards from getting swarmed and destroyed by Chaos Soldier.

Dewloren
Probably will never come out again lol

Destiny Draw
An improvement, expect to see this go to 3 next list.

Swords of Revealing Light
No one cares

Mind Crush
Yay for more random calling and missing intentionally in a DW deck.

Call of Haunted
Replace those Limit Reverse with this. Also great for random Jinzo decks.

Released

Judgment Dragoon
Konami did a boo boo here.

Spirit Reaper
Not very threatening anymore.

Overload Fusion
Let's go and play back FF + OF!

MST
WTB: Asia Mystical Space Typhoon!

Megamorph
No one cares.

Gravity Bind
No one cares.

Icarus Attack
I guess it is fine. Not every BF deck runs 3 anyway.

=========================================

Conclusion: This list does not promote XYZ (Exceed) in anyway. In fact, bringing back the Lightsworn deck is the opposite of that. As usual, they are shooting themself in the foot with this list. I guess Monk into Monk into Raiou + Roach looks pretty good now, pray there is no Dark Hole. Also, Dustshoot is OP again.

Now on to what happens to Junk Doppel. I say it is still very much playable.

I would replace Lyla with probably Jane now since there is no need for so much backrow destruction anymore. All Limit Reverse will be removed and replaced with Call, and I can probably run Tuning again to grab Junk Synchron.

I am actually thinking of just putting more Lightsworn into the Junk Doppel and add a random JD somewhere because it is still the period to mess around with random deck ideas.

Top decks after the list:
- Twilight
- Rabbit Ragia
- Junk Doppel
- BF (again...)
- Agent Fairy

September 2011 banned and restricted list!!

2011-08-16T18:28:00.005+08:00

Banned

Fishborg Blaster
Mental Master
Giant Trunade
Royal Oppression

Restrict to 1

Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of Beginning
Debris Dragon
Lonefire Blossom
Legendary Six Samurai Shi En
TG Hyper Librarian
Formula Synchron
Heavy Storm
Primal Seed (wtf?)
Shien Smoke Signal
Pot of Avarice

Restricted to 2

Summoner Monk
Tragoedia
Necro Gardna
Dewloren
Destiny Draw
Swords of Revealing Light
Mind Crush
Call of Haunted

Released

Judgment Dragoon
Spirit Reaper
Overload Fusion
MST
Megamorph
Gravity Bind
Icarus Attack

Video for Worlds 2011 Finals

2011-08-15T12:23:00.002+08:00

A fine example of why Hyperion need to be restricted.

Player: Ogawa Takashi
Deck: Agent Fairy
Rank: World Champion
Source: Wildheart’s Blog

Monsters: 19
3 Master Hyperion
3 The Agent of Mystery – Earth
3 The Agent of Creation – Venus
3 Mystical Shine Ball
3 Herald of Orange Light
2 Archlord Kristya
1 Sangan
1 Honest

Spells: 12
3 Pot of Duality
3 Cards from the Sky
1 Dark Hole
1 Giant Trunade
1 Monster Reborn
1 Book of Moon
2 Mystical Space Typhoon

Traps: 9
1 Solemn Judgment
2 Solemn Warning
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Dust Tornado
1 Torrential Tribute
1 Trap Dustshoot

Extra:
-Unreleased-

Side: 15
1 Gorz the Emissary of Darkness
2 Thunder King Rai-Oh
3 Kinetic Soldier
2 Gozen Match
2 Chain Disappearance
3 Dimensional Prison
1 Dust Tornado
1 Malevolent Catastrophe

Taken from: Road of The King

Day 4 at Worlds (Event day 2)

2011-08-14T15:05:00.003+08:00

Yay, wifi happy land again. Like yesterday, will be doing live updates as the day passes so keep a lookout here~

Our morning starts earlier today, with everyone leaving the hotel at 8.30am, 1 hour earlier then yesterday. Some bad news to start the day, I will not be allowed to video the match, though I guess was to be expected. Apologies but was busy with something and somehow missed the match. (Didn't catch the announcement and it was over in a 10min round lol)

Some morning warmup matches for the players

Still waiting for event to start, so time for some photos with The Irish Duelist, PJ Tierney!

Pairings for the Quarter-Finals are up, though it's the standard pairing method based on standings.

NDS top 8 finalist group shot

And of course our card game top 8 group shot!

Pick your poison!

And round 1 begins at 10.00am sharp!

Wow, Michel Gruner got a game lost due to too much time used to side deck. He took 4 mins instead of 3 mins. Arguing with the head judge now.
Update: He received a warning yesterday for shuffling, so this was this was the 2nd warning resulting in the game lost

Quarter Final results are out!

Kaven vs Ogawa - Ogawa wins
Wei Hao vs Galileo - Galileo wins
Yang vs Phanupak - Phanupak
Murakoshi vs Gruner - Murakoshi wins

Bit of delay due to some heated discussions about the game lost and also about another gameplay issue in game 3. Time extended by half an hour.

Challenge the champion session on-going

Pairings for semi finals are up!

Semi finals are under way! Started 11.45pm

Ogawa vs Galileo - Ogawa wins
Phanupak vs Murakoshi - Murakoshi

Sorry updates too so long.

Update, Galileo wins 3rd place! Now we are all waiting for the finals which should take place in about an hour.

As for me, with my reps out of business, I'm off to play some win-a-mat events!

Galileo is 3rd! Also, finally the finals begin at 3.30pm by our last 2 Japanese players.

And the round is over quickly. Takashi Ogawa takes a quick game using Agent Angels against all odds!
Apologies but as I was occupied with my final match for my Win-a-Mat, I didn't manage to get to see very much of the game, and it was over very quickly.

Prize giving ceremony is just over at 5pm and the event is over!

4th place winner - Phanupak Kongjaroen (Thailand) - Machina Gadget

3rd place winner - Galileo De Obaldia (Panama) Junk Doppel

2nd place winner - Kei Murakoshi (Japan) Junk Doppel

Worlds Championship 2011 champion - Takashi Ogawa (Japan) - Agent Angel

Group photo shot for everyone!

And the event is over, that's also the end of my live updates, thanks for tuning in!

Day 3 at Worlds (Event day 1)

2011-08-13T17:44:00.006+08:00

Managed to get wifi access at the event hall! Keep checking here for live updates along the day~
For photos of the players, check out the blog post below!

Updates as of 9pm local time <- Final update for the day
(Top 8 results are out, happy scrolling down!)

Morning of the big day! Everyone took a quick breakfast and began gathering at the lobby to take the bus.

Interesting arrangement by the staff though. They only ordered 1 bus, with the 2nd bus only coming half hour later, and they needed all players to be on the 1st. In the end, all the Konami head honchos were all stuck with us at the lobby. In the end, they called a couple of cabs, while the rest of us were stuck waiting.

Finally here at the event hall! Event hall is pretty big with quite alot of things going on, such as win a mat, dragon duels, promo packs, even make a token! Pretty interesting stuff for me, though may be the usual stuff for TCG players I guess.

1st place prize card

2nd - 4th place prize card

1st place card effect:
King Landia the Goldfang
Light / Beast-Warrior / Rank 8
3000/2500
3 lv 8 monstera to summon this
Must be xyz summoned and cannot be special summoned by other ways. If this card attacks your opponent direct and reduces their life points to 0, while it had an xyz material attached that was originally beast warrior type, you win the match

2nd place card effect:
Queen Nereia the silvercrown
Light / Plant / Rank 6
2500/2400
3 level 6 monsters to summon this
Must be xyz summoned and cannot be special summoned by other ways. If this card attacks your opponent direct and reduces their life points to 0, while it had an xyz material attached that was originally plant type, you win the match

Large Stardust statue. Soon to change to Hope / Utopia maybe?

Win a mat event registration

Token printing booth - I'm so going there later lol

Game experience corner. Not very popular though

Briefing and lining up of players for the showcase

Player showcase! About 10.45am local time

Speech by KDE Europe boss Mr Kunio (hope spelling's correct)

Deck pro for this year. Same as last year just that now it's red instead of blue.

