Cheap Deals from the OCG

Okay – I get it.  The TCG and OCG are so far apart that tournament reports from across the Pacific are little more than cultural oddities.  You might as well base your side deck on a Kaijudo deck list than try to learn something from the OCG.  They have different ban lists, exclusives, play styles, and tax systems. Reunification of the Korean peninsula seems more likely than reconciliation of the two metas.  Besides, who needs their Cyberstein when we can top deck wins with Soul Charge?

While the relevance of the OCG meta continues to suffer, it has not waned completely.  They still play Yugioh and, contrary to popular belief, they don’t play Cyberstein.  The biggest difference between the two metas is the presence of Nebra Disk, which won’t be available to us until the fall. Thus, their most dominating deck, Chronomaly Artifiacts, is not likely to top a Western YCS.  

Nevertheless, a search through the OCG can lead to the discovery of future gems.  I picked up Fiendish Chain for pennies by watching the card get play in the OCG.  You could have had a playset of Overworked for $0.60 if you noticed the siding habits of OCG players.  As always, past performance does not predict future fortune.  Still, many of these cards are cheap or (even better) gathering dust with a bunch of common cards. 

As a reference point, I surveyed all the OCG tournaments of more than 50 players listed on Shriek as of April 1^st.  70 decks were listed; the percentage of each deck is given in the graph.  Beside each deck type, there is a “Power Number”. This number roughly measures how well the deck placed.  Lower numbers suggest more first and second place finishes.  

As one would expect, Chronomaly Artifacts and Dragon Ruler variants are the most common decks. In fact, decks with either artifacts or dragons make up more than 50% of their meta.  Shadolls are also making their presence felt, which is not surprising given the flexibility of the deck.  The Mermails and Geargias are not going away though the latter relies on Machina monsters.

Coming Soon

Several of the side deck choices are predictable given that many of the Chronomalies are machines. Cyber Dragons and Chimeratechs are common and System Down is seeing more play. The pressure for the TCG to pick up on this trend is even greater since we live with charged souls.  Can you imagine what it is like to draw into Soul Charge with a pile of monsters in the banished zone? 

 

Light-monster hate is becoming more common as well.  Bujins, Chronomalies, Battertymen, and Artifacts are all light.  Enter the Ally of Justice monsters and Koa-ki Meiru Doom.  For those of you who loved Solemn Warning, there is Chaos Trap Hole.  Thankfully, none of these cards are more than $0.50 

 

OCG players also appear to be investing in life point cards.  For the most part, LP cards only see play in RKD’s*.  However, I suspect many of their duels are going into time.  As a result, Emergency Provisions, Rainbow Life, and Supremacy Berry can steal games.  One could argue these cards have even more value in our meta where Soul Charge turns life points into monsters.  

With the exception of Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, all of these cards are less than a dollar.  At the very least, it is probably worthwhile sorting through that shoe box of commons to find them.  Today's 25 cent common can be tomorrow's five dollar must-have. 

* RKD: Random Kid Deck

How to Prepare for a Yugioh Tournament

Being a doctor in this country means taking tests … lots of them.  Over the past 30 years, I have taken the PSAT, ACT, SAT, MCAT, USMLE1, USMLE2, USMLE3, Internal Medicine Boards, Hematology Boards, Internal Medicine Boards Renewal and Hematology Boards Renewal.  If I have the strength and will to continue to practice, I can look forward to at least four more such tests.   

With all this practice, I have become rather adept at test taking.  So I suppose it is natural that my Yugioh tournament prep should mirror my test prep.  After all, both events require hours of intense focus and concentration; both have defined start time; and both require a photo ID to register.  The biggest difference is that standardized testing gives you a lunch break and Yugioh tournaments let you call a judge.   

So with that in mind, I present my tips on what to bring to a big Yugioh tournament.

Your deck and accessories:  Basic? Sure. Have people screwed it up? Yes. If you’re like most players, you probably have more than one deck, more than one deck box, and maybe more than one bag.  Nothing like opening your deck box at the beginning of round one and seeing Magic cards in it.  While you’re at it, make sure you have a mat, extra sleeves, and at least one die.  How many times have I seen players reach across the table like boarding house slobs to get dice?  Really, how hard is it to bring dice?  

Pen, score pad*, and/or calculator:  Should you keep score? Absolutely! Don’t rely on your opponent.  Pen and paper remain the best means since it creates a record that judges can peruse.  Calculators save some time but they can lead to disputes. Most phones are too cumbersome and some tournaments frown on their use. 

Deck list: I have seen players miss the deadline to enter a tournament because they were desperately trying to fit Karakuri Shogun MDL 00 “Burei” into their deck list.  Why subject yourself to so much stress? Konami lets you fill it out on line in the comfort and quiet of your own home.  Besides, taking your time will lower the chance of a mistake.  If you really can’t choose between Wiretap and Trap Stun, leave the space blank.  Filling in one card is a lot easier than 70.  I usually print several in case they are needed for side events.

Registration, photo ID, and cash: Konami does only cash. You will likely be able to get cash from an ATM at the venue.  However, these machines usually look like they are from the 60’s and they will have a hefty surcharge.  Most Konami events are $20. There is no reason not to get it early.  

