Field Spell Cards are seeing more tournament play as they become the key engine in popular theme decks, namely Dragunity, Gravekeepers and Dark World.

However, the years without Field Spell cards in tournament play has caused most of the players to be unfamiliar with their actual mechanics. This article will reintroduce the mechanics of Field Spell cards, with much more depth than the rulebook.

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Basics

Field Spell Cards
These cards are placed in the Field Card Zone and remain on the field after they are activated. There can only be 1 face-up Field Spell Card on the field at any given time between both players. When a new Field Spell Card is activated, the previous active Field Spell Card is destroyed automatically.
These cards may be placed facedown in the Field Card Zone, but are not active until flipped face-up.

Source: Official Rulebook Version 7.0, Page 21

Field Spell Cards are one of the six different type of spell cards. They can only be played and set in the Field Card Zone, during Main Phase 1 and 2. They cannot be set in the Spell/Trap Zone. Only one Field Spell Card can be face-up at a time.

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Resolving a Field Spell Card
Field Spell cards are very similar to Continuous Spell cards. The activation or the effect of a field card will resolve with effect only when the Field Spell Card is still on the field during resolution.

For example, “The Gates of Dark World” is active on Player A’s field. Player A activates the effect of “The Gates of Dark World” banishing a fiend from his graveyard as the cost. Player B responses with a “Mystical Space Typhoon”, targeting “The Gates of Dark World”.

Chain 1: The Gates of Dark World
Chain 2: Mystical Space Typhoon

Resolving the chain, “Mystical Space Typhoon” will destroy “The Gates of Dark World”. When “The Gates of Dark World” attempts to resolve, since it is no longer on the field, it will resolve with no effect – Player A do not get to discard 1 Fiend-Type monster, then draw 1 card.

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Replacing Opponent’s Field Spell Card

自分のフィールド魔法発動中に相手がフィールド魔法を発動したとき、その効果の適用後に自分のものは破壊される。
この破壊はルールであるため、《マジック・ガードナー》などのカードの効果で付与された耐性では防ぐことができない。
ただし新たなフィールド魔法の発動が《魔宮の賄賂》などで無効になった場合、このルール破壊も行わない。
また、新たなフィールド魔法の効果の適用前にチェーンして《サイクロン》などで破壊した場合も同様である。

Opponent activates a Field Spell while your Field Spell is active, after that effect resolves, yours is destroyed.
As this is a destruction rule, it cannot be prevented by destruction resistance from the card effect of “Magic Reflector”.
When the activation of a new Field Spell is negated by “Dark Bribe”, the destruction rule is not applied.
Also, the same applies when the new Field Spell is destroyed by “Mystical Space Typhoon” before its resolution.

Source: フィールド魔法 -遊戯王カードWiki

For example, “The Gates of Dark World” is active on Player A’s field. Player B activates “Necrovalley”. Player A responses with “Mystical Space Typhoon”.

Chain 1: Necrovalley
Chain 2: Mystical Space Typhoon

Resolving the chain, “Mystical Space Typhoon” will destroy “Necrovalley”. As “Necrovalley” is no longer on the field during resolution, it resolves without effect. Hence, “The Gates of Dark World” is not destroyed.

On a related note, if your opponent has a Field Spell Card active on the field, setting a Field Spell Card will not destroy his Field. The rule of only one face-up Field Spell Card is not violated, hence the destruction rule is not applied. Both Field Spell Cards will remain on the field, in the respective player’s own Field Card Zone.

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Replacing my own Field Spell Card

自分のフィールド魔法が表側表示またはセット状態で存在する時に自分がフィールド魔法を発動する場合には注意。
この時、新しいフィールド魔法の効果の適用よりも、ルールによって古いフィールド魔法が破壊されるのが先になる。
そのため、新しいフィールド魔法が無効にされたり、効果の適用の前に破壊された場合でも、古い方は失われてしまう。

Take note when you activate a Field Spell Card while you have a face-up or set Field Spell Card.
At that moment, before the activation of the new Field Spell is resolved, the old Field Spell will be destroyed first by the rule.
Therefore, if the new Field Spell is negated, or destroyed before resolution, the old one is already gone.

Source: フィールド魔法 -遊戯王カードWiki

For example, “The Gates of Dark World” is active on Player A’s field. Player A activates “The Gates of Dark World” (at this moment, the old “The Gates of Dark World” is immediately destroyed). Player B responses with “Dark Bribe”.

Chain 1: The Gates of Dark World
Chain 2: Dark Bribe

Resolving the chain, “The Gates of Dark World” is negated and Player A draws a card.

As each player only have 1 Field Card Zone, the activation or setting of a new Field Spell Card will cause the old Field Spell Card to be destroyed immediately. This is different from replacing your opponent’s Field Spell Card.

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Effects of Field Spell Cards
As most Field Spell Cards affects both players, most players automatically assumes that the effect of Field Spell Cards can be activated by both players. This is incorrect. Unless the Field Spell Card states that both/either player may activate its effect, then only the controller can activate its effect.