Judges finishing up the deck checks

And Match 1 finally begins at 11.45am!

Some fan service for my fellow countrymen lol

FYI for those not sure on tournament format. Today will be playing 5 round Swiss at 60 mins per round. They will cut to top 8 which will be played tomorrow in a single Elimination format

The selections of token designs available and something I made for myself lol.

Round 1 is over and break till 1.30pm for pasta lunch.

Quick updates for the Asia players.
Taiwan won
Philippines won
Singapore lost
Malaysia won
Hong kong lost
Thailand lost

And of course as photo above shows, our previous world champ is as strong as ever, taking game 1.

Quick photo in between matches with our DuelingDays fans, Haku and Raul~

Really elaborate cosplay, something i would never see in Singapore.

And round 2 starts at 1.30pm sharp! Pairings above

Not forgetting our NDS tournament on the other side of the stage. Though honestly nothing much to report since nobody knows what's going on.

Interesting ruling made at the start though. If for any reason the NDS goes under the table, it's a march lost. Not sure what can be done under the table though lol

Interesting shuffling ruling for TCG which Asia readers should know. Apparently in TCG, after you shuffle your own deck, then your opponent shuffles, you can actually cut the deck as long as your opponent cuts it again. This is unlike in Asia where it normally ends after your opponent shuffles/cuts. TCG's version opens room for possible cheating in my opinion, since I could do card marking on my deck and choose to cut it or not when I see you have shuffled to a card that I want or not? Well, really just an opinion, since we got the situation earlier.

Raul getting an interview.

And round 2 is over! Updates on Asia players.

Malaysia won
Singapore won
Taiwan lost
Thailand won
Hong kong lost
Philippines lost

Round 3 begins! Time 2.45pm. As I mentioned in the comments section, please refer to the following round's pairings to see the previous round's results, especially since I have no other way to get the results aside from asking 1 by 1 which is alot of work

Updates for round 3 results
Malaysia lost
Singapore won
Thailand won
Philippines won
Taiwan won
Hong Kong lost

Freebie time! This is given to everyone who attends the event. Not bad stuff~

Gift from Spectraljoker who is a fan of ours. Thanks, really love them! Especially Watchdog's eyes look menacing.

Another fan who found our blog apparently by searching FTK Dewloren, so would be a big fan of Baha lol. Thanks for meeting up with me~

Back to the main event! Pairings are up and round 4 begins at 4pm.

Results for round 4
Thailand won
Malaysia lost
Phil lost
Hong kong lost
Singapore lost
Taiwan won

And final round pairings are up! Starting now at 5pm

Results out for Asia players
Malaysia won
Thailand won
Taiwan won
Singapore won
Philippines lost
Hong kong lost

Top 8 are out! Details as follows in order of standing...
Michel Gruner (Germany) - Junk Doppel
She Wei Hao (Taiwan) - Six Samurai
Takashi Ogawa (Japan) - Agent Angel
Yang Young-Duck (Korea) - Six Samurai
Kongjaroen Phanupak (Thailand) - Machina Gadget
Kaven Sue (Singapore) - Junk Doppel
Galileo De Obaldia (Panama) - Junk Doppel
Kei Murakoshi (Japan) - Junk Doppel

Card Game final standings after day 1

NDS final standings after day 1

Final briefing at the end of day 1. Event finally ended with the last swiss round ending at about 6.15pm and results were announced by about 6.30pm. Tired out and hungry, everyone headed back to the hotel for dinner and rest.

So thats about it! Tried to put up the final bit of photos but my iPhone finally died after doing alot of work the entire day. Have decided to bring my charger tomorrow in case I need it. Hoping my camera batteries last though, cause I didnt bring a charger since I have 3 batteries fully charged which is usually more then enough for a week's trip. However, 2 already died cause Im using Eye-fi. If they die you guys will have to settle for iPhone camera quality photos, apologises.

World Championship 2011 players

2011-08-13T10:20:00.001+08:00

Well, as requested, here are the photos and details of the players. First 12 are for NDS and the rest are for the card game. (Indicated by the symbol below the picture)

Day 2 at Worlds

2011-08-13T05:40:00.003+08:00

Day 2 and sight seeing day! Breakfast at the hotel is pretty awesome with a wide range for English breakfast. There were still quite alot of items available to take such as pastries, fried tomatoes, etc.

Still wasn't used to the time differences so we actually had breakfast at 8am while gathering time was 10.30am. With not much to do, it was back to just relaxing around the hotel. Luckily discovered that I could get pc access with Internet in the hotel so went to clear emails and stuff.

After that, still had time to kill so more watching of other people playing deck. Finally got to see the legendary Airman + Get your game on deck in live action. 5 Airmans with over 7k atk summoned in 1 turn is really abit too much lol

Quick photo of the Asia players before we headed out
From left to right:
Kongjaroen Phanupak - Thailand rep
Kerdphol Kantarat "Pik" - Translator for Thailand
Kaven Sue - Singapore rep
Lui Hoi Ki - Hong kong rep
She Wei Hao - Taiwan rep
William Israel - Philippines rep
Sam Kee - Malaysia rep

And we were out! Due to bad weather (lots of drizzles on and off since arrival yesterday), laser tag was cancelled and we headed to Madame Tussadd museum. (small cheer from some of the participants here)

Super long queue just to enter the place. Good thing the Konami staff got a reservation for us. Basically spent a few hours here to look at the sights, nothing special to mention.

Following that, we got onto the bus for a half hour bus ride just to go for lunch (And another 15 minutes just to walk to the bus) Think it's because the laser tag venue would have been close to the restaurant.

Lunch was simple fare, though not bad. Kinda a family restaurant place feel. After that, back to our long bus ride back to town for our canal tour!

Catching the sights around the river on the canal tour!

Not... More like everyone just took out decks and started playing. Even my deck got loaned by a fan to play. Quite interesting to see the different kinds of decisions in gameplay since I was basically watching all the way.

After the "exciting" tour, back to the hotel for abit of rest, before heading on to Hard Rock Cafe Amsterdam! Almost the entire level was taken up by us (photo shows barely half of us), filled with players and judges from all the different countries.

Exciting news announced about rulings for this weekend. Will explain more at the end of this post.

Pretty good starters

Coupled with humongous steaks for our main course. Seriously filling stuff.

And now, time for the goodies! Sadly only for players, not for me though

Front and back of the player shirt

Bag given to all players and it's juicy contents.

And that's about it. We headed back to the hotel and everybody opened their packs. Interestingly though obvious, everyone were trying to sell their Photon boxes and buy the other 2. Finally, time for the big day!

----------------------------------------

Head judge for the Worlds Championship 2011 - Mr Paul

2 important rulings announced regarding player priority and exceeds by our head judge

1. There will be no player priority to activate monster ignition effects UNLESS it is a spell speed 2 monster e.g. Legendary Six Samurai - Enishi

2. Exceed material monsters are considered to be NOT on the field. Therefore when removed from the exceed monster (e.g. Sangan), they will mostly not get their effects. I say mostly here because monsters like Dandylion get their effects regardless of being on the field or not.

Day 1 at Worlds

2011-08-12T05:05:00.003+08:00

Finally landed in Netherlands! Super long flight of over 12 hours. After dragging it out abit at the customs, finally got onto a shuttle bus and to our hotel!

Our hotel and special check in desk for all the players

Once we arrived at our hotel, we got to check in very early at 9am which was good! After that the early arrivals all headed to lunch together at Burger King.

With day 1 basically having no programme other then all the players arriving, we got down to playing decks and doing minor trading after we returned to the hotel.

That kinda lasted till dinner time at 6+pm, with alot of us basically just handing around the lobby. After that, we split up from the TCG group, since we were basically following the hk Konami group around.

After dinner, back to the hotel for more trading! The Japanese players arrived just as we came back to so I managed to get to talk with some of them. At the same time, I was recognized by some tcg players as well, so spent some time shaking hands. Finally after alot of talking, headed back out to burger king again to post the blog post.

