Cards that effectively put big chunks of the game on pause are always really powerful: Vanity’s Emptiness is one of the most popular Trap Cards of the year, shutting off all Special Summons; stuff like Macro Cosmos, Dimensional Fissure, and Soul Drain are so powerful they have to be Limited to 1; and Royal Decree’s Trap-stopping power have made it one of the most feared Traps of all time. Dark Simorgh prevents cards from being Set, but the need for both WIND and DARK monsters to use it effectively keeps it out of competition. Cards like these place restrictions on both Duelists, but if you control them you get to choose when they hit the game, and you can build your Deck to play around them in advance.

The New Challengers introduces a powerful new monster that’s somewhere in between Royal Decree and Dark Simorgh, but it’s Level 4 and can be played in any Deck! Check out Denko Sekka! Read more…

The New Challengers is fast approaching, and there are 2 “new challengers” competing for a spot in your Shaddoll Extra Deck – El Shaddoll Grysta and El Shaddoll Shekhinaga! This Shaddoll duo will make the Duel a nightmare for your opponent, shutting down your opponent’s Special Summons and the effects of their monsters. Read more…

“I am Sirius. And don’t call me Shirley.” – Satellarknight Sirius, October 2014 Read more…

The New Challengers marks a new chapter for some of the most popular Decks in the game: for the bright and colorful Yang Zings, it marks a turn to the shadows. Overpowered by Burning Abyss, Satellarknights, and Shaddolls in the Duelist Alliance era, Baxia’s forces turn to dark allies in a bid to restore balance… Read more…

In just a few days, the Dueling world will get its first taste of the Qliphorts – Pendulum Monsters that adjust their ATK and Level and reward you for Tribute Summoning, kind of like Beast King Barbaros or Fusilier Dragon the Dual-Mode Beast.

Last time around we showed you how to create the perfect set-up for the Qliphort strategy: searching out and activating Qliphort Scout and Performapal Trampolynx, searching your Qliphort cards with the Scout’s effect, and then repeatedly Pendulum Summoning monsters from your hand and Extra Deck to use them for Tribute Summons.

Today we’ll complete the picture, as we discuss the “Qli” cards you’ll want to Tribute; the monsters you’ll want to Tribute them for; and some off-theme cards that fill special roles when you play them with Qliphorts! Read more…