Examples of Field Spell Cards that can be activated by both players:

• Fusion Gate
• Mausoleum of the Emperor
• Pandemonium

Examples of Field Spell Cards that can only be activated by the controller:

• Black Garden (last effect)
• Dragon Ravine
• The Gates of Dark World

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Conclusion
When Player A‘s Field Spell Card #1 is face-up on the field, and

• Player A activates Field Spell Card #2
  -> Field Spell Card #1 is destroyed.
• Player A sets Field Spell Card #2
  -> Field Spell Card #1 is destroyed.
• Player B activates Field Spell Card #2
  -> Field Spell Card #2 resolves, Field Spell Card #1 is destroyed.
  -> Field Spell Card #2 is negated or destroyed before resolution, Field Spell Card #1 is not destroyed.
• Player B sets Field Spell Card #2
  -> Field Spell Card #1 is not destroyed.

With the knowledge of the mechanic mentioned above, you should be able to deduce whether Geartown will or will not miss the timing when replaced by another Field Spell Card.

One of the first three Xyz monsters to be released, Gachi Gachi Gantetsu is the undeniably one of the factors that propelled Agent Fairy to its current popularity. With Agent Fairy and T.G. Agent being the deck to beat, it is useful to understand the rulings of Gachi Gachi Gantetsu.

Additionally, this article will explain the game mechanics of Continuous Monster Effect, using Gachi Gachi Gantestu as the example.

Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Rules & FAQ Official Database (Japanese)

■破壊される代わりにエクシーズ素材を取り除く効果の種別は永続効果になり、チェーンブロックが作られません。
■このカードを破壊する効果処理を行う際に、代わりにエクシーズ素材を取り除く事で、このカードは破壊されません。

• The effect to substitute destruction by detaching a Xyz material is a Continuous Effect, it does not use the Chain Block.
• When resolving an effect that destroy this card, by detaching a Xyz material instead, this card is not destroyed.

Source: ガチガチガンテツ – 遊戯王OCG ルール＆ＦＡＱ 公式データベース （日本語版）

Continuous Monster Effect
Continuous Monster Effect are monster effects that persist as long as the monster remains face-up on the field. They do not use the Chain Block, and as such, their effect cannot be chained to. In other words, Continuous Monster Effect cannot be affected by Herald of Orange Light, Gladiator Beast War Chariot and Shadow-Imprisoning Mirror. Said cards can only negate monster effects that activates in a Chain Block.

There are generally two kind of Continuous Monster Effect.

Non-conditional Continuous Monster Effect
The first kind is the Non-conditional Continuous Monster Effect. From Gachi Gachi Gantetsu, the effect “Face-up monsters you control gain 200 ATK and DEF for each Xyz Material attached to this card” is an example of a Non-conditional Continuous Monster Effect.

As there is no condition for the Continuous Monster Effect, the Continuous Monster Effect will be applied the moment that monster is successfully summon. It will continue to be in effect while that monster remains face-up on the field, until the monster leaves the field or is flipped face-down.

More examples of a Non-conditional Continuous Monster Effect:

• Jinzo
• Banisher of the Radiance
• Twinheaded Beast

Conditional Continuous Monster Effect
The second kind is the Conditional Continuous Monster Effect. From Gachi Gachi Gantetsu, the effect “If this face-up card would be destroyed, you can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card instead” is an example of a Conditional Continuous Monster Effect.

Conditional Continuous Monster Effects are only applied when the condition is met. In this sense, it is similar to Trigger Effect, but Trigger Effect uses the Chain Block, whereas a Conditional Continuous Monster Effects do not.

More examples of a Conditional Continuous Monster Effect:

• Bountiful Artemis
• Dark Driceratops
• Black Veloci

Conclusion
Both effects of Gachi Gachi Gantetsu are Continuous Monster Effect. Hence cards like Herald of Orange Light, Gladiator Beast War Chariot and Divine Wrath cannot be chained to it.

Despite being around since 2009, “Post-Resolution Window” is still a relatively new concept to most players due to a lack of proper documentation.

Learning about and using the “Post-Resolution Window” will make a significance difference between a win and a lose, especially when playing with cards such as “Mind Crush” and “D.D. Crow”.

Post-Resolution Window
At the end of every chain resolution, the Turn Player will retain Priority to activate a Spell Speed 2 or higher effect, before passing priority to his opponent. This small window of timing is unofficially coined as a “Post-Resolution Window”.
It is similar to the Priority passing at the end of every Phase.

Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Rules & FAQ Official Database (Japanese)

Ｑ．何らかのカードの効果によってカードを手札に加えたタイミングにて、ターンプレイヤーは、スペルスピード2以上のクイックエフェクトを発動する事ができますが、「聖なる魔術師」等の効果によって、通常魔法カードを手札に加えた時、その通常魔法カードをすぐに発動する事はできますか？
また、「増援」の効果によって、モンスターカードを手札に加えたタイミングにて、手札に加えたモンスターをすぐ召喚する事はできますか？

もし、通常魔法の発動や召喚をすぐに行えない場合、ターンプレイヤーは、相手プレイヤーへ、スペルスピード2以上のカードや効果の発動があるかどうかを、確認する必要はありますか？

Ａ．「聖なる魔術師」や「増援」の効果によって、カードを手札に加えたタイミングにて、ターンのプレイヤーは続けて通常魔法の発動や、モンスターの召喚を行う事はできません。

カードを手札に加えたタイミングにおいて、ターンプレイヤーがスペルスピード2以上のクイックエフェクトを発動せず、一時的に優先権を放棄した後に、相手プレイヤーが優先権を放棄した場合、ターンプレイヤーは、通常魔法カードの発動や、モンスターの召喚などを行う事ができます。

Q: During the timing that a card has been added to hand by a card effect, as the Turn Player, while Spell Speed 2 Quick Effects can be activated, when a Normal Spell card is added to hand through the effect of “Magician of Faith”, etc, can that Normal Spell card be activated immediately?
Also, during the timing that a Monster card is added to hand through the effect of “Reinforcement of the Army”, etc, can that monster which was added to hand be summoned immediately?

If the activation of a Normal Spell card and Summon of a monster cannot be performed immediately, is it necessary to confirm whether the Turn Player and Opponent Player are activating a card or effect of Spell Speed 2 and above?

A: During the timing that a card is added to hand through the effect of “Magician of Faith” or “Reinforcement of the Army”, the Turn Player cannot continue with a Normal Spell card activation or a Monster summon.

During the timing that a card is added to hand, after the Turn Player passes his Priority without activating a Quick Effect of Spell Speed 2 and above, and when the Opponent Player passes Priority as well, then can the activation of a Normal Spell card and the Summon of a monster be performed.

Source: 遊戯王OCG ルール＆ＦＡＱ 公式データベース （日本語版）

Ｑ．「終末の騎士」や「おろかな埋葬」の効果によって、デッキから「D-HERO ディアボリックガイ」を墓地へ送ったタイミングにおいて、墓地へ送った「D-HERO ディアボリックガイ」の効果を、すぐに発動する事はできますか？

それとも、デッキから墓地へ送ったタイミングにて「D-HERO ディアボリックガイ」の効果を発動するよりも先に、相手プレイヤーは、スペルスピード2となる「D.D.クロウ」の効果を発動する事ができますか？

Ａ．「終末の騎士」等の効果処理により、「D-HERO ディアボリックガイ 」を墓地へ送ったタイミングにて、ターンプレイヤーは、続けて起動効果である「D-HERO ディアボリックガイ」の効果を発動する事ができません。
よって、ターンプレイヤーである自分がスペルスピード2以上のクイックエフェクト等を発動せず、一時的に優先権を放棄する場合、「D-HERO ディアボリックガイ」の効果を発動するよりも先に、相手プレイヤーは「D.D.クロウ」等の効果を発動する事ができます。

Q: During the timing that “Destiny HERO – Malicious” is sent to the graveyard through effects like “Armageddon Knight” or “Foolish Burial”, can the effect of “Destiny HERO – Malicious” that was sent to the graveyard be activated immediately?

Or, during the timing that “Destiny HERO – Malicious” is sent to the graveyard, before it can be activated, can the Opponent Player activate the effect of “D.D. Crow” of Spell Speed 2?

A: After the resolution of effects such as “Armageddon Knight”, etc, during the timing that “Destiny HERO – Malicious” is sent to the graveyard, the Turn Player cannot continue with the activation of the effect of “Destiny HERO – Malicious” immediately.
Therefore, when the Turn Player passes his Priority without activating a Quick Effect of Spell Speed 2 and above, before the effect of “Destiny HERO – Malicious” can be activated, the Opponent Player can activate effects such as “D.D. Crow”, etc.

Source: 遊戯王OCG ルール＆ＦＡＱ 公式データベース （日本語版）

Conclusion
After the resolution of a Chain, there is a “Post-Resolution Window” where the Priority is passed from the Turn Player to the Opponent Player. During this “Post-Resolution Window”, only cards and effects of Spell Speed 2 and above can be activated.

A popular application of said “Post-Resolution Window” is the activation of “Mind Crush” right after the resolution of “Reinforcement of the Army” or “Pot of Duality”.

With Mind Crush back at two, and more popular than before, it is inevitable that Mind Crush would become a common problem for judges.

Following up on an old post about Mind Crush, a new problem arises when it comes down to your opponent having to reveal their hand – how long should the duration of the reveal be?

OCG Ruling

Ｑ：宣言したカードを持っているかどうかの確認をジャッジに行ってもらうことは可能ですか？
Ａ：いいえ、無いことが明確な場合を除き相手プレイヤーに手札を全て公開し確認を行う必要があります。(11/08/18)

Q: Can a Judge verify for the presence of the declared card?
A: No, when the presence of the declared card is unclear, the opponent is required to make all his hand public for verification. (18th August 2011)

Source: 《マインドクラッシュ》 -遊戯王カードWiki

The significance of this ruling is the usage of the words 全て公開し and 手札を確認.

