Thursday, April 26, 2012


In the on going posting of pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime) here is the latest installment.

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some. (especially if your a big CEO fan)

G3(8)
Full moon Tsukuyomi x4
Eurayle x4

G2(10)
Half moon Tsukuyomi x4
Tgitsuhime x3
Promise daughter x3

G1(15)
Crescent moon Tsukuyomi x4
Gemini x4
Hare of Inaba x2
Miss mist x2
Battle sister Chocolate x3

G0(17)
Ichibayashi (FVG)x1
Psychic bird x4
Battle sister Ginger x2
Dream eater x4
Victory maker x2
Lozengus magus x4

Dr. O's Strongest Decks - Kagero


In the on going posting of pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime) here is the latest installment.

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some.

Kager
G3(8)
Dragonic overlord The End x4
Dragonic Overlord x4

G2(9)
Striken x2
Burning horn x2
Dragon knight Berger x2
Bellicosity x3

G1(14)
Bahr x3
Gojyo x3
Kinnala x3
flame of promise Aermo x2
Barri x3

G0(19)
Conroe (FVG)x1
Doom bringer Gryphon x2
Tahr x2
Blue ray x4
Genjyou x4
Flame seed salamander x2
Gattling claw x4

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Dr. O's Strongest Decks - Shadow Paladin


In the on going posting of pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime) here is the latest installment.

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some.

G3(8)
Phantom Blaster Overlord x4
Phantom Blaster Dragon x4

G2(10)
Blaster dark x3
Masquerade x4
Nevan x3

G1(13)
Blaster Javelin x4
Karon x2
Apocalypse bat x2
Nightmare painter x2
Mac lir x3

G0(19)
Fullbau (FVG)x1
Phantom bringer demon x2
Grim reaper x2
Abyss freezer x4
Darkside trumpeter x2
Abyss healer x4
Death feather eagle x4

Dr. O's Strongest Decks - Murakumo


In the on going posting of pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime) here is the latest installment.

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some.

G3(7)
Zanbaku x3
Mandaralord x4

G2(11)
Midnight crow x4
bloody mist x4
Cursed breath x3

G1(15)
Shijimamaru x3
Metaledge x2
leaf racoon x2
million rat x4
leaves mirage x4

G0(17)
Evil ferret (FVG)x1
Moon edge x4
cat log x4
Yukihime x4
Dark Spider x4

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Dr. O's Strongest Decks - Neo Nectar


In the on going posting of pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime) here is the latest installment.

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some.

G3(7)
Maiden of Trailing Rose x4
Laurel x3

G2(12)
Hey Yo Pineappo x4
Simorgh x4
Glassbeads Dragon x4

G1 (14)
Noble Women of Komorebi x2
Caramel Popcorn x4
Corolla Dragon x4
Maiden of Blossom Rain x4

G0(17)
Shield Seed Squire x1
Dungan Chestnut x4
Sweet Honey x4
Dancing Sunflower x4
Watering Elf x4

Dr. O's Strongest Decks - Nova Grappler


In the on going posting of pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime) here is the latest installment.

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some.

Especially in this case where we are getting new Novas with the "Breaker of Limits" Set

G3(8)
Perfect riser x4
Asura x4

G2(11)
Kirara x4
Street bouncer x3
HIgh powered rizer x4

G1(14)
Tough boy x3
death army guy x4
Twin blader x3
Rizer custom x4

G0(17)
Battle rizer (FVG) x4
Neko butler x1
Shining lady x4
Grappler maniac x2
Wall boy x4
The gong x2

Dr. O's Strongest Decks - Royal Paladin


Came across some pre-constructed deck lists from Dr. O (the guy that is the go to expert that helps announce in the championships in the anime)

These lists are not necessarily the best builds but a good starting point for taking a look at the future sets and how the decks can be constructed. My advice is to proxy them then change them up some.

G3(7)
Majesty Lord Blaster x4
Gancelot x2
Palamedes x1

G2(12)
Blaster Blade x4
Blaster Dark x4
Knight of Loyalty Bedivere x2
Star call Trumpeter x2


G1(14)
Apocalypse Bat x2
Flash Shield, Iseult x4
Knight of Friendship Kei x4
Maron x4


G0(17)
Alabaster owl x2
Elaine x4
Epona x4
Sharon x3
Wingal Brave x1

Monday, April 16, 2012

Cardfight Vanguard - Stacking Triggers



FIRST OFF THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!!!!

