05/04/2012

Metaphysics Revelation


Two questions the world repetitively present us with, “What is there?” and “What is it like?”. When you think of it Yugioh is the same. In every format there will be decks that are stronger than the rest or has the edge compared to most. Yes, the meta game. Top meta to be exact has been one of the game-defining factors ever since Yugioh entered the open era. Decks which are considered as meta obviously see more play because of its superiority in many ways. Well, we are not here to talk about the definition of meta game. I notice there are important issues needed to be addressed at this moment, in Malaysia. I cannot say for sure if the following problem exists in other countries. Even though I know a number of foreign players, I do not play in their respective countries.

Going back to the two questions, players need to understand if they are looking to improve in this game they need to play by the rules of nature. Yugioh-wise. Players often only comprehend the “What is there?” part in meta game and almost entirely have no idea of “What is it like?”. I am treading on dangerous grounds when I say most Malaysian players are ignorant to the fact that they overlook the most important part of understanding the meta. The root of this epidemic is obviously egoism and a destructive mindset of constantly feeding themselves with self-satisfactory excuses. Stereotyping and labeling. 

The first thing a player should do is always to analyze what the current meta or format is like, what is there in the environment right now? Look into the overall situation and get an idea of what you will be facing within this certain amount of time. I am referring to the variety of decks ranging from Tier 1 to 2. Then, you begin researching or learning how the different decks work and how do you capitalize against them. The “What is it like?” part. Do not depend on secondary information, hear-say to be correct. This is common sense, I am sorry to sound rude here. The best way of understanding or learning something is to do it yourself. Primary information. Rely only on what you get from experience and what you observe. Play against the meta, play-test the meta yourself. It is also important you question every decision or move a good player makes whenever you watch them. 89% of this world has access to the internet. Use it to your advantage. Researching is a big part in everything. The more you know, the better you understand. Dueling Network is a perfect tool to make use of when it comes to learning the meta. Own a deck for free what more can I say?

Understand the fact that this post does not promote only meta decks. With information and knowledge, you are surely capable of outwitting and outplaying the meta. Though playing meta decks is the best way for a player to obtain knowledge and gaining more experience. Remember the meta game changes according to time and each meta deck functions In a different play-style. Konami  ARE creating more reliable Structure Decks as the game progresses, anyone can be sure that it will be a part of the existing meta game. A good investment if you are not looking to play meta decks that originates from booster sets.  Structure Deck years back were garbage honestly. Bottom-line, when you invest you expect return of investment. Do not waste your time by saying or assuming that meta players are not creative. Every individual has a different mindset when it comes to deck construction even though they are playing the same deck as everyone else. Tech cards are called tech cards for a reason. 

Perhaps this is the downside of living in a free-information age. When a person receives something without providing effort they often do not appreciate it. However, the issue here is definitely the downfall of deep thinking. I do admit society nowadays are shallow. Having said that, it is best to remember not everyone can create something that will make an impact, most end up wasting their time and money trying. If you don’t like the game, you don’t have to play it. But if you can find an angle to beat the game from it, why not play along with it? This is all for today. Thank you for reading!

16 comments:

  1. Hmm, I've been trying to get something like this across for a long time, but couldn't put this in words. Its close to what I wanted to say, but somethings lacking, I'm not sure what thou.

    I agree that most people here just label people who follow the meta as bandwagon hoppers. And make excuses like "I'm creative" as a reason to not play with them.

    DN is a great tool, I normally build the top decks in the game, with side and all, and play with my 2nd account (yes, with myself). Because I have no intention and need to play bias, playing with 2 top decks (sometimes mirror) at the same time lets me see big plays and how those deck react to them. And side decking.

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    1. There was something i filtered out when writing this piece. Its what we call cowardice or just 'kiasu'. I suppose that happens a lot here.

      Yeah, apart from annoying random people, DN is a great tool to make use off. You can learn a lot there at the very least.

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  2. I agree with GQ. ever since DN was introduce, I usually netdeck the meta deck to know how the game mechanic works and start thinking on how to crush them. My point is, in order to defeat the meta, you meed to understand the meta itself by joining them. By doing this, you will see the strength and weakness of the meta and you will know how to defeat them.

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    1. I wasn't promoting net-decking but i'm not saying that its bad either. However, that is one of the good ways to learn.

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  3. @K'yde: Well said and great analysis :)

    Conforming to the current meta does help in shaping our decks and strategies. In the current Yugioh era where netdecking is rampant, special techs do set players apart and add some variation to the meta. However, I believe that the difference between a great player and a normal player is that great players are generally more adaptive to the meta and have solid deck building skills as they do not overemphasize on personal techs but often use cards that are more reliable and meta defining.

    I also think that no matter which tournament you are in, it is important to recognize that not all players conform to the meta thus, a great player is always able to play around "weird" decks by relying on effective prophylactic plays. These, I believe, can be achieved by developing the "killer instinct" while gaining experience through joining various tournaments.

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    1. I was underlining the differences between a great and normal player wasn't implying that great player tons of tech cards. Hope i didn't made it confusing. Weird ideas sometimes work however not many can develop something out of nowhere. So, the first step is still learning not creating. When they work, LOL at people.

      But yes, thus why i promote experience. Without experience, one cannot go for the kill at the right time. Timing and judgmental only matures from experience. So is reading and analyzing.

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    2. killing inzektos whole deay, until lairwire happen LOL

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    3. You took a wire to the knee bro. LOL!

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  4. No worries, bro. My reply wasn't directed at your post. I'm merely expressing my thoughts :)

    Anyway, yeah, notwithstanding the heat of the tournament, great players are able to adapt to any situation thrown at them at any time during a game with relative calmness. That comes with experience and, of course, through great vision and ingenious improvisation, using whatever resources they have.

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    1. None taken. Hehehe! And yes, the improvisation part needs is almost exclusive to only good players here in Malaysia. It is sad to say so. Players tend to forget how to manipulate others' resources. Good insight from your part as well.

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  5. Well, another aspect of a great player (which I consider myself lacking and am still trying to pick up) is the ability to spot cards that are meta defining and apply them in their deck with optimal effectiveness i.e. the Japanese player(s) who first started using Card Car D in Hieroglyphs/Inzecters and paved the way for others to follow.

    Great players are also able to interpret card effects better than ordinary players. They are able to see things that ordinary players do not. Hence, unlike ordinary players, great players are able to tap into the full potential of any card they use. As a result, in the hands of a great player, ordinary looking cards may sometimes look as if they are "broken". This ability of course comes with a solid understanding of card rulings and in-depth knowledge of the game mechanics.

    As a learner of the game, though I still consider myself lacking in the ability mentioned above due to limited time for Yugioh research and play testing, I am glad to have shared this with you because it motivates me to do better and keep improving :)

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    1. That's probably one of my talents in YGO. Or maybe because i'm an active vendor. I remembered grabbing every Gaia, Atumus, Bouncer and Car Ds i laid my eyes on for very cheap prices. Some things are broken at first sight.

      Glad to know this article has helped you. Hopefully, we'll all learn and improve together. Again, thank you for reading.

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    2. Yes, indeed you do have the talent to spot meta defining cards, one of the many aspects of a great player. It's great that you are able to apply that talent in your vending which has benefited you abundantly. I was able to spot those cards you mentioned too but not until I've seen them being used in top decks in Japan. I'll have to learn from you in this aspect :)

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  6. then suddenly you sit at round 1 table facing final countdown trololol

    good post anyway

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    1. I think its more logical than suddenly having to face Royal Tribute Game 1, Turn 1. That i cannot handle. True story.

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