Order of Operations

The first time someone experiences the Debris Dragon into Dandylion into Black Rose Dragon combo they always question why the Fluff Tokens wouldn't get destroyed. It's happened to me and it's happened to nearly every player I know. Basically it happens like this:

Dandylion + Black Rose Dragon

Dandylion's Effect is mandatory, while Black Rose's is optional. When creating a chain with effects that stack, the mandatory effect(s) will always take place first (Dandylion) followed by any optional effects (Black Rose).

Chain Link 1 = Dandylion (Mandatory)

↓

Chain Link 2 = Black Rose Dragon (Optional)

The chain then resolves backwards—Black Rose Dragon's effect resolves destroying the Field, then Dandylion resolves summoning 2 Fluff Tokens.

Now recently a problem arose with the introduction of Doppelwarrior in Storm of Ragnarok. A handful of players assumed that since Doppelwarrior creates Tokens in a similar manner to Dandylion that any chain involving it would resolve the same way.

Now it is far from the way things actually work. Take the following example:

Junk Warrior + Doppelwarrior

Junk Warrior's effect is mandatory (like Dandylion), while Doppel's is optional (like Black Rose). So just like before, their effects stack and resolve the same:

Chain Link 1 = Junk Warrior (Mandatory)

↓

Chain Link 2 = Doppelwarrior (Optional)

Resolving backwards, the 2 Doppel Tokens are summoned, then the Junk Warrior will gain attack equal to all level 2 or lower Monsters on your side of the Field.

Now let's say someone decided to use both Doppelwarrior AND Dandylion as the Non-Tuners to summon Black Rose Dragon:

Dandylion + Doppelwarrior + Black Rose Dragon

Since Doppelwarrior and Black Rose Dragon are optional, Dandylion must be Chain Link 1.

You can choose the order of Doppel and Black Rose's effects on that chain, but if you are not stupid you'll place Doppel as Chain Link 2 and Black Rose as Chain Link 3.

Chain Link 1 = Dandylion (Mandatory)

↓

Chain Link 2 = Doppelwarrior (Optional)

↓

Chain Link 3 = Black Rose Dragon (Optional)

Simple enough, right?

Keep in mind that Doppelwarrior triggers its effect when it is sent to the graveyard and not upon the successful synchro summon, unlike with Beast of the Pharaoh, so even if the summon is negated you'll still get your Doppel Tokens.

Remember players, the game ends with you.

Don't Judge a Card by It's Picture

Harpie Lady Sisters
(Winged-Beast-Type/WIND/Level 6/ATK 1950/DEF 2100)

This card cannot be Normal Summoned or Set. This card can only be Special Summoned by the effect of "Elegant Egotist".

Cyber Shield (Equip Spell)

Equip only to "Harpie Lady" or "Harpie Lady Sisters". It gains 500 ATK.

Card Rulings:

- You can equip this card to monsters like Cyber Harpie Lady that are considered to be Harpie Lady.
- Even though there are 3 Harpie Lady Sisters, Harpie Lady Sisters is 1 monster and gains only 500 ATK from Cyber Shield.

Does Konami really think that players of this game are that stupid?

Remember players, the game ends with you.

Swiss Army Knife

Last time I posted about the Aesir (formerly Polar God Cards) I expressed my disgust at how badly Konami nerfed their effects. I mean sure, had Valkyrie of the Nordic Ascendant (Polar Star Angel Valkyria) retained her anime effect a player could potentially spam Level 6 and 10 Synchros on their first turn, but I doubt that would "wreck the meta". Anyway, it seems Konami's method of "fixing" the Aesir is by giving them their own Quickdraw Synchron. Introducing the first confirmed Secret Rare and TCG exclusive from Storm of Ragnarok: 

Vanadis of the Nordic Ascendant (Fiend-Type/DARK/Level 4/ATK 1700/DEF 800)

TUNER: You can substitute this card for any 1 "Nordic" Tuner Monster for a Synchro Summon. If this card is used as a Synchro Material Monster, all other Synchro Material Monsters must be "Nordic" monsters. Once per turn, you can send 1 "Nordic" monster from your Deck to the Graveyard to change this card's Level to the Level of the monster you sent to the Graveyard, until the End Phase.

I'll admit I never expected Konami to come up with something like this. Granted it would have been better if Vanadis had been splashable like Quickdraw Synchron, but I guess you can't have everything. While it is a real boon for fans of Odin, being able to serve as the Nordic Ascendant Tuner required to revive him during the End Phase, I'm not sure how successful a mono-Nordic deck would fare as the gods themselves don't cover each others weaknesses as they did in the anime. Sure Vanadis can allow you to summon Loki and Thor easier, but you won't be able to revive them without a Nordic Alfar or Nordic Beast Tuner also in your Graveyard.

But of course Konami has an answer for everything, and so now they created an incentive for those wanting to make their own Nordic deck. Behold the first confirmed Ultra Rare and second TCG exclusive from Storm of Ragnarok:

The Nordic Lights (Field Spell)

"Nordic" monsters on the field cannot be destroyed by battle. When this card on the field is destroyed, destroy all face-up "Nordic" monsters on the field.