全て公開し – The literal translation of this phrase reads “to make all public”, meaning that the cards are to be made public knowledge.

手札を確認 – The literal translation of this phrase reads “verification of hand”. “確認” is an official term for verification; revealing is implied. This term can be found on cards like Trap Dustshoot and Crush Card Virus.

Conclusion
If the maximum legally allowed number of copies of the declared card cannot be verified as public knowledge, your opponent is required to reveal his hand for you to verify (a judge may not verify in place of you). The duration of the reveal should be similar to Trap Dustshoot and Crush Card Virus – enough to recognize each card.

Recently released in the OCG through Extra Pack 4, the OCG X-Saber has finally gain an important tutor in the form of XX-Saber Darksoul.

However, as published on the OCG Rule & FAQ Official Database as well as Japanese Wiki, the OCG rulings for XX-Saber Darksoul is significantly different from the TCG rulings – something OCG players should take note of.

Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Rule & FAQ Official Database (遊戯王OCG ルール＆ＦＡＱ 公式データベース)

■エンドフェイズ時に、このカードの効果を発動するかどうかを決める事ができます。
■このカードが墓地へ送られた時点では、チェーンブロックは作られません。
■エンドフェイズ時に、墓地で効果を発動します。
■リリースやカードの発動コスト等で墓地へ送られた場合でも、エンドフェイズ時に効果を発動する事ができます。

• During the End Phase, you can decide whether or not to activate the effect of this card.
• At the moment this card is sent to the graveyard, no Chain Block is created.
• During the End Phase, the effect activates in the graveyard.
• Even when Released or sent to the graveyard as the cost for a card activation, the effect can be activated during the End Phase.

Source: XX－セイバー ダークソウル- 遊戯王OCG ルール＆ＦＡＱ 公式データベース （日本語版）

Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Wiki (遊戯王カードWiki)

Ｑ：このカードが自分フィールド上から墓地へ送られたターンのエンドフェイズ時に、このカードが墓地に存在しない場合、このカードの効果は発動できますか？
Ａ：いいえ、発動できません。(11/09/17)

Q: During the End Phase of the turn that this card was sent from your Field to the Graveyard, when this card is no longer in the Graveyard, can the effect of this card be activated?
A: No, it cannot be activated. (17th September 2011)

Ｑ：サーチ効果は、墓地へ送られた時とエンドフェイズの両方でチェーンブロックを作りますか？
Ａ：エンドフェイズでのみ作ります。(11/09/17)

Q: Regarding the Search effect, are the Chain Block created when sent to the Graveyard and/or during the End Phase?
A: Created only during the End Phase. (17th September 2011)

Ｑ：サーチ効果を既に発動したこのカードが、「同一ターンのエンドフェイズ時」に《リビングデッドの呼び声》と《サンダー・ブレイク》等を用いて「再び自分フィールド上から墓地へ送られ」ました。この場合サーチ効果はもう一度発動できますか？
Ａ：はい、再び発動できます。(11/09/19)

Q: The search effect of this card has been activated, during the End Phase of the same turn, “Call of the Haunted” and “Raigeki Break”, etc, were used to send this card from the field to graveyard again. In this scenario, can the search effect be activated another time?
A: Yes, it can be activated again. (19th September 2011)

Ｑ：同一ターンのエンドフェイズ内で上記の状況を繰り返した場合、サーチ効果を複数回発動できますか？
Ａ：はい、複数回発動できます。(11/09/19)

Q: When the above scenario is repeated in the End Phase of the same turn, can the search effect be activated multiple times?
A: Yes, it can be activated multiple times. (19th September 2011)

Ｑ：同一のこのカードが、スタンバイフェイズやメインフェイズ等の「エンドフェイズ時以外のフェイズ」で、《リビングデッドの呼び声》と《サンダー・ブレイク》等を用いて「複数回自分フィールド上から墓地へ送られ」ました。この場合エンドフェイズ時にサーチ効果は複数回発動できますか？
Ａ：いいえ、発動できません。
このカードのサーチ効果の発動は、「一度自分フィールド上から墓地へ送られており、かつエンドフェイズ時に墓地に存在している《ＸＸ－セイバー ダークソウル》 の枚数」で決定されます。
そのため、例えばメインフェイズ時に同一の《ＸＸ－セイバー ダークソウル》が複数回自分フィールド上から墓地へ送られたとしてもエンドフェイズ時に墓地に存在している《ＸＸ－セイバー ダークソウル》 の枚数は一枚のため、サーチ効果は一度しか発動しないことになります。(11/09/19)

Q: Having the same copy of this card, during Phases such as Standby Phase and Main Phase, etc, except End Phase, “Call of the Haunted” and “Raigeki Break”, etc was used to repeatedly send this card from the field to the graveyard. In this scenario, can the search effect be activated multiple times during the End Phase?
A: No, it cannot be activated.
The activation of the search effect of this card, is determined by the number of copies of “XX-Saber Darksoul” that exist in the graveyard during the End Phase and were sent from the field to the graveyard.
Therefore, for example, the same “XX-Saber Darksoul” was repeatedly sent from the field to the graveyard during the Main Phase, and there is only 1 copy of “XX-Saber Darksoul” in the graveyard during the End Phase, the search effect can only be activated once. (19th September 2011)