As always, thanks to our readers for viewing the blog!

Finally off to Worlds!

2011-08-10T21:53:00.001+08:00

Just some quick updates. Brought my Machina Karakuri to tournaments on Sunday (Got 2nd since 1st place gives a free spot to top 16 in an upcoming major tournament I have to judge for) as well as Tuesday (Shared 1st/2nd since we both wanted different prizes and got myself a Duality). Loving my new tech Divine Wrath! Cleared quite a few Gyazarus, Trishula among other things. Awesome especially after mad Bureido draws. Apparently my deck has a new name among my friends lol - Machina Karakuri Life Completer!

Would have loved to post some tournament lookback but sadly too busy packing and clearing my work. Off to Netherlands! Will arrive tomorrow morning at 7am local time with Kaven. Keep a lookout for blog updates!
(Hopefully live, depending on if there's Internet at the site)

Countdown to September Banlist

2011-08-09T10:32:00.005+08:00

September banlist will be in the V-Jump Magazine that will be published on 20th August 2011. Those who subscribed will get it early, 1-2 days probably.

Before this date, especially the week before, there will be photoshop fest and all sort of fancy list with random cards will appear on the internet. Just a reminder to not believe everything you see online.

As usual, I will be doing the list speculation with a little bit of my own wish lol.

Current dominating deck in the OCG Scene:
- Junk Doppel
- Agent Fairy
- Six Samurai
- Dark World
- Assorted Anti meta Trap decks (Scrap, TG, Falcon, just a handful)

Based on the OCG and not TCG, but we all know Tengu is gonna be semi limited! Probably!

-=Banned=-

TG Hyper Librarian
Monster Reborn
Card Destruction

-= To 1=-

Formula Synchron
Lonefire Blossom
Master Hyperion
Shien Smoke Signal
Double Edged Sword Technique
Ultimate Offering
Solemn Warning

-=To 2=-

Tiger Prince of the Ice Barrier, Dewloren
Dragon God of Dark World, Grapha

-=Unlimit=-

Destiny Draw
Overload Fusion
Magic Cylinder

=====================================

No Dandy in there because of one simple reason, it is gonna get reprinted as a secret rare in the OCG Beginners Edition 2 coming out next week. But then again who knows lol.

I play Junk Doppel, and this how I feel should hit Dandy decks the hardest, unless konami print more presents for us (like limiting Dandylion and then printing Doppel Warrior). Formula Synchron is too good, and many times the "Accel Synchro" robs opponent of their turn in the form of Trishula or Black Rose.

I also added the 2 "boss" monster from the Structure decks there because they are overpowered. Hyperion is DAD and Grapha is endless beatstick. Probably not gonna happen, but its a wish =)

The rest are self explanatory.

As usual, Storm vs Trunade debate so I am just gonna leave it out.

TCG and XYZ

2011-08-06T09:14:00.006+08:00

Not to sound rude but please stop asking about what happens when Tengu/Sangan/Plaguespreader becomes an XYZ material.

I will post this just one more last time until there is a further update on this.

TCG already stated that the XYZ material are still considered on the field
- Tengu do not get to activate when it is used in an XYZ summon, but it will get its effect when detached as an XYZ material.
- Sangan/Goblin Zombie/Darksoul and anything similar will get their effect when detached
- Plaguespreader unfortunately will be banished since it was on the field and did not get reset
- I am unsure about the interaction of XYZ material with cards like Macrocosmos/Dimension Fisure because I have no source for TCG ruling (I am sure Kevin Tewart will clear it up when the time comes, accurate to the OCG or not)

IF you play the TCG, please follow this rule cos theres nothing you can do about it at the moment.

============================================

One more time for the OCG
- Cards that becomes XYZ material are not considered to have left the field (consistent with the TCG)
- XYZ Material are not treated to be a card on the field so Sangan and family do not get their effects when they are sent to the graveyard as an XYZ material. If there is an update on the OCG, we will be sure to update it.

OCG contradicts themselves in this ruling but it is how it is.

I am hoping we can put this issue to rest so that we can spend our time thinking of other useful stuff to post =D

Reborn Tengu and XYZ Part 2

2011-08-04T22:40:00.004+08:00

Just to add on from our previous blog post of Tengu vs XYZ. Guess we have an answer. Once again OCG and TCG will have contrasting rulings on different cards on how game mechanics work. (Note, im using XYZ in this post since Im talking about TCG and not OCG)

Though technically OCG has no rulings on Tengu, Kevin Tewart's answer totally changes things for TCG. Since he considers that after a XYZ summon, the materials stay on the field, no Tengu will not SP another copy of itself after you XYZ. However, should you use the material to activate any effect (such as Roach or Utopia), or the XYZ monster is destroyed, you will then SP another Tengu, since it will then 'leave field', by TCG terms at least.

Interesting things to consider. Since they are on field, what happens to cards like Secret Barriel? Also, since they are on the field, can you use cards like Raigeki Break to remove XYZ materials from an XYZ monster?

So many questions, so little answers, with all of them coming from 1 simple statement. All I know is with this ruling, Tour Guide is too delicious in TCG. What was previously +1 and bad enough now becomes +2! So what are you waiting for, buy your Tour Guides now, while stocks last! LOL
(Tour Guide for Sangan, Exceed Leviair to sp something by removing Sangan, then search)

PS: Best of all, for countries like Singapore where we have access to OCG + TCG cards and can use them for local tournaments, things should get interesting. We obviously rule by OCG rulings, but I would expect people to paste me my own blog post and request to follow TCG rulings ROFL.

Netherlands here I come!

2011-08-02T10:22:00.003+08:00

I am not going to Netherlands.... as a participant....

LOL

I am going to Netherlands as a Judge/Helper! So basically I am there on the purpose to help facilitate the event, assist with judging, as well as of course look after my Singapore representative. (Hmmmm, stabbing him with a knife while hes sleeping sounds good) For everyone's info, the second place winner Kaven is representing Singapore. Sadly, Baha wont be able to join me on this trip.

So for all the people who will be there / stay there and are going to the event, keep a lookout for me! I wont mind any advice on any must visit places / must buy souvenirs or food etc as well. And yup, I aim to blog about my trip there as well, so keep a lookout here~

TG Hyper Librarian: Should it be banned?

2011-07-28T13:14:00.003+08:00

There are mixed feelings about the fate of this card this coming September but one thing that everyone agree, it is broken as hell.

Reasons for Ban:
- Crazy combo enabler (nuff said?)

Reasons why it should just be restricted to 1:
- Just released in the TCG
- TCG prize card even
- Not so broken as a single copy (lol)
- Not Dark Strike Fighter material
- "I blame Formula"

Personally, I am playing Junk Doppel and even I feel it should be banned. Leads to advantages that you can pretty much play without thinking because it is Auto-pilot once you reach a certain amount of cards where it is impossible for your opponent to catch up.

Also, I feel that the TCG meta does not effect the list whatsoever. Every time something broken comes up, the reason "not gonna happen because TCG just got it" always fail and the card still got axed in some way.

Share your thoughts.

Reborn Tengu and XYZ

2011-07-26T09:45:00.005+08:00

This issue seems to come up a lot. Many people re-linked to our blog regarding the XYZ FAQ (geez I hate typing XYZ).

Even though the ruling contradicts what we translated on the FAQ, please remember that:

1) The OCG rulings are "unofficial" to the TCG
2) Reborn Tengu is a TCG exclusive and you should follow whatever ruling it has

Just hope that when TCG Generation Force is released, more detailed ruling on this whole XYZ business will be available in English.

TCG and OCG is becoming a different game again. (Priority lol)

Relinking old post for anyone who missed it:
Exceed Summoning Ruling
More Exceed Summoning Ruling

AMK Tournament @ 24/7/2011

2011-07-24T11:02:00.011+08:00

Been awhile since I did tourney report, been playing with stupid decks that I kept scrubbing lol.