Now here's a card that isn't half bad. It can be a double-edged sword though. Most of the Nordic monsters are too weak to do any significant damage and while the Field Spell is active they'll be sitting ducks to any big beater your opponent summons. Also while I am a bit peeved that they wasted an Ultra Rare spot on a card like this, it does show that Konami knows how to give support to an archetype that's supposed to be the centerpiece of the set.

Remember players, the game ends with you.

Rock Band

I never quite understood the fascination gamers had with the Guitar Hero and Rock Band series. I mean if you think about it, they're no different from Simon, which some of you might remember as that old electronic game from the 1980's. Perhaps I am I biased when I speak as I've never been a fan of rhythm games, but I digress.

It seems that music has finally strayed into the dueling world, and in an age of Synchros and Tuners the timing couldn't have been more perfect. Coming out in Storm of Ragnarok I give you: The Symphonic Warriors 

Symphonic Warrior Bassist

(Machine-Type/WIND/Level 1/ATK 600/DEF 400)

TUNER: Once per turn, you can select 1 face-up "Symphonic Warrior" monster on the field. Increase its Level by the number of cards in your hand, until the End Phase. You can remove from play this card from your Graveyard to increase the Level of 1 face-up "Symphonic Warrior" monster you control by the number of cards in your hand, until the End Phase. 

Symphonic Warrior Drums

(Machine-Type/WIND/Level 2/ATK 700/DEF 700)

TUNER: Once per turn, you can select 1 face-up "Symphonic Warrior" monster on the field and declare 1 Attribute. The selected monster's Attribute becomes the declared Attribute. You can remove from play this card from your Graveyard and declare 1 Attribute to have the Attribute of 1 face-up "Symphonic Warrior" monster you control become the declared Attribute. 

Symphonic Warrior Piano
(Machine-Type/WIND/Level 3/ATK 900/DEF 1300)

TUNER: Once per turn, you can select 1 face-up "Symphonic Warrior" monster on the field and declare 1 Type. The selected monster's Type becomes the declared Type. You can remove from play this card from your Graveyard and declare 1 Type to have the Type of 1 face-up "Symphonic Warrior" monster you control become the declared Type. 

Though truthfully I wish the cards had retained their OCG names as Sound Warriors, as Tuners they aren't half bad. Bassist's versatility as a Tuner rivals that of Fabled Raven, without having to deplete your hand in the process, while Drums and Piano are the perfect Tuners for Attribute and Type-specific Synchro Summons respectively. I'm not sure how well a deck based around them would fare, but as far as techable Tuners go, these three definitely make the cut.

On another note, I am a little confused as to why the trio are WIND Attribute as the bass, the drum, and the piano are not wind instruments. Personally I would have had them be LIGHT or DARK, but I suppose those Attributes have enough options already.

Remember players, the game ends with you.

Going Oldschool

As many of you may have already realized that the prices of classic Six Samurai support cards has increased exponentially since the announcement of new support for the theme. The first of these was True Six Samurai - Kizan, a card that unlocked so much potential to the Samurai that players began hyping them up as the new X-Sabers. I was skeptical at first but when I learned that the archetype was to receive their own set of Tuners and a new Shien Synchro Monster, it was pretty clear that Six Samurai would join the ranks of the other Tier 1 decks.

Speaking of which, I just love how each of the True Six Samurai has a relation to previous Six Samurai cards:

• True Six Samurai - Kizan is a younger Grandmaster of the Six Samurai.
• True Six Samurai - Shien is Great Shogun Shien before he became a ruler. Also, Tenkabito Shien is Great Shogun Shien without his armor. Tenkabito means "conqueror of the world".
• True Six Samurai - Enishi is Enishi, Shien's Chancellor before he joined Shien's court.
• True Six Samurai - Mizuho is a younger Hand of the Six Samurai.
• True Six Samurai - Kageki is a younger Chamberlain of the Six Samurai, before he lost his arms.
• True Six Samurai - Shinai is Spirit of the Six Samurai before it died. Also, based Shinai and Mizuho's effects and art, it's likely they may have been lovers in the past.
• Shien's Yoriko is a younger Shien's Footsoldier. Yoriko means "approaching child" (scout).
• Kagemusha of the Six Samurai is a younger Kagemusha of the Blue Flame. Kagemusha means "impersonator" (body double), and Shien means "blue flame".

A few hours ago I received word of new Spell and Trap support for the archetype, and believe me Samurai fans, you'll be lovin' some of these:

Shien's Smoke Signal (Normal Spell Card)

Add 1 Level 3 or lower "Six Samurai" monster from your Deck to your hand.

Residence of the Six (Field Spell Card)
Each time your Normal Summon or Special Summon a "Six Samurai" monster, place 1 Bushido Counter on this card. Face-up monsters your opponent controls lose 100 ATK for each Bushido Counter on this card.

Ascetism of the Six Samurai (Quick-Play Spell Card)
Activate by selecting 1 "Six Samurai" monster you control. Special Summon 1 "Six Samurai" monster with the same ATK as the selected monster but with a different name from your Deck. During the End Phase of this turn, destroyed the selected monster.

