In a Top 16 packed with Agent and Plant-based Synchro Summoning Decks, Anthony Alvarado emerged as the only Karakuri Duelist to make it to the top of the competition. But with all of the tricks his Deck is capable of, it’s no surprise that he got there.

Anthony Alvarado’s Karakuri Deck – 40 cards

Monsters: 20
2 Cyber Dragon
2 Thunder King Rai-Oh
3 Genex Neutron
3 Karakuri Ninja mdl 919 “Kuick”
1 Karakuri Watchdog mdl 313 “Saizan”
1 Karakuri Strategist mdl 248 “Nishipachi”
3 Karakuri Merchant mdl 177 “Inashichi”
3 Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 “Ninishi”
2 Effect Veiler

Spells: 12
1 Pot of Avarice
3 Pot of Duality
1 Dark Hole
1 Mind Control
1 Heavy Storm
3 Mystical Space Typhoon
1 Monster Reborn
1 Book of Moon

Traps: 8
1 Mirror Force
3 Fiendish Chain
1 Trap Dustshoot
2 Solemn Warning
1 Solemn Judgment

Alvarado’s Deck runs 3 copies each of Karakuri Merchant mdl 177 “Inashichi” and Genex Neutron. Merchant recruits a Karakuri to Alvarado’s hand as soon as it’s Summoned, and Genex Neutron nets him a Karakuri Tuner if it makes it to the End Phase. These monsters assure Alvarado a steady stream of monsters for him to Summon and use as Synchro Materials.

Alvarado considers Summoning Genex Neutron his strongest first turn play. “As a typical play, I’ll get first turn Genex Neutron backed by Fiendish Chain or something,” he told me. From there, Alvarado can use his Neutron’s effect in the End Phase to search for Karakuri Watchdog mdl 313 “Saizan”, Karakuri Strategist mdl 248 “Nishipachi”, or Karakuri Komachi mdl 224 “Ninishi”. Alvarado usually searches for a Watchdog. “With Watchdog in hand, they’ll usually go Tour Guide or something else that can be stopped by Fiendish Chain. Next turn, I Tune Watchdog with Neutron.” That’s where the Deck really takes off for Alvarado.

By Tuning together his 2 Machines for a Level 8 Synchro Monster, Alvarado is able to Synchro Summon Karakuri Steel Shogun mdl 00X “Bureido”. From there, he can use its effect to Special Summon Karakuri Ninja mdl 919 “Kuick” from his Deck. Kuick’s 1700 ATK is usually more than enough to destroy most monsters Duelists Summon on their first turn, including Tour Guide From the Underworld, Sangan, and The Agent of Mystery – Earth. This means that Alvarado will frequently be able to successfully destroy a monster in battle with it. Kuick’s effect will then let him Summon another Karakuri from his Graveyard, allowing him to set up another Level 8 Synchro Summon or a Rank 4 Xyz Summon.

By Syncho Summoning another “Bureido”, Alvarado is able to Special Summon Strategist from his Deck, and use its effect to switch that Strategist’s battle position. Since each “Bureido” draws Alvarado a card whenever a Karakuri changes its battle position, the Strategist will help Alvarado draw 2 cards. Alternatively, if Alvarado has some defensive Trap Cards, he can Xyz Summon Steelswarm Roach to lock down his opponent’s Summons while he attacks for the victory.

Alvarado’s Deck is also capable of performing Level 7 Synchro Summons that are perfect for any situation. “Ninishi” is a Level 3 Tuner that allows Alvarado to Normal Summon an additional Karakuri monster from his had once per turn, so by Summoning the Level 4 “Kuick” with the effect of “Ninishi”, Alvarado has tons of options.

For example, Alvarado can Tune “Ninishi” with “Kuick” to Summon Karakuri Shogun mdl 00 “Burei”, and use the effect of “Burei” to Special Summon another Karakuri from his Deck when he wants to swarm the field. By Special Summoning “Kuick” with Burei’s effect, Alvarado can attack over his opponent’s monsters that have less than 1700 ATK and then Special Summon “Ninishi” or “Kuick” back from the Graveyard to set up another Level 7 Synchro Summon or a Rank 4 Xyz Summon.

While Alvarado is in the lead and has a bunch of Spell Cards in his hand, he can Synchro Summon the Level 7 Naturia Landoise, and use its effect to shut out his opponent’s monster effects. Of course, if Alvarado is falling behind in a Duel, he can also count on the Level 7 Black Rose Dragon to clear the field.

Anthony Alvarado’s Karakuri Deck gives him tons of options to consider when deciding on his plays. By making the right moves, Alvarado was able to make it to the Top 16 of this weekend’s YCS. Given Anthony Alvarado’s success in the tournament, there’s a good chance that we’ll be seeing a lot more Karakuri Decks in future YCS tournaments!