Deck used: Junk Doppel
Participants: 50 players
Format: 5 Round swiss + Top 8 play off

Round 1: Vs GigaVise
1: He started with 3 s/t and a set monster. I destroyed it and it was a Dandylion, I thought he was playing Junk Doppel. Managed to do many synchro and traded with all that back row of bottomless and Warning. I recycled everything back with Avarice and lead with a Scrap Dragon. On the final turn I destroyed his newly set card with Scrap Dragon effect fearing it was Mirror Force or whatever and it was a Supervise. Immediately I knew it was Gigavise. If you are dying, might as well not reveal what deck you are playing =/
2: Sided into Bottomless which I normally don't against Junk Doppel. I didn't draw any and got dominated by Tytanial and a Supervised Gigaplant on the field. I cleared that by using Dark Armed, spore and a token to make Trishula and Sorceror to clear the board and won from there.
Result: OO-

Round 2: Grave BF
1: I knew what deck he was playing as he was sitting beside me the previous round. I think he wasn't sure how the deck was played as he did not set up for his big plays very well.
2: He started with a lot of set s/t, I cleared it with Black Rose, and the lead was too much.
Result: OO-

Round 3: Junk Doppel (Jeff)
We decided who will win with a die roll. I lost lol.
Result: X-

Round 4: Scraps
1: He started with a Scrap Beast and I had to remember how to kill scraps from the random dueling against DSummon. I remembered clearing the field with a Trishula and then he had no more Beast in grave and no Scrap Dragon means happy days.
2: The same back and forth play. He had Summon Priest and activated its effect which I negated with Effect Veiler. On the next turn he summoned Scrap Beast and made Scrap Dragon. I cleared it with Brionac and Dark Armed to end the game.
Result: OO-

Round 5: Vs Machina Gadget (Shaun)
1: Got rushed by Gadgets and Fortress. Kept looping the Dandy and after few turns I had 400 LP left. I made a Brionac and Catastor to clear the board. He cleared the Brionac but I drew a Doppel while I had Junk Synchron in hand and a Spore in grave. Made Librarian, Formula followed by Quasar with the Catastor.
2: Early lead with Librarian and Catastor. On his turn he summoned Gadget and Machina Fortress but I had Call of the Haunted and summoned back Formula to make Quasar. On the next turn I made Trishula to clear board and all attacked for game.
Result: OO-

Top 8: Vs Dark World
1: He had bad hand because Jess was sitting beside him =D
2: My turn to get bad hand as Jess was sitting beside me! All monster hand against Dark World seems to be auto loss. Gorz was not helpful either as it got destroyed easily by a Grapha discard.
3: I start with 2 Dust Tornado and a MST which is bad, but he had a s/t hand too in a form of Skill Drain and Gozen. Cleared those and made my Synchro plays and won.
Result: OXO

Top 4: Vs Ultimate Offering Gadgets (Akira)
1: Memory loss. I cleared his 2 Bottomless Traphole early and I just went and Synchro without worry for the rest of the game.
2: Opened Veiler, Spore and Growup Bulb and 2 s/t (what I usually call Unholy Trinity because you can't do shit with this) I drew Lonefire next (god bless) but it was negated by Veiler lol. He Duality and grabbed Crossout. He summoned a Breaker and I negated the effect with Veiler, attacked my Lonefire which I protected with Mirror Force and he destroyed it with Dark Hole. He summoned another Gadget and Reborn another to summon Hope and then set a s/t. I had to choose between setting my Spore/bulb or do a Debris black rose play against his Hope and 1 s/t. I did the Black Rose play since I will get hit by a Crossout and die either way and I was right as the set card was Ultimate Offering.

I drew Call of the Haunted next and after more Gadget pokes, I special summoned the Lonefire again and made Trishula with Spore. On the next turn he protected his gadget with Book of Moon and made Hope which I cleared with a Torrential. I kinda forgot what happened after that but a few turns later he ran out of Gadgets and I drew what I needed to summon Dark Armed.
Result: OO-

Finals: Vs Six Samurai
Did not play as he wanted the Black Rose Dragon ultimate rare and I wanted the Formula Synchron.

Satisfying result today as I had a lot of 2-0.

Monster = 23

[1] Dark Armed Dragon
[2] Chaos Sorceror
[2] Junk Synchron
[2] Doppel Warrior
[2] Debris Dragon
[2] Card Trooper
[2] Effect Veiler
[2] Lonefire Blossom
[2] Lightsworn Hunter Ryko
[1] Lightsworn Sorceress Lyla
[1] Mystic Tomato
[1] Sangan
[1] Dandylion
[1] Spore
[1] Growup Bulb

Spell = 12

[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Giant Trunade
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] One for One
[1] Reinforcement of the Army
[1] Charge of the Light Brigade
[1] Scapegoat
[2] Pot of Avarice
[2] MST

Trap = 5

[1] Mirror Force
[1] Torrential Tribute
[1] Call of the Haunted
[2] Limit Reverse

Extra

[1] Trishula
[1] Brionac
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Stardust Dragon
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[2] TG Hyper Librarian
[3] Formula Synchron
[1] Armory Arm
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Arcanite Magician
[1] Shooting Quasar Dragon
[1] Chain Dragon

Two interesting cards for Junk Doppel

2011-07-21T01:19:00.004+08:00

Mainspring Nyanko (Wind Up Kitty/Cat?)

Simple no cost effect that can bounce Shien. Can also be special summoned by Junk Synchron. Bonus!

The other is

=================================

Tribe Electrocuting Virus

Simple reason, Junk Doppel deck consist of so many monster types...

These are the few monsters that a typical Junk Doppel deck usually run:

Beast - Ryko
Beast Warrior - Tengu (lol)
Plant - The whole plant family that everyone knows (great combo with Ivy Shackles! yeah maybe not lol)
Spellcaster - Veiler, Lyla, Sorceror
Warrior - Junk, Doppel
Machine - Card Trooper, Quickdraw Synchron
Dragon - Debris, Dark Armed Dragon
Fiend - Gorz, Tragoedia,Sangan

Well anyway the useful stuff to use against is obviously Six Samurai cos discarding Doppel to destroy your opponent field is pretty good =D *No Magatama please*

Now if only there are some useful Fairy that can be included in a Junk Doppel deck to destroy Agents...

Yes I hate Six Samurai ALOT! Followed by Gravekeepers.

[Deck] Ojama Exceeds (Concept Deck)

2011-07-16T23:59:00.005+08:00

So using the new Tri-Wight zone from the latest pack, decided to build a deck totally based on concept and just for fun. Deck basically uses the Ojamas to gain big hand sizes through Oja-Magic. Then after gaining those advantages, abuse Tri-Wight zone to special summon them back and attempt OTKs with Daigusto Phoenix. Interested? Read on~

(Be warned, if you are looking for a competitive deck to run, dont read on and look through the deck archive for some of our other decks)
Monster [16]
[3] Ojama Yellow
[3] Ojama Green
[3] Ojama Black
[2] Ryko, Lightsworn Hunter
[1] Morphing Jar
[2] Deep Sea Diva
[2] Card Trooper

Magic [19]
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Giant Truande
[3] Tri-Wight Zone
[1] Dark Hole
[1] Future Fusion
[3] OjaMagic
[2] United We Stand
[1] Card Destruction
[3] Hand Destruction
[2] Magical Stone Excavation

Trap [8]
[1] Solemn Judgement
[1] Torrential Tribute
[2] Raigeki Break
[2] Phoenix WIng Wind Blast
[2] Trap Stun

Even though deck may probably run better with cards like Duality, I decided not to run them simply for the sake of making it a cheap and fun deck using nothing but commons and rares (OCG at least), other then the extra deck of course.

So by clearing out the opponent field and gaining advantage from your opponent by clearing out specific threats through Wind Blast and Raigeki Break, as well as using various mills to send the Ojamas to grave. Then use Tri-Wight Zone, preferably 2 of them, so to spam the field to a single Daigusto Phoenix and 4 Ojamas on field. With that accomplished, paste on United and have a double strike 5500 attack monster for 11,000 damage to your opponent.