If you stack your deck you are a effing loser that needs to be punched in the throat!!!

Im writing this to get the word out there about how stacking functions so you can watch out for it NOT FOR YOU TO DO IT!!!

(Background information)
The readers of this blogs may have seen some of my excitement over Spike Brothers going back a ways. I finally poset about the deck 2 weeks ago. Since then at our Saturday tournament A local player did very well with the deck. Much to my surprise better than I ever did with it (and I test it a lot against all my current built decks: RP, Kag, OTT, Grappler, Grand Blue)

Im not gonna hate, the guy was pulling off wins that were amazing, undefeated on saturday only losing in casual play to my OTT build. It really had me reconsidering what I was doing wrong in running the deck and why I couldn't get such consistency, when I had worked with the deck so much. In fact my build on paper was much more consistent in pulling off the plays that it needs to pull off, since he was still lacking some cards. Now a positive to take away was that he was running milly and I think I really overlooked the importance of her as an extra 10k shield and for her effect. So props to him for that.

Then I started picking up on some talk amongst players (Saturday) that each of the wins he was getting was mostly a result of triggers. Speculations started arising that he was cheating. In a deck like Spike Brothers (like 6 samurais in yugioh and other decks that search a lot) its very easy to search out cards and stack them to the top.

***NOW READ THIS*** Its always been my experience that many card players can't come to grips with their loss they have to find a reason why they loss other than the fact that they were bested in a fair match up. So as a judge you have to listen to all the accusations, file it away and not rush to judgement. I was happy the guy was winning especially with a deck that isn't normally thought to be top tier and one that I think is very underrated.

Now Sunday tournament arises. Let me say to that the sunday tourney was a $25 entry fee $500 prize tourney, with the winner waling away with $200 A BIG DEAL!!!

Going into round 3 the above mentioned player is undefeated and again accusations are floating around (this for me is the worst as a judge Im in such a tough spot but this is the reason why there are judges.)
So I observe the players match and the following video post is what I observed.

In all fairness to the player there is a slim slim slim chance that his shuffling style is such that it fits all the videos criteria for stacking and he is just not cognizant of it. But when the chances of that are less than 5% and each time I observed the shuffle a trigger gets flipped next Im gonna go with the odds and award a game loss with a warning.

In a $25 entry $500 prize tourney taking a game loss that leads to a match loss that then places the player in the losers bracket is a big deal. If it were me and I wasn't cheating Id be red hot pissed!!! this player was calm and accepting of the decision which leads me to believe I made the right call.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER PLAYER'S RESPONSIBILITY???? Why are players not cutting an offered deck after their opponent searches or shuffles in it???

So I made this video so ppl are aware of the issue and take steps to guard themselves. IM JUST PISSED that I feel I can't run my Spike Bros because the black eye the guy gave it at my locals.



Needless to say you should always be cutting your opponents deck after they have touched it. YOur not being mean only making sure everything is on the up and up. If you suspect someone of cheating CALL A JUDGE RIGHT AWAY!!!! Stop everything don't keep playing once play proceeds or cards are scooped a judge can do very little!!! there is nothing wrong in making sure everyone is playing fairly. It is a HUGE tactic for a cheater to not cause a fuss or call attention to what they are doing, just because they are being agreeable doesn't mean you should over look the offense. Many stackers will be very personable so attention isn't made to what they are doing. So stand up for your self and your instincts but do not get into heated argument just call a judge and they will mediate

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Clan Review - Gold Paladin - Cardfight Vanguard


To celebrate the release of Cardfight!! Vanguard season 2, I thought it appropriate to start the Gold Paladin discussion. :)
To those that havnt seen it it was just subbed yesterday and available on youtube. episode 66

History: The Gold Paladins are the clan that filled the void left after the disappearance of the Royal Paladins on the Planet Cray. They are knights that don divine beast armor which is said to posses should of beasts in them. They are also Hi-Beasts that wield swords (Slaygal makes an appearance in all grade spots growing from Dagger to Sword to Double Edge, so as the weapon grows the grade grows). In the anime When Blaster Blade disappears so does Aichi's deck and this is the deck that it is replaced with. on the premise that what is needed is a clan that goes beyond the limits (the new limit break effect)

Play Style:
The Gold Paladins function in much the same way as the Royal Paladins, in that they gain strength in numbers many of the effects revolve around carrying a small hand and large field to provide the units with increased strength. It also has the new ability of Limit Break, which is an effect that happens once your damage reaches 4.