Rokusakani no Magatama (Counter Trap Card)
Activate only if you control a face-up "Six Samurai" monster. Negate the activation of an opponent's Spell Card, Trap Card, or Effect Monster's effect that destroys a card(s), and destroy it.

Their own Reinforcement of the Army, a new Field Spell that has synergy with Gateway of the Six and Six Samurai United, a newer version of Cunning of the Six Samurai, and finally their own Counter Trap...makes me think that Konami should have named this set Storm of the Six Samurai.

Remember players, the game ends with you.

Epic Failure

First off, I would like to apologize for the recent lack of updates. I had exams last week and didn't really have a lot of spare time on my hands. But I digress, let's get on with today's topic. 

As you'll recall, in my previous post I tried to extrapolate the effects of the Polar Star Angel Valkyria and Polar God Sacred Emperor Odin. Apparently their complete effects have been uncovered by the folks at ManjyomeThunder earlier today. I'll repost my versions side-by-side with the actual text for the sake of comparison:

Polar Star Angel Valkyrie (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 2/ATK 400/DEF 800)

TUNER: When this card is successfully Normal Summoned, you can send up to 2 cards from your hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon 1 "Einherjar Token" (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 4/ATK 1000/DEF 1000) for each card you sent to the Graveyard this way.

Polar Star Angel Valkyrie (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 2/ATK 400/DEF 800)

TUNER: When this card is successfully Normal Summoned, if your opponent controls a monster(s), and if you control no monsters other than this card, activate by removing from play 2 "Polar Star" monsters in your hand from play. Special Summon 2 "Einherjar Tokens" (Warrior-Type/EARTH/Level 4/ATK 1000/DEF 1000) to your side in Defense Position.

Polar God Sacred Emperor Odin (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 10/ATK 4000/DEF 3500)

1 "Polar Star Angel" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters 

While this card is face-up on the field, you can negate the effects of Spell & Trap Cards that would affect a "Polar God" monster(s). If this face-up card on the field is destroyed by your opponent and sent to the Graveyard, you can remove from play 1 "Polar Star Angel" Tuner in your Graveyard during that turn's End Phase to Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. When this card is successfully Special Summoned by this effect, you can draw 1 card.

Polar God Sacred Emperor Odin (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 10/ATK 4000/DEF 3500)

1 "Polar Star Angel" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters 

Once per turn, you can activate this effect during your Main Phase. Until the End Phase, this card is not affected by the effects of Magic or Trap Cards. Also, if this face-up card on the field is destroyed by your opponent and sent to the Graveyard, you can remove from play 1 "Polar Star Angel" Tuner in your Graveyard during that turn's End Phase to Special Summon this card from your graveyard. When this card is Successfully Special Summoned by this effect, you can draw 1 card.

The red text is the actual text, the blue text is my approximation. As you can see the cards were significantly altered from their anime counterparts. The Polar God Cards are now completely unplayable without dedicating a good portion of your deck around summoning them. It's a shame really, because even with the cards were unchanged from the anime it's not like the cards would be completely invulnerable.

Remember players, the game ends with you.

She's So CUTE!

I'm sure by now many of you have realized that the Polar God Cards have been given some major restrictions in their transition from the anime into the actual game. All three of them required specific Tuners in order to be summoned AND to use their revival effects. And to top it off they're not even Divine monsters anymore. From the looks of it the only god worth using will be Odin, and that's only if Konami releases it's Tuner unchanged:

Polar Star Angel Valkyrie (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 2/ATK 400/DEF ???)

TUNER: When this card is successfully Normal Summoned, you can send up to 2 cards from your hand to the Graveyard to Special Summon 1 "Einherjar Token" (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 4/ATK ???/DEF 1000) for each card you sent to the Graveyard this way.

Do you see where I'm going with this? It practically screams, "FIRST TURN ODIN!" (Which is exactly what what happened in the 5D's anime.)

Technically speaking, the exact text of Odin hasn't been revealed yet, but by judging how Thor and Loki were changed from the show, it should look something like: 

Polar God Sacred Emperor Odin (Fairy-Type/LIGHT/Level 10/ATK 4000/DEF 3500)

1 "Polar Star Angel" Tuner + 2 or more non-Tuner monsters 

While this card is face-up on the field, you can negate the effects of Spell & Trap Cards that would affect a "Polar God" monster(s). If this face-up card on the field is destroyed by your opponent and sent to the Graveyard, you can remove from play 1 "Polar Star Angel" Tuner in your Graveyard during that turn's End Phase to Special Summon this card from your Graveyard. When this card is successfully Special Summoned by this effect, you can draw 1 card.

Ideally, you'd use Polar Star Angel Valkyrie to discard 2 more copies of itself. That would allow you to revive Odin a minimum of 3 times with its own effect, more if you use Light of Redemption and/or Burial to Graveyard to recover the removed from play Tuners.

Hopefully Konami won't mess up the last god, like they with with a certain other.

Remember players, the game ends with you.