Note that deck is built purely for fun and not recommended for people who will flip the table from drawing a hand filled with cute little yellow skin monsters. However, the deck does its epic moments (Stardust + Daigusto Phoenix + Gantetsu in a single turn anyone?) and is recommended for anyone interested to try out something fun once in awhile. Looking back, guess I am prone to building these crazy fun decks once in awhile when Im inspired by something.

Photon Shockwave Spoiler and translation

2011-07-13T18:51:00.013+08:00

Card list

Ghost Rare
Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon

Ultra Rare/Ultimate Rare
Evolkaiser Ragia
No 10 White Knight Illuminator
No 20 Brilli-ant
Galaxy Eyes Photon Dragon
Thunder End Dragon

Super Rare
Light Serpent (13)
Photon Cerberos (15)
Evolda Celato (20)
Mainspring Hunter (24)
Baby Tragon (38)
No 83 Galaxy Queen (39)
Black Ray Lancer (40)
Extra Gate (56)
Shining Darkness (75)

Normal Rare
Dongurisu(32)
Goblin Hole Covering Squad (35)
Triwight Zone (59)
Retreat Order(77)

Translation File: Here

Pictures are from various places and BBS Photon Shockwave Thread

Worlds Decklist [Machina Karakuri]

2011-07-07T14:25:00.009+08:00

Hi guys, finally got confirmation last night that the 2nd place player at least has confirmed that he will be making the trip, so I will not be going to Netherlands. Since I will not be there, I can finally release the decklist. So for those who are interested, click on!

Deck: Machina Karakuri (No, it is not KMP, since it only has 2 Bulbs, nothing else. Build is very different anyway)

Monster [22]
[3] Machina Gearframe
[3] Machina Fortress
[1] Machina Cannon
[3] Karakuri Soldier 236
[2] Karakuri Ninja 919
[2] Karakuri Strategist 248
[2] Karakuri Komachi 224
[1] Karakuri Guard 313
[2] Grow-up Bulb
[2] Effect Veiler
[1] Unknown Synchron

Magic [13]
[1] Monster Reborn
[1] Giant Truande
[1] Foolish Burial
[1] One For One
[1] De-Synchro
[1] Limiter Removal
[1] Mind Control
[1] Book of Moon
[2] Pot of Avarice
[3] Pot of Duality

Trap [5]
[1] Solemn Judgement
[1] Royal Oppression
[3] Trap Stun

Extra Deck [15]
[1] Aspiring Emperor Hope
[1] Mainspring Armored ZenMeister
[1] Empty Space Sea Serpent Levaiel
[1] Chimeratech Fortress Dragon
[1] AOJ Catastor
[1] Brionac
[1] Black Rose Dragon
[1] Scrap Dragon
[1] Trishula
[3] Karakuri Shogun Burei
[3] Karakuri Steel Shogun Bureido

Comparing to the previous build with the Kikou element, it is basically about the same build, with just more focus on stability and to set up the double/triple Bureido combos by the 1st or 2nd turn. The only disadvantage is that I often end up drawing Dualitys after setting up the triple Bureidos which do not provide as much rewards since I cant use them straight away. However, the Dualities also allow quicker access to Avarice the following turn even if the 3 Bureidos are destroyed by any method, so it is really more focused on stability. For info of the Bureido combos, click here and here.

Lastly for the last addition of Mind Control, with Exceeds around, Mind Control functions as a method to clear the opponent field, removal dangerous monsters, clearing of various advantage givers such as Dandylion and Sangan, so in it goes.

With all that in mind, the deck does not have much space left for defenses, and I needed a 1 card solution that solves most problems in my meta. Between the choice of Torrential Tribute and Royal Oppression, I decided on Royal Oppression, since it would solve my problems, while letting me maintain my field should I draw it after my triple Bureido draw. My decision served me well, since it did shut down alot of my opponent's cards, and yet did not hinder my own deck with the triple Trap Stun mained. Even when I sided out the Trap Stuns against Junk Doppel, my opponents had no choice but to destroy Oppression on my behalf, where I had some other form of defense by then, and be ready to flood the field the next turn.

Thats about it for my worlds deck! Glad that I chose this in the end as my qualifiers deck, and it did not let me down. Just wish I drew that Royal Oppression at that very last match, since it would have meant the difference between lose and win. Ah well, better luck next time!

500k hits!

2011-07-06T22:20:00.002+08:00

Finally hit 500k hits ever since this blog started back in 2007.

The visit occured on 6th July 2011 at 10:18 PM (Singapore Time) and it is from the American continent judging from the time zone, not sure where since the location and ISP and everything unknown, pretty fail lol.

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Back then the blog is filled with much more crap since this was originally intended to be my personal blog. DSummon came along and suddenly we decided it should be made into a Yugioh blog. It was quite a cool idea then since there wasn't as many Yugioh blogs like today.

To show how pathetic it was, my first post was made on 29th March 2007 and our 1000th visit was 3rd July 2007. That is like about 10 visitors daily on average lol! Yeah we were unknown.

I have to thank Rauzes who made Yugioh blogging popular somewhere in 2009. I also want to thank Neuxcharge, he started with putting up OCG decks and match videos on Youtube and it was inspirational that we eventually did it too.

I would like to thank everyone for the support!

I wonder when will it get 1 million hits (if it ever will) XD

Please let the blog reach 1 million hits before I decide to quit lol.

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DSummon here, thanks everyone for all the support! Especially all the congratulation comments for my recent Worlds Championships Qualifiers and the messages we received on Duelnet has made us realise what a wide variety of readers we have supporting us.

Thanks everyone and keep reading on!

Photos for World Championship SG Qualifiers 2011

2011-07-04T21:26:00.004+08:00

Here are some photos for the World Championship Singapore Qualifiers 2011 held on 3 July at Card Master J-Cube!

Some of our judges, with our head judge Louis making some announcements

The tournament underway!

The top 8 winners

Our 2nd place winner - Kaven Sue

Our latest champion - Danial Ang

And finally, for a one time off special where you finally get to see my mug, this is DSummon!
(Yes, that is a custom shirt we made for those who are wondering and no, I didnt tell anyone "It was a Happy Duel" LOL)

Apologies we didnt take much more photos, since both me and Baha were playing throughout the tournament and didnt really take photos during the tournaments. However, the videos of the duels for the Semi Finals (Which I scrubbed) and the Finals are in our DuelingDays Youtube Channel so you can go there to check it out!

World Championship SG Qualifiers lookback

2011-07-04T17:23:00.003+08:00

Here is the looking back for my entire tournament day. It's a pretty long read so be warned!

After an evening of rest... I'm still tired out lol, cause I helped out with the site setup on Saturday night and only slept at 1am, then accompanied the judge to the site, arriving by 8am. Half surprised myself I managed to still concentrate during the tournament with so little sleep.

Tournament basically was a 5 round Swiss played between 64 players, to cut to top 12. Then joined with 4 players from the prior mini qualifiers, the top 16 players played in a single elimination format. I managed to get 4-1 to squeeze in, but Bahamut84 got 3-2 and didn't manage to. Alright enough of the formalities, here is some of my matches! (Apologies if any errors, my memory isn't fantastic)

Deck used: Machina Karakuri

Swiss Round 1 - Hong Rui (Junk Doppel) OO
Game 1 - Saw his starting field and correctly read that he was playing Junk Doppel with no real traps, so filled up the field to 3 Bureidos on my first turn. He managed to clear 1 with his set Ryko and another with Catastor but my advantage was already too big. Cleared the Catastor and won.
Game 2 - Drew most of my side decked cards with not much of the main deck components so the game dragged quite abit. However he couldn't do much about my Gozen and I managed to flood the field and won abit later

Swiss Round 2 - Darius (Agent Angel) XOX
Game 1 - Drew a bad hand while his Orange Light stopped my Bureido from summoning and lost
Game 2 - His turn for bad hand this time round, and his only defense was an Orange Light while I managed to force my way through despite it on my 2nd turn and won
Game 3 - His first turn Trap Dustshoot, Warning control combined with Earth and Venus flood with Hyperion in turn 2 cleared me out and I lost with my nice full monster hand with no tuners.