What it does well:
Gold Pallys have the ability to hit hard by boosting each other. They are a very aggro deck that if played right can apply a great deal of pressure causing the opponent to make poor decisions on field commitment and/or hand management. The can superior ride up to grade 3 utilizing the effect of Kirufu and the 8k and 10k vanillas. 

What it does poorly at:
The deck can really eat up the counters if you play to aggro you will burn out and be left limping. It is not an auto play deck, you must think about counter conservation and attack order for maximum effectiveness. Also currently the clan has no base 11k attackers

What to expect in the future: 
So far the clan is in its first stage of introduction with one trial deck an one booster (& 3 promos) it is a great set up for future expansion. I would think that there will be more effects that exploit it the soul more (given there is a Koongal)




THE UNITS


Grade 0




Starting Vanguards


Crimson Little Lion, Kirufu (Human) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)

5k attk / 10k shield
Auto: When a 《Gold Paladin》 rides this unit, you may call this unit to a Rearguard Circle.
Activate【R】:[Choose a unit named 「Crimson Little Lion, Kirufu」 and a unit named 「Knight of Fine Skill, Gareth」 from your Rearguard Circles and put them into your soul] If you have a unit named 「Knight of Divine Skill, Bohman」 on your Vanguard Circle, search your deck for a unit named 「Burning Lion, Blonde Aezel」, ride it, and shuffle your deck.

... Lets walk this effect out, You ride this starter and call it to the RG, then next turn you ride your grade 2 10k vanilla (Bohman), call your grade 1 8k booster (Gareth). Now you can send Kirufu and Gareth to your Bohman’s soul to superior call Aezel from the deck. Aezel makes up for depleting your field by calling the top card (most prob a Gold Pali) with his effect. In addition that pali gives him +1000 and he gets a temprorary boost of what ever the attack of that unit is. Its a very solid starter for the deck since all the pieces it needs are the strong vanillas that you normally run in 4x anyways. The down fall is that it has to survive through one attack turn, and against a kag deck for example they are gonna try to pop it fast


Little Fighter, Kuron (Giant) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
4k attk / 10k shield
Auto:When a 《Gold Paladin》 rides this unit, you may call this card to a rear-guard circle.
Activate【R】:[Counterblast(1), put this unit into soul] Look at the top 5 cards of your deck, search for a 《Gold Paladin》 which is at least grade 3, show it to your opponent and add it to your hand, then shuffle your deck.

... I love that this guy is called “Little Fighter” but his race is giant. For me this is the more interesting starter in that it adds a lot of consistency and is only dependent on the one counter which is mostly no biggy. the 5 cards is about 1/5 of your deck at that point in the game so chances are if you got no 3s in your mulligan or first coupe draws you are gonna get one now. Its a nice contrast to have against Kirufu and those that may have different play styles can have a choice of starters that aids them differently




Prairie Wind Blow, Sagramore (Human) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)6k attk / 10k shield

...Typical starting vanguard from the trial deck


Triggers 
(Distribution: TD05- Heal, Stand Critical Draw ; BT06- Critical)


Elixir Sommelier (Elf) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
5k attk / 10k shield

Heal Trigger

Flames of Victory (Salamander) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
4k attk / 10k shield
Activate【R】:[Put this unit into soul] Choose a 《Gold Paladin》, that unit gets Power +3000 until the end of the turn.
Critical Trigger

...Wut up AERMO!!!! its about time you dropped those kags!!!!


Fortune Bell (Sylph) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
5k attk / 10k shield

Stand Trigger


Silent Punisher (Demon) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
5k attk / 10k shield

Critical Trigger


Weapon Merchant, Guidion (Gnome) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
5k attk / 5k shield

Draw Trigger


Other Grade 0s


Koongal (High Beast) (PR/0055)
5k attk / 10k shield

Auto: When this unit is moved from 【G】 to the drop zone, move this card to soul instead.