 A small pharmacy:   I usually bring Tylenol, cough drops, and a decongestant.  There’s nothing like a headache to ruin a good tournament.  Coughing tends to disturb play whether it’s you or your opponent.  Perhaps, this is just the doctor in me, but I will happily hand my opponent a cough drop to keep him from contaminating my cards.  

Snacks and bottle water:  I’m not kidding when I say there is no lunch break.  Power bars, nuts, and dried fruit can help you power through when your opponent is wilting.

Layers of clothing: I have yet to go to the venue with the perfect clime. They are either too cold or too hot or start cold and get hot.  Be prepared for both. 

A rested mind:  For Peten’s sake, get some sleep.  Sleep deprivation does not serve either the SATs or your feature match well. 

* Make sure your pad is large enough to comfortably write on. Small pads are great for those with neat handwriting.  If you're like me, you need more room.  Fumbling with the score reflects badly on you.  

Fun with Fiends

I’ve always been fond of the “Anti-meta” play style.  Let the lemmings lead the charge over-the-hill and into the void.  I will gladly counter that nonsense.

The prince of the anti-meta world has always been Vanity’s Fiend.  Ever see a Wind-Up player face the Fiend?  Summon Shark and … uh … next game.  However, he has always been a bit egocentric and, quite frankly, vain.  He doesn’t work particularly well in other decks; he’s hard to summon and with 2400 attack, he can’t really get you out of a bind. 

However, Konami has been quietly introducing a series of cards that make this fiend playable.  Let the rest of the Yugioh world focus on war gods, sweet things, and little engines, I'm bringing the fiends.  Here’s my list:

The Big Fiends 

Vanity’s Fiend x 3

Majesty’s Fiend x 3

Caius, the Shadow Monarch x 3

Monster effects cannot be activated

Here are nine of the best fiends in the anti-meta world.  Majesty’s Fiend shuts down all monster effects, field, hand, graveyard, back yard – you name it.  Given the dominance of monster effects in the game today, this card is devastating.  Vanity comes in a close second.  Since its effect is continuous, it is not negated by Majesty. Caius fills out the tribute monster line-up.  Non-destructive, removal from play is a real plus in this Soul Charged game. 

The Little Fiends

Ghostrick Jackfrost x 3

Ghostrick Specter x 2

Ghostrick Lantern x 2

Battle Fader x 3

Battle Fader has always been a Monarch players friend.  Unlike Treeborn Frog, it does not fall to graveyard removal.  It is a Debunk target, but this card has not seen a great deal of play.  The Ghostrick line-up makes the deck playable.  They give the deck enough stall power to get to the big guys.  I am not sure about the ratio of Ghostrick monsters or if the field spell should be played … ahh more testing.

Fiendish Offense

Sinister Yorishiro x 3

Forbidden Lance x 3

Pot of Duality x 3

Seal of Orichalcos x 1

Solidarity x 2

Level 5 or higher Fiends can be summoned without tribute

Sinister Yorishiro is an under-the-radar TCG exclusive.  The card allows you to normal (not special) one level five or higher fiend.  You can also send the card off to protect a fiend.  Why aren’t more people talking about this card?  The lances serve two purposes.  They protect the fiends on summon making them vulnerable only to Solemn Warning (since Black Horn can’t stop them).  They also allow the fiends to get over a 3,000 point monster.  Solidarity and Orichalcos also add to their attack and help them overcome their decided lack of fire power.  Pot of Duality is maxed out because the deck only special summons on the opponents turn.

Fiendish Defense

Kaiser Colosseum x 3

Dark Hole x 1

Dimensional Prison x 2

Bottomless Trap Hole x 1

Compulsory Evacuation Device x 1

Torrential Tribute x 1

Kaiser Colosseum works particularly well in the deck.  The tricky ghosts have a way of keeping at least one of their members on the field throughout the phases of the game.  With the exception of Bujins, most deck don’t play the one monster game well. 

Dark Hole and Torrential are the mass destruction cards that can get you out of a jam.  If these cards are played with a protected Majesty’s Fiend, your opponent’s cards will traipse off to the graveyard with only a whimper.  D Prison and BTH add to the removal anti-Soul Charge theme of the deck.

Mo help on the side

MST X 3

Brain Golem x 3

End of Anubis x 3

Creature Swap x 3

Royal Decree x 3

The deck has some troublesome matchups.  Harpies and Skill Drain decks come to mind.  You may need to alter this side deck if those decks are more common.  Brain Golem is a fun, often ignored fiend that will cause problems for Bujins and Noble Knights.  The End of Anubis can spell the end of Sylvans and other decks that rely on graveyard effects. 

There are variants of this deck that are worthy of consideration.  The chaos version is my favorite.  This deck uses Mystic Piper (3), Kinka-Byo (1), and Thunder King (1). If you add your three Majesty’s Fiends, you have seven light monsters.  You can’t use Solidarity, but you can bring out the king – Black Luster Soldier. 

Unfortunately, Majesty’s Fiend will be released as a secret rare.  This may mean the card will be a bit over-valued when it first arrives.   If you see ‘em this weekend, hold on tight.  The fiends are coming.