Swiss Round 3 - Terrence (Valhalla Counter Faries) OO
Game 1 - Game dragged abit with his multitude of counter traps. However my monsters were bigger then Artemis and he couldn't gain advantage with his draws and I won
Game 2 - Managed to do an early flood with Bureidos after my double Trap Stun and won

Swiss Round 4 - Anthony (Junk Doppel) OO
Game 1 - Mind controlled his Ryko to clear his board, then triple Bureido together with Catastor (synchroed using my final Strategist and his Ryko) for the win
Game 2 - Apologies but don't really recall the game. Just somehow managed to flood through for the win.

Swiss Round 5 - Joo Kian (Machina Gadget) OO
Finally, my favorite matchup lol. Think its cause im just familiar with the deck since they are machines. Even though we got a random deck check which lasted 20 mins, I still managed to triple Bureido / Burei for both rounds and won before time was called.

Top 16 - Jeremy Chua (Machina Gadget) OO
Game 1 - More Machina Gadgets! Early flood wins the game
Game 2 - Game got dragged out with him using traps and me trying to clear them off with no sign of Hurricane and Trap Stun. Finally a Ninja with Limit Break goes through to form up a Bureido, Burei and Soldier with help from Growup Bulb. Next turn he clears both Bureido and Burei and Soldier using a Gearframe and double Fortress, but Strategist turns Gearframe to defense. Strategist kills Gearframe while I draw Hurricane and 2 Trap Stuns over next few turns. However he ran out of monsters by then and Strategist slowly poked for the win, with Trap Stun stopping his Compulsory Evacuation.

Top 8 - Samuel (Junk Doppel) OO
Game 1 - 2nd turn flood with Limiter Removal for the win!
Game 2 - Crow, Prophecy and Gozen holds him down while I safely flooded the field for the win a few turns later

Top 4 - Danial (Grave BF) XOX
Game 1 - Tried to do an early flood with a Solemn as he didn't have a BF on field and I was wary of Icarus. Solemn stops his Oppression but he flips Torrential after that. Lost too much advantage after that and lost.
Game 2 - Game dragged awhile as i had a pretty bad hand with lots of spells. Finally drew One for One and got excited, forgetting that Wanghu was on the field, which was quite a bad mistake lol. When I tried to Bureido in main phase 2, he oppressed again and I used Solemn. After some long thought, he used Solemn too. After that he used Vayu for Arms Wing which I De-Synchro away lol. With his monsters mostly cleared, I finally drew monsters to chop and win.
Game 3 - Thought I had a good hand and tried to do an early triple Bureido, but he Crowed away my Bulb which I didn't expect, since the deck isn't usually scared of crow. (He told me later it was because he didn't have much stuff to side for me and he was worried about my flood) Next turn Cyber Dragon clears my field, Grepher brings out Arms Wing and I had to Scoop.

For 3rd and 4th place - William (Machina Gadget) OXO
Game 1 - Early flood takes the game
Game 2 - His turn to flood me with Fortress, Compulsory bounces my Soldier and direct for the win
Game 3 - Had 2 Trap Stuns in starting hand and set those. He used Pot of Duality and took Solemn Judgement over Book of Moon, then set 4 cards. On my turn, Trap Stun 1 claimed 4000 lp, Trap Stun 2 stopped him, then Triple Bureido and Ninja with Limiter claimed my final game of the day.

And that's about it for the whole day! Even though I didn't top the tournament, there is still some hope that the top 2 players will be unable to make it (In SG, only the first place makes it to Worlds, unlike TCG). As such, hope you will forgive that I don't post my decklist, since there's a chance I will use it if I do get to go. All I can say is, it works on the same principles of my previous MKK so you can check out the deck archive there. Once again, thanks for the support everyone!

World Championship SG Qualifier Results

2011-07-04T01:26:00.007+08:00

Results of the World Championship Qualifiers for Singapore are as follows!

1st - Daniel Ang (Grave BF)
2nd - Kaven Sue (Offering Gadget)
3rd - DSummon (Machina Karakuri) <- LOL
4th - William Oh (Machina Gadget)

5th to 8th in no order of merit

Tan Wan Xin (Machina Gadget)
Colin Ang (Junk Doppel)
Samuel Cheng (Junk Doppel)
Bryan Chua (Machina Gadget)

Top 16 *Update*

Darius Sim - Agent Fairy
Fish Lim - Junk Doppel
Soh Jun Yuan - Junk Doppel
Benjamin Lim - Gravekeeper
Jeremy Chua - Machina Gadget
Jason Ng - Machina Gadget
Clarence Foo - Six Samurai
Alvin Nah - Six Samurai

So many Machina Gadgets in top 8, my best matchup and I didnt meet them at all! So sad, ah well, got 3rd, and super tired out. Look out for updated blog post plus videos up in the morning, gonna get some rest. Night!

Guess which is DSummon and get free hugs at Netherland.

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*update, added video for Finals*

DuelingDay @ Japan Series 2011

2011-06-29T18:28:00.002+08:00

Just to summarise up the Japan blog posts. For those interested in last year's trip also can click here

Day 0 (Night)
Day 1
Day 2 (Morning)
Day 2 (Night)
Day 3
Day 4

=====================

Next up, World Championship Qualifiers (Singapore)!!! Coming up on 3 July 2011

Day 4 in Japan (Night)

2011-06-28T20:16:00.001+08:00

Hi guys! DuelingDays is now relaxing at the hotel as I blog while we wait to set off to the airport soon. Basically we woke up, checked out of hotel and left our luggage there, and were at Akihabara shopping the whole day!

Tired out from the previous days and to check out, we left the hotel pretty late. By the time we arrived at Akihabara, it was almost lunch time so time for some Go Go Curry! Yummy stuff as always~

Some random photos as we walked on the streets. Idea of a maid casino sounds interesting actually.

Painful pricetags, don't dare to touch them at all lol

The sequel of the table flipping game last year, couldn't resist a shot. This time got the scenario of a school teacher, flipping tables at a class of rowdy students lol

Saint Seiya display with a life size figurine, looks cool and real shiny!

Also managed to sneak a shot of this Dissidia figurines on display~

All good things will finally come to an end. So before leaving Akiba, we decided that we would head over to the nice soba shop 1 more time. Especially seeing it was the final meal, I decided to eat to my fill, also considering that we would have not much chance to eat until having breakfast in the plane.

Niku soba + Katsu don + Ebi tempura...
So delicious!

And that's about it for our Japan trip! In a couple of hours, we will be on the plane heading back home. And that's the end of the show folks!

Day 3 in Japan (Night)

2011-06-28T02:01:00.002+08:00

Today was basically a very simple day. Since we are checking out tomorrow morning, we headed to Tokyo station after a hotel breakfast to buy lots of souvenir snacks, then on to Tokyo Disneysea. Since not much to discuss about Disneysea in my opinion, here are just lots of photos of the place~
(forgive photo qualities, I forgot to bring out my camera so I had to use my iPhone)

Cool vending machine with digital display. Lemon water, the drink of champions!

Lunch... Food is super exp inside as usual, so we had to buy stuff for sharing...

Such a weird flavor. We didn't buy it but could totally smell the milk tea mixed with the popcorn's butter in the air

After the parade, we headed to the shops and bought alot of stuff before finally leaving at about 9+pm, and returned to the hotel about 10+pm to put down our stuff and go for supper at a izuyaka (hope its the right name, dont remember) nearby.

Some sake and umeshu for our tired souls

Before...

After!

Horse sashimii, melts in your mouth!
(by the time I could snap the photo, half of it was already gone)

And of course, the good and cheap yakitori!

In all, a pretty good place to have supper, especially since we stayed till 1+ and there were still occasional customers coming in when we left. Will definitely come back if I stay nearby which i probably will.

That's about the end of the blog post. Tomorrow, our final day in Tokyo, and we are gonna spend the entire day in Akihabara! Only hope I can get photos to blog for everyone since obviously it is usually not allowed. Good night everyone!