....its the Redshoe Milly / Rock the Wall of the Gold Pali clan,


Grade 1
Blessing Owl (High Beast) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)6k attk / 5k shield
Auto: When this unit is placed on 【R】, choose another of your 《Gold Paladin》, and that unit gets [Power] +2000 until end of turn

...

The Gold Pali version of Starlight Unicorn. I dont run the unicorn and prob wont run Owl either.


The Holy Phantom Bird, who blesses the departing warriors. It is said to bestow good fortune onto those who can properly use its power. From the two fractions of Paladins, the Gold Paladins are formed to seek the seven Legendary Armors of the Holy Beasts in order to free the heroes. Only those who prevailed against all the ordeals, shall the Noble Holy Beasts bow their heads to. Will these young knights be able to achieve this feat?


Chargegal (High Beast) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)6k attk / 5k shield
Auto [R]: [Soul Blast (1)] When this unit boosts「Great Silver Wolf, Garmall」, you may pay the cost. If you do, the boosted unit gets POWER+5000 until end of that battle.[/QUOTE]

... Garmall (all limit breaks aside) is a 10k but when boosted by Chargegal 16k and when Char Soul Blasts = 21k. Its a great way hit those magic numbers before you can limit break. Though for me cards like this always seem lack luster in this deck due to Garmall’s superior call ability its extremely easy to utilize this extra blast

Halo's Shield, Mark (Human) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
6k attk / 0k shield

AUTO: [Choose a «Gold Paladin» from your hand, and discard it] When this unit is placed on Guardian Circle, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose one of your «Gold Paladin», and that unit cannot be hit until end of that battle.[/QUOTE]

...The Gold Pali Null guard

Knight of Fine Skill, Gareth (Human) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03 & Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
8k attk / 5k shield

...The standard grade 1, boosting 8k vanilla unit.


Little Duelist, Toron (Giant) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
6k attk / 5k shield

Auto【R】:When this unit boosts a 《Gold Paladin》 vanguard and you have more rear-guards compared to your opponent, the boosted unit gets Power +4000 until the end of the battle.

... remember this guy has to boost the VG for his effect. Against the right deck it works out great, they either fight off the 10k boost this card gives or commit heavily to the field to counter the effect.

Silver Fang Witch (Human) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)5k attk / 5k shield
Auto: [Soul Blast (2)] When this unit is placed on [R], if you have a《Gold Paladin》Vanguard, you may pay the cost. If you do, draw a card.

...The 5k is abysmal at best, the 2 soul blasts are a high cost as well, but a free card is a free card and in a counter heavy deck this card works really well

Slaygal Dagger (High Beast) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
7k attk / 5k shield
Activate【(V/R)】:[CounterBlast(1)] If you have at least 4 other 《Gold Paladin》 rear-guards, this unit gets Power +2000 until the end of the turn.

... Fairly easy to pull off especially in builds running Toran,
Vanquishing Knight, Hougang (Human) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)7k attk / 5k shield
Activate 【V/R】: [Counter Blast (1)] This unit gets +1000 power until the end of the turn.

...Blasting to gain 1k for a total of 8k to me isnt that great. Im gonna reserve judgement
Waving Owl (High Beast) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
6k attk / 5k shield
Auto【R】:When this unit boosts a 《Gold Paladin》 and the attack hits a vanguard, you may return this unit to your hand.

... I actually dig this card (Id rather more attack but oh well) To me this is a great ways to maximize resources, sure u gotta attack the vanguard but now I can make use of my backrow defensively. It doesnt have synergy with cards that plus from a filled field (Slaygal, Toron, Alfred etc unless u pay lots of attention to your attack orders.

Whirlwind of the Cliff, Sagremor (Human) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)6k attk / 5k shield
Auto【R】:[Choose a card from your hand and discard it] When an attack hits during the battle that this unit boosted, you may pay the cost. If you do, draw a card.

