Cocky Wednesdays

The format in Malaysia has made a huge transition compared to previous years likewise to other Asia countries playing under the Asia Advanced Format. Yugioh today has entered what many have named it the golden age. Why say so? For the first time in Yugioh history, if I dare say, almost everyone is happy with the format. The format is not 1-2 turns OTKish nor is it long-turn games. At the same time there are a variety of decks existing in the competitive scene thus making the game less one force dominant. Having said all that, there will always be people who would complain. Well, we all know it’s impossible to make everyone satisfied with how things are. 

In every format there exist good cards and then there are better cards. When it comes to better cards most of us took the habit of naming them format defining cards or simply the best card in the format. While I am not here to go on about recreational talks, I would like to discuss cards that play an important role in today’s format. As usual, this article will be geared towards Malaysia’s Meta. Moving on, here’s the first card in the list.

MAXX “C”

With Wind-Ups coming into the scene and Agents possibly returning to the competitive field, Maxx “C” has been the favourite go-to hand trap in this format. Not forgetting Atlantean Mermails. While Effect Veiler remains a devastating force, the lack of existence with Inzektors has immediately pushed players to make the transition between the two hand traps. In a way, the fall of Inzektors has given many the confidence to switch out their Veilers which aren’t exactly the wrong thing to do seeing how Extra Pack 2012 and the legality of promos have changed the competitive scene in most parts of Asia. When you think of it, why not? Maxx serves as a secondary draw power and a potential combo breaker. At some point, the famous Tragoedia+Maxx combination will save your life. 

With all that has been said, the most important role for Maxx “C” in this format is to hold off big plays and the flexibility of this card to fit in any deck has made it a VERY popular card. Looking at how trends are progressing, Maxx “C” is going to be effective against a variety of decks and it isn’t shy to say it out. Just in case there are still players out there having second thoughts about Maxx’s importance in this format, stop just stop and get your own copies if you haven’t got them yet.

THUNDER KING RAI-OH

 

This card has been discussed and reviewed a million times and yet people continue to talk about it as if it’s the new kid in the block. Honestly, Raioh deserves all the attention and credit it gets. Of course I do not need to tell you that. With promos legal here, Raioh is going to be another one of those cards changing the face of competitive Yugioh in Malaysia. Just about everyone will Main Deck or Side Deck T-King. There is no point trying to be stubborn on the fact that a LIGHT, Level 4, 1900 beater with the ability to negate Special Summons and providing a temporary lock on search power isn’t good. And yeah, it goes into and goes against a variety of decks. So, be prepared to face tons of TKR for the rest of this format. I probably should say for the rest of your competitive Yugioh career. Being a Level 4 comes with benefits this format especially with promos being legal.

TOUR GUIDE FROM THE UNDERWORLD

 

Remember when Black Luster Soldier-Envoy of the Beginning was given his rights to parole after years of trial sentencing and jail time? When he was finally released everyone look to recruit him for their own personal gain. And yes, he has been wrecking a lot of well-played games. When BLS came back into the game, every deck out there looked for a method to include him into their game plan. Whether or not a deck has the ability to fit him in doesn’t matter. All that matters was BLS must be in the deck. That started a huge revolution in terms of deck construction and subsequently a single card defined the format. The same can be said with Tour Guide. Though the flexibility of TGU to include herself into a selection of decks is probably higher in some ways compared to BLS.

As of now Tour Guide cost a minimum of RM120 (approximately 39 USD and 30 Euro) yet prices are continuing to climb and duelists all around Malaysia are desperate to get their own copies even if it cost a staggering RM150. I will not waste your time by explaining how broken Tour Guide is and how well it fits into any deck. We all know what this little girl does. What I am stating is that BLS-Factor is about to repeat itself. Soon enough every deck will try to fit in their couple of little girls. Yes, this is another one of those deck construction revolution issues. Similar to how TGU made a format in TCG she will repeat her success in defining a format by popular means in the OCG.

NUMBER 16: SHOCK MASTER 

By now you’ve probably played it, or played against it. I hope you understood how Number 16: Shock Master is a force to be reckoned with. May it be Spells or Trap cards Shock Ruler has the capacity to keep them from ever seeing light. Also having the ability to chain down important monster effects that could potentially change the state of the game for you I suppose calling Shock Master a card with similar prowess as Trishula is no longer a joke. Again, both cards made the format and Meta.

Probably the biggest impact Shock Ruler has made is by announcing it's notoriety through pulverizing the idea of hand traps as a means of survival. Having the ability to choose between locking down effects. spells, and traps, Number 16 can easily allow a huge change of pace in the hands of an experience player. Provided if you can read your opponent's cards correctly. With the ability to seal cards like Gorz and Tragoedia this card can play straight through Maxx "C" creating a possible end game scenario for whoever dropped the great C-bomb on you. If it is Traps you fear, lock it down. If it is Spells you fear, lock it down. There are SO MANY options with Shock Master!

How big of a factor is Number 16: Shock Ruler? Not only does this card allow you to swing for game even when your opponent holds Gorz or Tragoedia, it raises questions and feeds doubt in the minds of your opponent. Much can be said with Shock Ruler but there is no denying that the threat of Shock Master will change and create many more trends in Malaysia’s Meta. Players will start to understand the concept of maintaining field control at a different level. I suppose I should say NEED instead of WILL. Will it be establishing early field dominance with a big monster or relying on more traps and spells to save you? There are a lot of questions. The more you think about it the better. 

Shock Ruler is a big factor to consider right now. If you can factor it to your deck construction and strategies the better your chances of winning. The way I see it any deck that doesn’t have access to Shock Ruler is at a virtual disadvantage going into a tournament. If you don’t run it, be sure to have a means to counter it. This is the first part of this topic. I’ll continue on with Spells and Traps another day. Thank you for spending time here!