Day 2 in Japan (Night)

2011-06-26T23:50:00.002+08:00

Day 2 started out with a trip to the Madoka Cafe which one of our friends wanted to go to. Apparently, this is a very popular place which is filled with alot of nendroids and other stuff for the anime. Sadly when we arrived, we were told to take a queue number where our turn would only come SIX hours later. Not wanted to waste time, we headed off.

Feeling hungry by then, we headed to Ikebukuro to lunch. We noticed this Shabu / Sukiyaki place with an awesome 90 min buffet at 2k yen. Between the 4 of us, we ate almost 20 plates of meat, such a totally delicious and fulfilling meal, lol.

Next stop was the Square Enix showcase! Well, that being said, it was basically a shop selling Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest related products, coupled with some displays aimed at making you drool. (Sephiroth life sized figure buried in the ground right in front of the counter was cool)

Well the FF and Tifa fan in me made me get the wall poster, even though I have no idea where I can hang it. Honestly wished I could buy more stuff back, but I would rather keep more cash for Akihabara.

Last random spot of the day was the Pokemon Centre! Our travel companions are Pokemon fans so we brought them here. Honestly, me and Baha can't recognize the Pokemon anymore. However, still nice to look around, and see the various publicity material for the next movie coming up in 3 weeks. 2 movies will be released simultaneously to show 2 different sides of the story, looks pretty cool!

My Monster Hunter neko purchase! ;)

Final stop of the day was of course, Akihabara lol! However we arrived quite late today, and most of the shops were already closing by the time we arrived. Dragging our aching feet, we rushed as fast as they could move just to buy some cards and other merchandise. However, we are nowhere close to complete our shopping so we will have to spend alot of time here I guess. After shopping, we had some sushi (sorry, forgot to take pictures) and headed back to rest our feet... Tomorrow... A full day of Disney Sea! Should be fun, since I have only been to Disney Land, and not Sea before.

Oh well, time to rest~

Day 2 in Japan (Morning)

2011-06-26T07:32:00.002+08:00

Alright, as promised, here's the post on our nice hotel! We are staying a Toyoko Inn, which is basically a chain of hotels located all over Japan.

We are staying in the one located 10 mins walk off the Tsukuba Express line's Asakusa station (yes, same train station to go to K's house which we stayed last year) which is of course just a 3 minute train ride from Akihabara :)

Hotel lobby is a clean place, with nice staff that can generally handle with English, though Tokyo's staff would be better at it.

The hotel lobby comes with 2 computers that hotel guests can use for Internet surfing, as well as free wi-fi for laptop / smart phone users. No Wi-Fi in the rooms sadly though.

Rooms are pretty standard western style rooms. You can only choose single / twin / double bedrooms, so not a good place if you are traveling in a group of 3. (Main reason why we didn't stay here last year) However, it's a good place if your group is in multiples of 2.

Prices are pretty cheap, going at about 3,700yen per person per night in a twin room, considering its a place that has a toilet in the room. If it is any cheaper, chances are you are staying in a hostel with no attached bathroom.

Toilets are pretty standard size for hotels in Japan. Meaning, small. Expect to hear lots of wall and ceiling knockin from tall room mates while they shower. That being said, it's still complete with all necessities including a small tub (Good for big sized people to at least soak feet in after a long day of walking. Smaller sized people will probably just squeeze right in

And lastly, breakfast! At that cheap accommodation price, they even provide breakfast, which is better then K's house. And real breakfast, not like some hostels and hotels in Japan which try to get away by serving bread and cereal.

They serve onigiris, pickled vegetables and miso soup! And though not in our hotel, some Toyoko Inns serve omelets as well. The delicious onigiris of course are not just the plain rice version but comes with different variants each day.

Aside from Onigiris, they also serve other variants of food, so it's usually a good idea to take a look before you leave each day. Sausages today are good!

Alright, that's about it for the hotel recommendation this time round. Time to head out for some sight seeing~

Day 1 in Japan (Night)

2011-06-25T23:30:00.002+08:00

Phew, tiring day with lots of walking around. Guess we were mistaken when we thought this would be a pretty relaxing trip, since we are not traveling out of Tokyo this time round. Our feet are totally aching away.

Our day started with a simple onigiri breakfast at the hotel before heading off to Tokyo Tower!

A short walk from the train station, we headed towards Tokyo Tower. Below the tower, there was a lady with a monkey doing a demonstration to promote their show.

Why the special mention? Well, on the observation deck 150 meters up, we looked down through a glass window in the floor and this is what we saw...

Yup, that's the monkey show place we were at just a short while ago. Pretty high up and we were only half way! However going higher would cost even more ticket money so we decided against it.

We hopped back on the train and made our way to Roppongi. Roppongi is a famous place for bars in Tokyo, but we weren't there for drinks at noon. We were there to go to the Konami card centre!

Photon Shockwave poster for those who haven't seen it.

It has moved since we went last year where it was at Shibuya. However the insides were still basically the same with tables, duel terminal machines and a counter for YGO merchandise. Dumped 200 yen and got a foil!

Lol. Oh well, I got it by my 2nd try so no complains. Baha also managed to get Gemknight Pearl on his 7th try so no complaints from us.

There were some girls playing in a mini tournament for girls and young boys only using the latest structure deck. Other then that, nothing much else was going on in the place so we left.

Following that we were going to head to Ikebukuro for some card shops there. However since we were hungry, we stopped en route at Shinjuku for lunch. Pretty nice food for a simple place selling don sets, and quite cheap too. Only 600+ yen for my nice don above.

Ikebukuro was up next, where it had a few card shops there, though nothing really out of the ordinary. We got a few cards from the shops and left.

However, we didn't forget to check out the nearby shopping mall which had a very extensive food area. (Took over 20 mins to just walk through. As Baha commented, it was a very bad place that kept tempting us to spend money on snacks) Got myself some unagi and we moved on back to Akihabara!

Back at Akiba, being familiar with the drill by now, we made our way through the various shops quickly. However since we reached back at only 6+pm, we didn't manage to cover all the shops.

Above are some nice figures for various YGO characters they had on display, which I managed to sneak photos of.(Akiba shops don't usually allow photo taking in the shops) Sadly, they were all sold out of the figures so I couldn't get any.

In the end aside from some cards, all I manage to get is the T-Shirt above from Cospa, though it was enough to make me happy for my first day of the trip.

Wrapping up the day, we had dinner at the corner soba shop at Akiba. (The same one we went to last year to hide from the snow). Food was still awesome as usual, and prices are extremely friendly, with the above costing 660yen.

After dinner, we dragged our tired and aching feet back to the hotel finally at around 10+pm... Finishing up this blog post at 12+am now and gonna get some sleep.

Tomorrow morning, I will introduce the hotel we are staying in, so keep a lookout~

Day 0 in Japan (Midnight)

2011-06-25T09:15:00.003+08:00

Morning guys! We arrived in Haneda Airport last night just before midnight and made a quick rush to the train after clearing customs. (Last train at midnight)

Train ride to Shinagawa, then transfer to Akihabara

The supper place, food is decent for a 24 hour place

After a couple of train rides, we arrived at Akiba at almost 1am! Though obviously nothing here at this hour lol. Feeling hungry, we grabbed some supper at above ramen store before cabbing to our hotel. (1,800 yen cab ride is painful...) No choice as the train that's runs closest to our hotel is a private line and last train runs at midnight.

After checking in quickly, we bought some drinks and stuff at the nearby Familymart and we quickly went to bed at almost 3am...

That's about it for our first night. Will give some info about our hotel tomorrow so keep a lookout~

Setting off! Well, almost...

2011-06-23T15:08:00.002+08:00

Its the final countdown! In exactly 1 day's time, the DD crew will be off to Japan again! We will basically be spending four days in Tokyo, and leaving Japan on Tuesday late night. Not much of a plan to travel anywhere else this time round, we will be basically spamming time seeing sights in Tokyo, then going to the usual anime & gaming related spots such as Pokemon Center, Square Enix, etc, and of course ending off in Akiba for most days.