...Its the Aermo of the clan (not the card that looks like Aermo just the effect) and we get it in the trial deck rather than as a promo like in other clans

Grade 2
Assaulting Chariot Knight (Human) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)8k attk / 5k shield
Auto【V/R】: When this card attacks, if you have less cards in your hand compared to your opponent, this unit gets [Power] +3000 until the end of the Battle.

...gets to be interesting with Slaygal and Toron. It really promotes aggressive gameplay by committing fully to the field and losing hand advantage. The net product being 11k Knight boosted by a 10k Toron hitting the ever magical 21k

Flag Knight, Rodin (Human) (PR/0059)8k attk / 5k shield
Auto:When this unit is placed on a Rearguard Circle, choose 1 of your other 《Gold Paladin》 units, that unit gets Power +2000 until the end of the turn.

... Grade 2 Starlight Unicorn/Blessing Owl
Guardian Holy Beast, Nemea Lion (High Beast) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
8k attk / 5k shield
Auto: When this unit intercepts, if you have a 《Gold Paladin》 Vanguard, this unit's shield gets +5000 until the end of the battle.

...The clans 10k interceptor (love the card art BTW)
Knight of Divine Skill, Bohman (Human) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03 & Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)

10k attk / 5k shield



...The standard grade 2, intercepting 10k vanilla unit
Slaygal Sword (High Beast)8k attk / 5k shield
Activate【V/R】:[CounterBlast(1)] If you have at least 4 other 《Gold Paladin》 rear-guards, this unit gets Power +2000 until the end of the turn.[/QUOTE]

...More boosts in attack from a committed field and a counter blast, the good thing about the “4 other 《Gold Paladin》” effect is that it can be countered by you opponent like the ones that bonus you when your field or hand is more or less than your opponents



Grade 3

Burning Lion, Blonde Aezel (Human) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)
10k attk
Activate 【V】 [Limit Break (4)] {When you have four or more damage}: [Counter Blast (2)] Look at the top card of your deck. If that card is a 《Gold Paladin》, call that card to a [R] without an unit. If not, put that card to the bottom of your deck. This unit gets Power equals to the Power of that unit called by this ability until end of turn.

Continuous 【V】: This unit gets Power +1000 for each of your 《Gold Paladin》 rear-guards during your turn.

...the +1000 effect in Gold Palis is an easy +5000 making it an effective 15k attacker, but late game this guy can grow huge maxing out at 25k before boost and with this committed field backed by Slaygal (9k with the field) or Toron (10k if your field is greater than opponents) means that you can easily swing for 34-35k for only 2 counter blasts


Great Silver Wolf, Garmall (Human) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
10k attk
AUTO [(VC)]: [Limit Break 4] (Active when you have 4 or more damage) When this unit attacks a vanguard, this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle.

AUTO: [Counter-Blast 2] When this unit is placed on (VC), you may pay the cost. If you do, search from your deck, up to one grade 2 or less <Gold Paladin>, call it to (RC), and shuffle your deck.

...A good way to tool box units to the field from the deck for the effects that need a filled field or to grab a 10k interceptor, or for draw power with Silver Fang Witch. But the popular play is to go after Charegal who will now boost for 11k due to its counter blast effect making Garmall a 21k Attacker, 26k after Limit Break

Desiring to free his Paladin brethren, Garmall has put on "The Armor of the Silver Wolf", one of the Treasures of United Sanctuary. Gathering his scattered friends and allies, he was one of those who helped form the "Gold Paladins", and because he was a knight who interacted with the former legendary heroes, he serves as mediator and manager for the new order in place of the absent King of Knights.
The "Armor of the Silver Wolf" he wears is one of the legendary pieces of armor that is said to choose their masters at will. The soul of the silver wolf, awoken from a long sleep, has finally found a master to serve again after many years.



Knight of Endurance, Lucan (Human) (Promo)
10K Attk
Auto 【V】: When this unit's drive check reveals a Grade 3 《Gold Paladin》, this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle.

... Meh Im not so excited but chances are with this card you now will get a +5k on drive check more between the grade 3s and triggers this deck runs
A heavy knight that easily swings around his heavy axe. Due to his battle-loving nature, he was given the title of [Demon] and was shunned. He belonged to the Shadow Paladins during the previous civil war, but he left after he heard the declaration made by the Vanguard "Majesty Lord Blaster". In addition, he is the first one who joined the "Gold Paladin" when it was formed to save the sealed Royal Paladins. Now he once again joins the battlefield, donning the Red Lion Armour, which is one of the Sacred Beasts that becomes the symbol of Gold Paladins. He, who once did not care about anything but fighting, had swung his strong arms in order to save a comrade for the first time.