Ｑ：複数枚のこのカードが、自分フィールド上から墓地へ送られた場合、それぞれの《ＸＸ－セイバー ダークソウル》がサーチ効果の発動をすることは出来ますか？
Ａ：はい、それぞれの《ＸＸ－セイバー ダークソウル》が効果を発動できます。(11/09/19)

Q: Having multiple copies of this card, when they are sent from the field to the graveyard, can the search effect be activated for each “XX-Saber Darksoul”?
A: Yes, the effect of each “XX-Saber Darksoul” can be activated. (19th September 2011)

Source: 《ＸＸ－セイバー ダークソウル》 -遊戯王カードWiki

Conclusion
As seen from the above, the OCG ruling for XX-Saber Darksoul is similar to the rulings for T.G. monsters. The effect do not activate when it is sent to the graveyard, but during the End Phase instead. Each XX-Saber Darksoul, that met the condition of sending from the field to the graveyard, can only be activated once. However, XX-Saber Darksoul can be “reseted” after an activation, by reviving it and sending it back into the graveyard during the End Phase, allowing for another activation.

The above are taken from the Japanese Wiki page for XX-Saber Darksoul. Until the OCG Rule & FAQ Official Database is updated, these rulings can be assumed to be true.
The ruling has been released on the OCG Rule & FAQ Official Database, and they are consistent with the Japanese Wiki.

Correct as of 22nd September 2011.

Another rotation has passed, and here’s a look at Singapore Duelists’ weapon of choice for the duration of March 2011 to September 2011.

There are two significant changes to the structure of Official Tournaments this period. Firstly, the introduction of Pre-selection Tournaments for the Singapore World Championship Qualifier 2011. Secondly, the introduction of Ranking League Division Tournaments for the Singapore Asian Championship Qualifier 2012.

Debris Junk Doppel
Taking the first position is the evolution of Debris Dandy – Debris Junk Doppel. Despite the limitation of Dandylion and semi-limitation of Debris Dragon, Junk Synchron and Doppelwarrior are actually better in their own rights due to T.G. Hyper Librarian and Formula Synchron. A simple Junk Synchon and Doppelwarrior in hand with a Level 1 Tuner in the Graveyard is all that is needed to set up T.G. Hyper Librarian with Formula Synchron, fetching another 2 cards. Very few decks are able to catch up with the card advantage generated from this consistent combo.
Although T.G. Hyper Librarian, Formula Synchron, Debris Dragon and Pot of Avarice are now limited to one, the banning of Royal Oppression and the addition of Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning is a much more significant gain.

Six Samurai
At 2nd position is Six Samurai. Despite having a strong start, Six Samurai suffers from consistency issues. Even while going first, an Effect Veiler on Kageki often spells disaster as the Six Samurai player will find himself with several dead cards. Six Samurai also struggles after Side Decking, as there is very little to stop Puppet Plant and Kinetic Soldier.
Having Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En and Shien’s Smoke Signal limited to one essentially spells the end of the Six Samurai dominance. Six Samurai will probably have to rely on Asceticism of the Six Samurai to consistently summon Shi En, while playing more traps to protect Shi En.

Machina Gadget
Rapidly moving up the ranks to a 3rd position, Machina Gadget saw a sharp rise in popularity with the introduction of Xyz Monsters. Not only do Xyz Monsters aid Gadgets in avoiding Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, they also turn Gadgets into threats like Number 39: Utopia and Steelswarm Roach to lockdown the opponent.
Not affected by the Forbidden/Limited List, the change from a heavy Trap format to lighter Trap format just meant that Machina Gadget is able to trade away their Breaker the Magical Warrior for Tragoedia. The potential of Machina Gadget lies in the continual support for Xyz Monsters.

Gladiator Beast
The heavy Trap format has propelled Gladiator Beast to a respectable 4th position. With Seven Tools of the Bandit to negate Solemn Warning, and Forbidden Lance/Trap Stun to negate Torrential Tribute/Bottomless Trap Hole/Dimensional Prison, a simple Gladiator Beast Gyzarus special summon will be able to wipe out 2/3 of opponent’s Spell/Trap cards. It is often unlikely to recover from said deficit.
Having Royal Oppression banned, Gladiator Beast is looking strong to take out Agent Fairy and Junk Doppel with Gladiator Beast War Chariot. The difficulty in playing this deck will probably put off quite a few players though.

Agent Fairy
Similar to Gadgets, the introduction of Xyz monsters have given Agent Fairy a surge in popularity, rising up to the 5th position. With Gachi Gachi Gantetsu and Daigusto Phoenix, Agent of Creation – Venus is now a “toolbox”, allowing the Agent Fairy player to go on the defensive or offensive depending on the situation. Having seen success at the World Championship 2011 also contributes to Agent Fairy’s popularity.
Not affected by the Forbidden/Limited List, Agent Fairy is now the deck to beat. By splashing in Sangan, Tragoedia and Gorz, Agent Fairy would be able to add Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning into its arsenel of boss monsters.

