Jonathon Nagel is from Denver, CO. We’ve seen him in competition quite a few times, and today he’s brought Mermails to Austin. He’s up against William Tincher from Hamilton, OH. He’s using Fire Kings today, but with a twist. His Side Deck contains a unique Black Garden strategy, and he sides out all of his Fire Kings to catch people off guard!  Will it work against Nagel, or will Mermails prove too powerful?

Duel 1

Tincher began with Phoenix Wing Wind Blast, Dark Hole, Pot of Duality, Bottomless Trap Hole, and 2 Circles of the Fire Kings. He played Pot of Duality to reveal Fire King High Avatar Garunix, Fire King Avatar Barong, and Onslaught of the Fire Kings. He took Garunix, then Set his traps.

Nagel played Deep Sea Diva and Special Summoned Atlantean Heavy Infantry in defense position. When it hit the field, Tincher used Phoenix Wing Wind Blast to put Infantry on top of Nagel’s Deck. Diva attacked directly, and Nagel Set a back row card.

Tincher drew Monster Reborn! He played it to revive Garunix and took down Diva in battle.

Nagel played Mermail Abysspike and discarded Atlantean Dragoons. Tincher banished it with Bottomless Trap Hole, but Nagel still used his two effects to add Mermail Abyssmegalo and Atlantean Marksman to his hand. He Set a second card to his back row.

Tincher drew Flamvell Firedog. He attacked with Garunix, dropping Nagel to 2800 Life Points, then Set Circle of the Fire Kings.

Nagel discarded Marksman and Diva to activate Abyssmegalo in his hand. He Special Summoned it and put Abyss-sphere in his hand, and Marksman destroyed Circle of the Fire Kings. He Normal Summoned another Diva next, and Special Summoned Marksman. Finally, he played Mind Control to safely remove Garunix from Tincher’s field! Tincher conceded!

Jonathon Nagel manages to find a way around Fire King High Avatar Garunix – taking it for yourself! The Duelists moved on to their Side Decks. “Believe it or not, you are actually my toughest matchup.” Tincher told Nagel. Would Nagel predict Tincher’s transformation Side Deck, though? Let’s find out!

Duel 2

Tincher started off with Rescue Rabbit, 2 Mystical Space Typhoons, Dark Hole, Phoenix Wing Wind Blast, Gladiator Beast Andal. He played Rabbit for two 2 more Andal and stacked them for Abyss Dweller. He Set Wind Blast and a Typhoon.

Nagel punished him with Heavy Storm! He discarded Atlantean Marksman and Mermail Abyssgunde for Abyssmegalo, and Tincher Chained Abyss Dweller’s effect before either of them could activate. Abyssmegalo still added Abyss-sphere to Nagel’s hand, and he followed that up with Deep Sea Diva, which gave him Marksman! Abyssmegalo destroyed Dweller in battle, then Marksman hit directly. Marksman’s effect brought Atlantean Dragoons to the field. Diva and Dragoons attacked as well, and Tincher had 4100 Life Points left. In Main Phase 2 Nagel Synchro Summoned Dewloren, Tiger King of the Ice Barrier, which returned Abyssmegalo and Marksman to Nagel’s hand. He Set a back row card.

Tincher drew Mirror Force – not too helpful when Nagel had Marksman in his hand. He Set Mirror Force and Typhoon.  Nagel played Abyss-sphere to Special Summon Mermail Abysslinde, and in the End Phase he got Mermail Abysspike. Abysspike discarded Marksman to add Abysslinde to Nagel’s hand, and Marksman destroyed Typhoon. Tincher’s bluff worked!

Except… it didn’t. Nagel destroyed Mirror Force with Mystical Space Typhoon, and Tincher was finished!

Jonathon Nagel doesn’t let up! He’s moving on with a great record. William Tincher has two losses now, but he’s still got a great shot at making it to Day 2.