Satellite Fall Dragon (Cosmo Dragon) (PR/0063)10k Attk
Auto【V/R】:When another grade 3 《Gold Paladin》 is placed on your rear-guard circle, this unit gets Power +3000 until the end of the turn.

...Ride SFD, he’s 10k, call 2x grade 3s to front rear guard, now 16k, boost with an 8k vanilla = 24k. Means he can even hit that magic 21k with a 5k booster for that 1 turn. AND your then stuck with a 15k attack and no intercepts there after :( He’s best paired with Slaygal Sword or double edge or Sagremor whos effects can work from RG.

Slaygal Double Edge (High Beast) (Clawing Attacks of the Silver Wolf TD05/TDEN???)
10k attk
Activate【V/R】:[CounterBlast(1)] If you have at least 4 other 《Gold Paladin》 rear-guards, this unit gets Power +2000 until the end of the turn.

...In keeping with the theme of the deck more power pluses by counter blasting with the right field it is less than Satellite fall Dragon but its an activate effect over a auto effect making it more diverse in its application
The form of Slaygal after experiencing significant growth physically and mentally by overcoming many "deadlines". It is now one of the Leaders of the Gold Paladin Hi-Dog Squad.
It is bestowed a sword that is the proof of a hero for its achievements and promotion to squad leader.
The sword it received from its new master is more acquainted than any other weapons before.
It takes prides in the various scars around its body. Those sharp double edges will still inflict more scars and continue to protect more people.


Storm of Battlefield, Sagremor (Human) (Breaker of Limits BT06/BTEN03)10k attk
AUTO]【V/R】:[Counter Blast (1)] When this unit attacks, you may the cost. If you do, this unit gets [Power] +3000 until the end of that battle.[/QUOTE]
....and again more counter blasting for power

Sunday, April 8, 2012

OTKing in Vanguard - Cardfight Vanguard - Spike Brothers



From what I can gather I think I have found my first OTK in Vanguard and one thats not dependent on checking a trigger. Chances are you will never pull it off but in looking at how it works you really get a good idea of the Spike Brothers dynamic and you can apply small parts of it to how you run the deck.


The Nuts

Quote:
The Field:
[Driver] - [Seifried] - [Juggs]
[W Boy] - [Dudley] - [W Boy]
Hand: Juggs#2, Diver #2
Soul: 1 Card
Your Damage: 2 Counters
Opponants Damage: 0
Quote:
Hit 1: Attk w/ Juggs#1 (soul blast to add 5K)
Juggs#1 goes to the deck.
(Im not boosting yet because a lot of decks will take the first damage to utilize for effects and the 15k should be enough for them not to want to wast 2 guards on)
Quote:
Hit 2: Attk w/ Rider
(with 1 damage chances are your opponent will not guard. You have more chance of them not guarding if he attacked first but to get 2 hits in with out boosting you can't swing with rider first they will see the effect superior call and instantly go into defense mode. Chances are against an experienced player they will guard so you would most probably boost here, but I have a reason why Im doing it this way so just work with me here this also gets at the thought process behind navigating Spike Bros.
Send Rider to your soul and Superior Call your Sky Rider #2
Quote:
Hit 3: Attk w/ Rider#2 and boost with W Boy
Send Rider#2 to your soul and Superior Call your Juggernaut#2
(Yeah it situational that you loop 2 Riders but it can happen so I felt it important to show that it can be done) Im boosting now because at this time your opponent is saying Oh $#!t and will try to guard and block because they have caught on
Quote:
Hit 4: Attk w/ Juggs#2 (soul blast to add 5K) and boost with W Boy
Juggs#2 goes to the deck
Quote:
Hit 5: Attack w/ Seifried, Boost with Dudley
Counter Blast 2 and Superior your last Rider from the Deck if you run 3, or grab a Juggs.Remember this happens when he boosts before the drive checks thats why you wanted to empty 2 spot from your front rear guard before attacking with Siefried, one for Dan and one in case of a drive checked grade 3.
Quote:
Hit 6: Attack with the unit Dan called from the deck.
Rider for me is the preference only because Seifried checked a grade 3s and called it to the empty spot, leaving another unit from the second check in your hand if its another grade three thats great if its a Braki thats great too this leaves you an out if they turned a heal trigger in all your attacks. Having another rider at this moment means that if the hit lands you can call that checked unit to riders spot for Hit 7 and if a grade 3 was checked from Seifreid then that means you can theoretically hit 8x in one turn so even if they check 2 heal trigger you still OTK.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Clan Review - Spike Brothers - Cardfight Vanguard




