You're Scared Because You Don't Know

Power cards, yes, power cards. Yugioh has entered an age where players have an over-abundance of cards that are, in their own way, power cards. May it be themed or generic ones. Though that isn’t the issue this post is getting to. The problem is, should Konami allow such cards to exist in the game and are players utilizing them well enough? Is it healthy for the community? Mind that, I’m not here to judge or insult anyone. I’m merely here to discuss about a disease that has been spreading for quite some time but few see the need to cure it. Or maybe, don’t even realize they are infected? Whatever the case is, a majority of players are not putting in enough thought on how to play their power cards PROPERLY. Yes, too much abuse going on. Mindless, thoughtless abuse. A part of your growth as a Yugioh player, or any type of TCG player, is learning how to think and consider the best of options you are presented with. Planning and learning are essential points as well. You can build or own the best deck but if you do not have the fundamental basics of knowing when-to-do-what, it makes no difference to be honest.

I believe I’ve mentioned about MSTs in the past. Mystical Space Typhoon, to me, is one of the strongest power cards that shouldn’t be at three. A card that instantly removes a threat and it is even capable of serving as an effective preemptive strike. It is a card that players need to understand better in my opinion. MSTs not only solve problems it also opens up a lot of plays for you. Do not waste it mindlessly, learn how to save your resources to deal with possible impending threats. Similar to that, Konami has recently given players the luxury to play two copies of Torrential Tribute. Well not as obvious as Typhoon, players are beginning to forget the importance of Torrential Tribute. Being allowed of main-deck two copies doesn’t mean you should abuse the card as you please. Previously, it was one of those cards that differentiate good and lesser players. Why shouldn’t it stay that way? Torrential Tribute is a card that has the ability to be flexible and versatile at the same time. I urge that you put in more thought before flipping this card up on things that don’t matter much. You can do so much with it and it will remain a card capable of turning the tables. I’ve seen people throwing out Torrential as soon as their opponents summon monsters that are obviously back-row bait. Yes, I agree there are times when you’re forced into activating this card. No doubt. Things like Card Car D and all. But do not waste them!

Monster Reborn. Well, there really isn’t much to say about this card. We all know it is outright broken and I personally think players shouldn’t be allowed to use it. Reborn is so ridiculous it breaks so many well-played games. Enough on that, let us proceed to Dark Hole. First of all, I no longer consider Dark Hole a staple and it shouldn’t be an auto-decided main deck card. In the current format, Dark Hole is at best a one-for-one trade off. However, it doesn’t mean you should Dark Hole the field for no apparent reason. It is dangerous to abuse such a card in an unproductive manner. Remember, it is called a power card. If you do not have a play to follow-up, do not attempt to waste important resources. Dark Hole when you feel confident to go for game because if you can’t keep the advantage Dark Hole generates you have just wasted a card for nothing. The same can be said for Heavy Storm. Do not simply activate Storm because your opponents have more than one back-row. Learn how to use it properly and bear in mind that you should have a solid follow-up, a critical play which can change the pace to your best interest. Learn how to use such power cards to create and maintain pluses. What happens if your opponent sets two back-rows, ends, and on the following turn you activate your one and only Heavy Storm to find that those cards aren’t worth it? Meanwhile, they proceed to set three more back-rows knowing that you’ve just wasted an important game-changing power card. That has cost you a game, possibly a match. 

Effect Veiler has recently seen rise due to the sudden need of its aid in the current format. While it isn’t the most broken among all cards it has come to be recognized as one of the new power cards in our current format. How well would it stay purely depends on the state of the game, on the mechanics as well. This is one is slightly tricky because you need to have a good understanding on how rulings work. It can be difficult but worth spending time on. The same as all power cards, Effect Veilers are receiving the same treatment. Abuse, abuse and more abuse! Not in a good way but in a more negative way. I’ve seen players actively toss out an Effect Veiler as soon as their opponents summon a monster. Of course, it is good to deny a plus off your opponents by negating their monsters’ effect but it isn’t exactly productive to do it without consideration. There are some cards that don’t require you to consider, stuff like Inzektor Damsel or Card Car D per say. However, it doesn’t mean you should waste Veilers on cards that give out pluses, like Gadgets for example. Know and understand timing. It can be beneficial at times to negate a Gadget’s effect but in general they don’t pose much of a threat. Unless you’re absolutely sure then do not waste Veilers in such a manner. Pay attention to the flow of the game you are in.

Imagine being in a gunfight holding a gun with minimum amount of bullets left and instead of aiming and shooting at your target you blindly open fire. I’m pretty sure you know what happens next. Many players are not aware of the fact that wasting power cards are one of their reasons why they keep on losing. Drawing terrible is another thing. But if you know how to play a terrible hand and consider your options properly, it is going to pay off as what you deserve. Bottom-line, power cards opens up opportunities and opportunities are capable of leading you to victory. Appreciate them and play them accordingly, most importantly properly. I hope this post has made some sense and taught readers something. Once again, thank you for dropping by!