Whirlwind Blackwing / Graveyard Blackwing
A special mention to the deck that won the World Championship 2009 for Singapore. Blackwing is still a popular deck despite the limitation of Blackwing – Kalut the Moon Shadow. The Graveyard variant specifically have a good showing last metagame as it was able to deal with Six Samurai better than the Whirlwind variant.
A slight consolation with Icarus Attack back to 3, Whirlwind Blackwing is very much playable this metagame. By adding in Thunder King Rai-Oh and Effect Veiler, Whirlwind Blackwing is able to run Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning.

Download
Similar to the previous, here’s the compiled excel file.

SG_Metagame_032011_082011.xls
Download
Last update: 20th September 2011

Being the most commonly played card currently, with most decks running the maximum of three, Pot of Duality is quickly becoming one of the most misplayed card.

The most common misplay with Pot of Duality is whether a player can or cannot activate this card after a Special Summon was negated. Essentially this article will explain the difference in various Special Summoning negation, using Pot of Duality as the example.

Contractual Effect
Contractual Effect (誓約効果) is an unofficial term to refer to the condition that restricts the usage of a card or effect. For Pot of Duality, both “You can only activate 1 “Pot of Duality” per turn” and “You cannot Special Summon a monster(s) during the turn you activate this card” are Contractual Effects.

Contractual Effect is not an actual effect like Ignition Effect, Trigger Effect, etc. As implied in its name, a Contractual Effect works like a contract. If you activate this card, then you cannot perform the action restricted by the Contractual Effect. Conversely, if you had perform the action restricted by the Contractual Effect (breaking the contract), then you cannot activate the card with said Contractual Effect. Using Pot of Duality as an example, if you activate Pot of Duality this turn, then you cannot cannot Special Summon a monster(s) this turn. Conversely, if you Special Summoned a monster(s) this turn, then you cannot activate Pot of Duality.

An action restricted by the Contractual Effect do not limit you from playing another card with the same Contractual Effect. For example, Soul Exchange and Cards from the Sky have the same Contractual Effect of not allowing the player to conduct his/her Battle Phase this turn. You may play both cards in the same turn.

Since Contractual Effect is not an actual effect, it does not get negated or redirected. Once the card has resolved, the action restricted by the Contractual Effect can no longer be performed.

Activation Negation vs Effect Negation
Activation Negation (発動の無効) means that the card was not activated, and you do not resolve its effect.

Effect Negation (効果の無効) means that the card is activated, and you resolve but do not apply its effect.

If your first Pot of Duality’s activation was negated (i.e. Horus the Black Flame Dragon LV8), then you are considered to have not activated Pot of Duality this turn. You can either activate your second Pot of Duality or perform a Special Summon this turn.

However, if your first Pot of Duality’s effect was negated (i.e. Silent Swordsman LV7), then you are considered to have activated Pot of Duality this turn. Although the effect of Pot of Duality is not applied, the Contractual Effect is still applied. You cannot activate your second Pot of Duality nor perform a Special Summon this turn.

Negation of a Monster Effect that Special Summon
Negation of a Monster Effect comes in the form of Activation Negation and Effect Negation, similar to the Negation of a Spell or Trap.

If the Activation of your Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North’s effect was negated (i.e. Divine Wrath), then you can activate Pot of Duality in the same turn.

However, if the Effect of your Blackwing – Blizzard the Far North’s effect was negated (i.e. Skill Drain), then you cannot activate Pot of Duality in the same turn.

Negation of a Built-In Special Summon
A Built-In Special Summon (also known as Inherent Special Summon) is a Special Summon of an Effect Monster through its own Summoning Condition. A Summoning Condition is not an actual Monster Effect (i.e. Ignition Effect, Trigger Effect, etc), as it does not use the Chain Block.

Examples of Built-In Special Summon:

• Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning
  Summoning Conidtion: Banishing 1 LIGHT and 1 DARK monster in your Graveyard
• Machina Fortress
  Summoning Condition: Discard Machine-Type monster(s) whose total Levels equal 8 or more
• Grapha, Dragon God of Dark World
  Summoning Condition: Return 1 face-up “Dark World” monster you control to the hand, except “Grapha, Dragon God of Dark World”

If a Built-In Special Summon was negated, you cannot activate Pot of Duality. This also applies to Contact Fusion Summon, Synchro Summon and Xyz Summon.

Side Note: This was ruled otherwise in the World Championship 2011, as seen in the Semi-Final Game 2.

Conclusion
If the Activation of a Special Summon Effect was negated, you can activate Pot of Duality.

If the Effect of a Special Summon Effect was negated or a Built-In Special Summon was negated, you cannot activate Pot of Duality.

Rulings are from 《強欲で謙虚な壺》 -遊戯王カードWiki, correct as at 1st September 2011.