HISTORY:
On the Planet Cray in the depths of the Dark Zone, 3 clans compete for leadership to be determined in the Demon world cup. The winner will wage war against the United Sanctuary. In this dark a bloody zone Blood Ball and Gallows Ball reign supreme (a mix of american football and rugby), attracting thousands of screaming blood thirsty fans. And out of all these morally depraved and sociopathic maniacs one team is the undisputed champions the Spike Brothers.

Lead by General Siefried one of the highest classes Cyborg Demons. He is a dangerous player who is willing to lead his team to victory regardless of the costs. Offensively he is supported by The quarterback of the Spike Brothers' Gallows Ball Team, Dudley Dan, a demon feared as the brains of his team due to his well-known cunning and utterly cruel strategies. While his specialty is in thinking, in some cases, he becomes the pillar that allows strategies to work out, such that his win record at the many stadiums is equal to that of famous players who have left to cause evil throughout the world.

But its not all about the quarterback Wearing a Purple-Crimson Suit, Sky Diver is the Spike Brothers' leading Running Back. By using the Flight Equipment strapped to his back to the fullest, he is capable of precise control while gliding at high-speed. Its four wings are sharpened like blades, and are said to be dyed red by the blood of those that get caught in its path. But if you think the team is all offense defensively the Spike brothers are a terror as well Juggernaut Maximum is defensive tackler of the Bloodball Team. He's a giant cyborg who subjected himself to muscle and body strengthening modifications. Those with strength equal to or less than his own that stand in front of him are crushed.

WHAT THEY DO WELL
1. Creating very high powered attacks
2. Superior calling units from the deck or hand during the battle phase so that you can attack more than just the normal 3 times
3. Aggressive gameplay
4. Allow for more complex combos
5. Dont hurt your wallet (fairly inexpensive vs other decks out there)
6. Reward those that have a good understanding of gameplay and card mechanics

WHAT THEY DO NOT SO WELL
1. Run as an auto pilot deck
2. Play well in long drawn out card fights
3. Maintain advantage




GRADE 0
Cheer Girl, Tiara (Workeroid)5000 Attk / 10000 Guard
Heal trigger

Cheerful Lynx (Warbeast)5000 Attk / 10000 Guard
Draw Trigger

Mecha Trainer (Workeroid)Auto: When you ride another 《Spike Brothers》 on this Unit, you may call this Card to a Rear Guard Circle. Startup 【R】: [Counterblast (1), retire this Unit] Search for 1 Grade 1 or lower 《Spike Brothers》 from your Deck, reveal it to your Opponent, add it to your Hand, and Shuffle that Deck.
He's your standard starting vanguard. A searcher for a level 1 which in most cases is for Dudley Dan so you can start your guys tagging but you can also search for Cheer Girl, Marilyn (the Null guard) or when we get him Commander Guiri Gyanon who is the typical promo with a Flame of Hope, Aermo type effect.

Red Shoe Milly (Succubus)5000 Attk / 10000 Guard
[AUTO]: When this unit is put into the drop zone from (GC), put this card into your soul.
For soul heavy builds of any clan you can consider Milly. In this deck for right now though The soul runs fairly balanced, you will be blasting for Juggernaut and Brakki but you will also be replenishing with Sky Diver and Silence Joker. So I would leave Milly out for now and through testing determine how useful it would be to your play style (mostly contingent if you run a high Juggernaut or Brakki count) 