Keep a look out for us, especially if you are there during those few days!

PS: Will try and do similar posts just like I did the last time

More Dark World Tips

2011-06-21T10:23:00.011+08:00

In the previous post I mention how good is Solemn Warning and Oppression against Dark World (or most decks that spam special summon).

When you play Dark World, there are ways to go around it by carefully planning your card resolution.

Let's start with something simple. Using Card Destruction as an example.

If only this happens in real life all the time

Avoiding Oppression/Solemn Warning:

You activate Card Destruction discarding Goldd and Broww. Since they both are discarded together, they form a chain. Now you can put Goldd as Chain Link 1 and Broww as Chain Link 2. This will prevent horrible stuff from happening to your Gold.

Oppression and Solemn Warning can only be chained directly to the "Special Summon" or the card that result in a special summon. Because Broww is put on chain 2, you cannot activate the above cards in response to Goldd and your Goldd will be summoned successfully.

More anti Oppression Tips:
When you discard multiple Goldd/Silvaa at one go, they form a chain. It will be Goldd(a) at chain 1, Goldd(b) at chain 2, Goldd(c) at chain 3. Oppression can only be activated to negate Goldd(c). Don't let your opponent cheat you by paying 2400 and negate all three Goldds.

Avoiding Bottomless Traphole/Torrential Tribute:

You do the opposite and put Broww as Chain Link 1 and Goldd on Chain Link 2. This will result in your Goldd getting special summoned first followed by drawing a card. You cannot activate Bottomless in this scenario because when Goldd is summoned, Broww is yet to resolve and you cannot activate anything in between a chain resolution. By the time Broww resolves, it is too late to activate Bottomless.

How to smartly avoid everything with a ~~good~~ GOD hand:

Assuming you have a wonderful hand as illustrated in my edited Card Destruction image, you put Broww in Chain 1, Gold in Chain 2, Snow in Chain 3, Grapha in Chain 4 (or whatever as long you put the summoning in between everything else). It will resolve with Grapha going first and Broww going last. Congratulations, you have successfully activated all your DW cards without losing anything to Torrential or Oppression plus you get to draw/destroy cards. Profit!

For non DW players, please Solemn Judgment that Card Destruction!

Other cards that does multiple discards!
(Fabled Raven, Graceful Charity, Morphing Jar)

For those who don't understand what is going on here, here is something for you to read.
Simultaneous Effects Go On Chain

Grapha, Dragon God of the Dark World

2011-06-18T11:24:00.006+08:00

LV 8/Dark/Fiend
2700/1800
You can return 1 face-up "Dark World" monster you control to the hand, except "Grapha, Dragon God of the Dark World", to Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. If this card is discarded from the hand to the Graveyard by a card effect, select 1 card your opponent controls and destroy it. If this card was discarded by an opponent's card effect, look at 1 random card in your opponent's hand also. If that card is a Monster Card, you can Special Summon it to your side of the field.

Many people are confused by the effects, so today we will be breaking it down so that it is easier to understand =D

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You can return 1 face-up "Dark World" monster you control to the hand, except "Grapha, Dragon God of the Dark World", to Special Summon this card from your Graveyard.

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Similar to Machina Fortress, this is a summoning condition that does not use the chain block. The correct way of summoning Grapha is bounce a "Dark World" monster, special summon this from grave, then ask if your opponent has any response such as Solemn Warning. It also means, you cannot use DD Crow on Grapha in response to this effect.

Ｑ：それぞれの効果分類は何ですか？
Ａ：自身を特殊召喚する効果はコストとして暗黒界を手札に戻しますが特に効果分類はなく、チェーンに乗りません（召喚ルール効果）(11/06/18)

=================================================

If this card is discarded from the hand to the Graveyard by a card effect, select 1 card your opponent controls and destroy it.

=================================================

"Discarded by card effect" is still confusing to some players. Dark World monsters work differently from Fabled monsters which do not care how it is discarded. Btw, this effect Targets a card on the field.

Yes (✓)

Card Destruction
Dragged Down to Grave
Morphing Jar
Dark World themed cards

No (X)

Cards that "send to grave" instead of "discard" - Hand Destruction, Zombie Master
Cards that are "discarded" as a "Cost" - Lightning Vortex, Raigeki Break

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If this card was discarded by an opponent's card effect, look at 1 random card in your opponent's hand also. If that card is a Monster Card, you can Special Summon it to your side of the field.

=================================================

As simple as it looks, when it is discarded by your opponent's card effect, you gain this additional effect. Grapha's effect becomes "destroy a card on the field, then see one of your opponent hand, then special summon it if it is a monster".

It also means this whole effect can be negated by Oppression or Solemn Warning since it includes an effect that "Special summons". You won't destroy any card or special summon any card, Solemn Warning is godly. You cannot use Oppression or Warning when your opponent is already looking at one of your hand since it is already at the resolution of effect. Do take note summoning condition still applies, don't take your opponent Dark Armed Dragon and special summon it from Graphar effect.

Ｑ：相手によって捨てられた時、《王宮の弾圧》や《神の警告》で無効にできますか？
Ａ：相手によって捨てられた時に発動した破壊する効果に対して発動できます。(11/06/18)

Source: 遊戯王カードWiki - 《暗黒界の龍神グラファ》
Information taken on 18 Jun 2011.
If the Wiki is updated in the future and there is a change in rule, please do leave a comment.

Will have more Dark World related post in the future to understand the ruling. Don't get scammed =D

1 Week countdown to Japan!

2011-06-17T22:47:00.003+08:00

Yup, its just 1 week left to Japan! Half the reason why the blog is so quiet is of course because we are preparing for Worlds, but the other reason is because we are getting ready for Japan!

Basically, we will be there for only 4 full days, and will be just enjoying a short trip in Tokyo without running around like the last time, so expect quite abit of spending time in Akiba from us lol. Travelling with the 2 of us will be 2 other friends, though they are not bloggers so shall not mention who they are since the non Singaporeans will not know them. Keep a look out here~

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Just watched the YGO movie finally today, after the DVD rip appeared in youtube, you guys can check it out for yourself. Seems to me even the various main characters finally understood the power of Limit Break! LOL. Stardust becoming ichi-man (10,000) attack is abit too funny for words.

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Also looked at Shriek for latest card info. Photonification is totally making me feel like playing some Viper / Lord British deck, and Photon Veil for 3 Grimro is such total bullshit. Photon Veil for 3 Watapon and exceed for Galaxy Queen totally sounds cute though, lol

It was a happy duel!

2011-06-12T15:39:00.008+08:00

Changes:

Super Polymerization -> Dark Hole (I actually forgot to put Dark hole orz)
Nova Master -> Armory Arm

Used this build yesterday at weekend local tournament. Lousy score of 2-2. Both loss are by my own retarded mistake, still trying to familiarize with the deck.

As you can see, the deck sides into Hero Beat.

My first loss was to Debris Dandy. Lost the first game from the overwhelming advantage that Librarian and Formula gives. While the second game was me doing a really bad side deck. I opened with One for One and Dandy and then realising I took out both level 1 Tuners /facepalm.

My second loss is to GK. First game he started with Necrovalley and Sin Cyber End, my only outs are Ryko which I didn't draw. Won the second game because he thought I was playing Debris Dandy and made a wrong side. Third game was me misplaying which lead to my loss.

Knowledge of using Debris Dandy setup required to play the deck. Since this deck doesn't run Avarice and only one of each Hero Fusion, careful usage of the cards is needed.

This deck is crazy fun, do try it.

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After the release of GX Manga vol 9, the latest in thing to say now is:

The above scene is before Johann summoned The Tripping Mercury and owned Sho's Valbaroid in an OTK fashion.

I believe the correct translation is supposed to be "It was a fun duel" since "It was a happy duel" sounds weird.

So the joke is, OTK your opponent (like when you activate Future Fusion and start going crazy with it) and say "It was a happy duel!" preferably with that face. Yes it's rude. Do not attempt when playing with strangers lol.

Please don't "Happy Duel" me.