After six whole years of being banned, Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning has returned once again to the latest format. Having single-handedly defined the last few formats while he was still limited, it is without a doubt that Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning will make a dominating presence in the new format.

There is no better timing for newer players to get acquainted and older players to get reacquainted with his latest rulings.

Yu-Gi-Oh! OCG Rules & FAQ Official Database (Japanese)

●フィールド上のモンスターを除外する効果は、自分のターンのメインフェイズに発動する効果となります。
●もう1度攻撃できる効果は、ダメージステップにて発動し、チェーンブロックが作られる効果となります。
●除外されるカードは、表側表示で除外されます。

• The effect to banish a monster on the field, can only be activated during the Main Phase of your own Turn.
• The effect to attack once again in a row, activates during the Damage Step, creating a Chain Block for the effect.
• Cards that are banished, are banished face-up.

Source: 遊戯王OCG ルール＆ＦＡＱ 公式データベース （日本語版）

Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Wiki

Ｑ：効果分類は何ですか？
Ａ：フィールド上に存在するモンスター１体をゲームから除外する効果は起動効果で、戦闘によって相手モンスターを破壊した際に、もう一度攻撃する事ができる効果の種別は、誘発効果です。
　　なお、もう一度攻撃する事ができる効果の発動するタイミングは、ダメージステップ中となり、メインフェイズにて効果を発動する事を宣言する必要はありません。(11/08/18)

Q: How are the effects classified?
A: The effect “Select 1 monster on the field, and banish it from play” is an Ignition Effect, the effect “If this card destroyed your opponent’s monster by battle, it can attack once again in a row” is a Trigger Effect.
Furthermore, the timing to activate the effect of attacking once again in a row, is during the Damage Step, it is not required to declare the activation of this effect during the Main Phase. (18th August 2011)

Source: 《カオス・ソルジャー －開闢の使者－》 -遊戯王カードWiki

Conclusion
Unlike Chaos Sorcerer that can banish only face-up monsters, Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning can banish both face-up and face-down monsters, and the monster will always be banished face-up.

Back in 2005 while Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning was still limited, it was ruled that the player had to declare that he was activating the effect of attacking once again in a row during the Main Phase. This ruling has been revised and the latest ruling do not require the player to declare the activation of that effect during the Main Phase.

Additionally, after the effect of attacking once again in a row has resolved successfully during the Damage Step, the additional attack has to be performed on the immediate next Battle Step. That is to say the second attack has to be performed right after the first attack. If the player declared an attack with another monster after Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning’s first attack, then Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning would had missed his chance to perform his second attack.

Over the years, the OCG and TCG have become rather different card games with the release of OCG exclusives and TCG exclusives. However, the main defining factor would be the difference in rulings.

Here are some of the different OCG and TCG rulings observed in past, and how they were ruled in each of the respective World Championship.

World Championship 2008 @ Berlin, Germany

• OCG ruling for Necro Gardna:
  Necro Gardna’s effect can be chained to the activation of an effect that removes it (i.e. D.D. Crow).
• TCG ruling for Necro Gardna:
  Necro Gardna’s effect cannot be chained to the activation of an effect that removes it (i.e. D.D. Crow).
• Ruling used at the World Championship: OCG ruling
  TCG ruling for Necro Gardna was revised to reflect the OCG ruling in September 2008.

World Championship 2009 @ Tokyo, Japan

• OCG ruling for Rivalry of Warlords:
  If you have only 1 monster on the field face-up, you may not Tribute it for a monster that is a different Type.
• TCG ruling for Rivalry of Warlords:
  If you have only 1 monster on the field face-up, you may Tribute it for a monster that is a different Type.
• Ruling used at the World Championship: OCG ruling
  TCG ruling for Rivalry of Warlords was revised to reflect the OCG ruling in June 2010.

World Championship 2010 @ Long Beach, USA

• OCG ruling for Elemental HERO Prisma:
  Showing 1 Fusion Monster to your opponent and sending 1 Fusion Material Monster to your Graveyard is a cost to activate the effect.
• TCG ruling for Elemental HERO Prisma:
  Showing 1 Fusion Monster to your opponent and sending 1 Fusion Material Monster to your Graveyard is not a cost to activate the effect.
• Ruling used at the World Championship: OCG ruling
  TCG ruling for Elemental HERO Prisma was revised to reflect the OCG ruling in September 2010, in Gold Series 3, Tagforce 5 — Card Rulings (PDF).

• OCG ruling for 0 ATK vs 0 ATK:
  If two Attack Position monsters with 0 ATK battle each other, neither monster is destroyed.
• TCG ruling for 0 ATK vs 0 ATK:
  If two Attack Position monsters with 0 ATK battle each other, both monsters are destroyed.
• Ruling used at the World Championship: OCG ruling
  TCG ruling for 0 ATK vs 0 ATK was revised to reflect the OCG ruling in March 2011, in Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG Official Rulebook Version 7.2 (PDF).

