Thieves Get Rich, Saints Get Shot And God Doesn't Always Answer Prayers

Mystical Space Typhoon has played a major role in Yugioh for a very long time. At one time it was such a good card it deserved to be reduced to one copy. It is an instant out to a possible problematic back-row and in many scenarios MST has created an opportunity for players to slam the door on opponents’ face for good. A card decorated with praises and gratitude no doubt. Currently, even after the release of a variety of cards bearing similar function to it Space continues to see play and is considered a staple by a majority of players. However, MST is no longer a card that requires skill to utilize. Tons of players throw out MST as if it has no proper role in their game plan. As if playing MST requires no sufficient amount of consideration. Of course, given when your opponent sets a card and proceed to end you should MST it to gain an instant trade off that could save your game. 

That action as well has to be thought off clearly depending on what kind of deck you are dealing with. At times instantly MSTing is not as beneficial. For example when you are going against a deck you know which plays key components like Royal Decree, Skill Drain and relevant field cards. How has something so dangerous turn into another mere 1-for-1 card in the eyes of present duelists? 

When we talk about MST many immediately jumps into concluding that Space only gives you a 50/50 odds while going for what we call “blind MST”. I beg to differ as always. There is no difference in hitting a bluff or a legit threat. Both situation still dictates it’s a one for one trade off. Having said that, imagine if you are able to aim for a legit threat when blind MSTing. If you achieve as much as blowing Solemn Warning or Torrential Tribute off the field that gives you enough information to make a plus move rather than going  into wally . I do not recommend over-extending even if your Space hits a good card. In many scenarios based on my experience, I would only decide to over-extend when cards like Torrential Tribute are off the field. (I don’t care if you Warning my Drago. lol) It rewards you to pay attention to such details and develop a sort of future vision or basically having good guess-timation, prediction of what the other card is. It can be a bluff or it can be two legit threats. 

Baiting plays a part in such situation as well but it would do you well to capitalize better on your 1-for-1 situations compared to your opponent. I would rather hit a Torrential Tribute in oppose of Solemn Warning. Why? Let us assume there are 2 back-rows in your opponent’s side of the field. Being Torrential Tribute and Solemn Warning. Imagine you summon Card Car D and previously hit a Torrential, your opponent has no other choice then to Warning your Car D or you plus 1. A 2-cards-trade-off situation which robs your opponent’s Life Points by 2000. From there, the odds begins to tilt in favor of you.

There are no short-cuts in learning how to read your opponent’s plays or set cards. Everything comes from experience. Back-rows creates an illusion that formulates fear resulting to reckless misplays because it will stay as an element of surprise unless you have access to revealing them beforehand. It is not something without a counter though. One does not need to rely on the “blind” aspect of blind MST or sit there hoping you removed the correct card. The following are a few methods I practice when playing a blind MST:

-Read the body language given off by your opponents. Do subliminal actions before declaring your target and observe their unconscious reaction towards your target. Involuntary action dispels mind games your opponent tries to play to confuse you. A simple blink of an eye, tap of a finger, delaying time or sudden shift of body posture can tell you a lot.

-Target cards your opponent pays more attention to before setting them. Often those are power cards or simply a card which can turn the tables on you. If it is a bluff players will try to avoid attention by setting them almost immediately without consideration. 

-Aim for the first set card. It is a habit many Yugioh players practice. They set the important one first or nearer to them so they can prepare to flip it up without wasting time when you summon or do something that will put them at a disadvantages position. The middle card or next to the first is often a support just in case shit happens.

-Summon a less-needed monster first before activating Space. If they do negate your summon, you profit from the lack of trouble you might face later on with your important pieces. Chances are you might hit a better card after that. A classical example of beneficial 1-for-1 or 2-cards-trade-off scenario. Rob your opponents before they steal from you. The other being the example mentioned earlier.

Examples given above are what I consider the most reliable. All these tactics require a huge amount of practice and uncanny observation skills. Again, player preference. Always remember that every player is different so train yourself to notice their habits before planning your tactics. Being good at something does not come only from talent. If you do not work for it, you will eventually lose it. Yugioh has evolved to a high level mental sport which you can only survive competitively if you have a certain edge. Many top players are good at a specific aspect of the game though some are fairly all-rounded. The higher you progress the harder it gets. No excuse or escape from that reality. Surviving in an environment filled with chain-able cards is going to be hard. You can argue the effectiveness of tactics I provide but look at it in another way the same principles still applies, only if you know how to deal with tricky situation. Once again, thank you for dropping by!