World Championship 2011 @ Amsterdam, Netherlands

• OCG ruling for Ignition Effect:
  Turn-Player cannot use his Priority to activate the Ignition Effect of a monster upon the successful summon of a monster.
• TCG ruling for Ignition Effect:
  Turn-Player can use his Priority to activate the Ignition Effect of a monster upon the successful summon of a monster.
• Ruling used at the World Championship: OCG ruling

Conclusion

As seen from the past few World Championships, as well as the upcoming one, the OCG ruling has always been favored, no matter where the World Championship was held at. Nonetheless, it is comforting to know that the rulings were revised and standardized eventually.

In the past, difference in rulings were often attributed to two separate companies handling the game, namely Konami Digital Entertainment and Upper Deck Entertainment.

This is still true currently.

Although Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc has taken over all Operational and Business Aspects of Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, it is still a different company from Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd.

Konami Corporation is made up of multiple subsidiaries (separate legal entities), namely:
Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (America)
Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH. (Europe)
Konami Digital Entertainment Limited. (Asia)

Unlike divisions in the same company, subsidiaries operate on their own, and in a sense, are competitors in the global market. As Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Japan) and Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (America) are separate entities, they have their own R&D, which sometimes produce different rulings.

Ideally it is in everyone’s best interest that both companies collaborate and standardize their rulings, but it is simply not feasible in real life.

Even in Japan itself, as each set is Tournament Legal upon their release, a temporary ruling is often issued through the Rulings Hotline in the early few weeks. It is not uncommon for said temporary ruling to be revised when the Official Rulings are released later in a month’s time.

To remain competitive, it is optimal that you educate yourself with the correct OCG/TCG ruling observed in your region. Avoid confusing yourself with the other OCG/TCG rulings. For the uninitiated, Duelist Codex covers only OCG rulings.

Disclaimer

Duelist Codex is not associated with Konami Corporation or any of their subsidiaries. This post is simply for your reading pleasure. Take it with a pinch of salt.

Unlike the North American Championship or the European Championship, the Asian Championship is not a qualifier for the World Championship.

Asian countries under Konami Asia, namely Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, will host their own World Championship Qualifiers and the champion of each qualifier earns an invite to the World Championship. Here are the results of the seven World Championship Qualifiers 2011 held over the previous two weeks.

The Asian Format is enforced in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand (only legally distributed cards are allowed, as mentioned in Card Legality). Structure Deck 21: Gates of the Underworld is disallowed in Singapore and Philippines.
South Korea follows their own format which consists of only Korean cards in the card pool.

Hong Kong
1st: Liu Hoi Ki “海狗” [Dark World]
2nd: Au Man Lai [T.G.]
3rd: Chan Wan Hang “Nat Chan” [Agent Fairy]
4th: Wong Chak Chun “甘” [Gladiator Beast]

Hong Kong WCQ 2011 Finals Video:
Liu Hoi Ki [Dark World] vs Au Man Lai [T.G.]
Game 1 | Game 2

Malaysia
1st: Kee Kian Sim “Sam” [Agent Fairy]
2nd: Yap Wei Keong “Michael” [Agent Fairy]
3rd: Alex Yeo Gan Jie [Agent Fairy]
4th: Teng Wan Choon “Mango” [Debris Junk Doppel]

Philippines
1st: William Sy “Wslasher” [Six Samurai]
2nd: Vincent Lim [Agent Fairy]
3rd: Cristian Discipulo [Graveyard Blackwing]
4th: Airjan Mendoza [Agent Herald]

Singapore
1st: Daniel Ang [Graveyard Blackwing]
2nd: Kaven Sue [Ultimate Offering Gadget]
3rd: Anders Koh “DSummon” [Machina Karakuri]
4th: William Oh [Machina Gadget]

Singapore WCQ 2011 Finals Video:
Daniel Ang [Graveyard Blackwing] vs Kaven Sue [Ultimate Offering Gadget]
Game 1 | Game 2 | Game 3

South Korea
1st: Yang Young-Duk [Six Samurai]
2nd: Kim Geun-Su [Gladiator Beast]
3rd: Song Sung-Uk [Debris Junk Doppel]
4th: Choi Han-Sol [Graveyard Blackwing]

Taiwan
1st: She Wei Hao “南神抽” [Six Samurai]
2nd: Chao Guang Jun [Hamster Fairy]
3rd: Zhang Wen Hao [Debris Dandy]
4th: “路人” [Lightsworn]

Taiwan WCQ 2011 Finals Video:
She Wei Hao [Six Samurai] vs Chao Guang Jun [Hamster Fairy]
Game 1 Part 1 / Part 2 | Game 2 | Game 3
(Too far to view the actual gameplay. Chinese Commentary.)

Thailand
1st: Pahnupak Kungjaroen “Foil” [Machina Gadget]
2nd: Kantarat Kerophol “Pik”
3rd: Somsira Vanprapa “The Doy”
4th: Suttinan Sangudom “Mix” [Dark World]

Thailand WCQ 2011 Finals Video:
Pahnupak Kungjaroen [Machina Gadget] vs Suttinan Sangudom [Dark World]
Game 1 | Game 2

For the full list of invitees to the World Championship 2011: Road of the King.