Silence Joker (Ghost)4000 Attk / 10000 Guard
Critical Trigger
Activate 【R】: [Move this Unit to Soul] When you have a 《Spike Brothers》 Vanguard choose 1 from your Damage Zone and unflip it.
One of the cards that will help keep your combos going. He single handily will unflip a damage counter (Helpful in facilitating Dudley Dan plays) and replenish your soul (for Juggernaut or Brakki plays) you do give up 1000 in attack vs a typical trigger but the effect is where its at

Sonic Breaker (Ogre)5000 Attk / 10000 Guard
Critical Trigger



WHERE ARE THE STAND TRIGGERS?????What you don't see here are stand triggers. Honestly Im not sure if Spike Bro's is ever gonna see a stand trigger, I say this because a stand here would be devastatingly good. The inherent ability to Superior Call units from the hand or deck already means you can pull of more than 3 attacks per turn, if you add to this a stand trigger that can enable more of these effects to go off or to stand up the boosters to power up these superiored units "theoretically" would be killer. I say theoretically because I haven't actually tested running theoretical triggers but on paper it looks to be bananas.


GRADE 1
Cheer Girl, Marilyn (Succubus)6000 Attk / 0 Guard
AUTO: [Choose a «Spike Brothers» from your hand, and discard it] When this unit is placed on Guardian Circle, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose one of your «Spike Brothers», and that unit cannot be hit until end of that battle
The null guard of the clan, I almost always run Nulls in 3s. Remember she is searchable with the trainer.
Commander Guiri Gyanon (Ogre)   ***Warning this card is a promo & not out, use Aermo for now
6000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Auto 【R】: (select 1 card from your hand and discard it) When the attack of this unit with the unit boosted hits, You May Pay the cost, draw a card.
I actually really like this card since he is searchable and a Spike Brother as opposed to Flame of Hope, Aermo. But keep in mind the attack has to hit to go off so some ppl may rather run a card like Screamin' and Dancin' Announcer Shout that even though can't boost after they have rested for the effect, you know the effect will go off. In many build you may find yourself tempting fate with 9-10 or even (gasp) 11 grade 3 units. Having ways to get out of your hand some like Gyanon and others can be a godsend

Cyclone Blitz (Ogre)6000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Auto 【V/R】: [Soul Blast (1)] When this Unit attacks, and you have a 《Spike Brothers》 Vanguard, you may pay the cost. If paid, during that battle, this Unit gains +3000 Power.
In a soul heavy build I could see running Blitz, but IMO the cost is too high. Id rather spend my soul on some of the bigger hitters of the deck but the cost is an easy one to pay and a 9k 
Dudley Dan (Ogre)4000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Auto【R】: [Counterblast (2), choose 1 《Spike Brothers》 from your Hand and send to Soul] When this Unit boosts a Vanguard, you may pay the cost. If paid, search for 1 《Spike Brothers》 from your Deck, call it to a Rear Guard Circle that's without a Unit and shuffle the Deck.
The Quarterback of the team, he is the keystone to the whole deck. He's got an underwhelming 4k boost like the Assault Squad but unlike the Squad his effect is fantastic and unlike the Squad it doesn't have to hit to go off. Sadly though its got a heavy cost; 2 counter blasts and a SB unit in hand to send to the soul (though this can be good since you may need units in the soul to blast with.) Its worth while to consider the field when using Dan, its not just about grabbing a Juggernaut and pounding away and you must consider timing. Dan activates on the declaration step of the attack and he can only call to an empty spot. SO.... Plan your attacks to maximize the effects. Also look at your hand rather than Juggernaut consider a Sky Rider to then superior call from your hand after Sky Rider hits. Also in reading the field calling a Panzer Gale can lead to you not only attacking with Gale's 8K but having a 10k intercept on defense, Be mindful though if you got Siegfried as VG then a Gale can really help keep those grade 3s in the deck for the General's effect. And lastly if your field is looking a little empty you can easily grab for a Devil Summoner to then use his effect to swarm the field (though to be honest I always reveal a grade 3 )

Gyro Slinger (Ogre)7000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Activate 【V/R】: [Counterblast (1)] During this turn, this Unit gains +1000 Power.
Slinger is a promo and in all honesty underwhelming. The clan doesn't really run a lot of counter blast cards Dudley Dan being the only one of real note. So yes it can make use of unused counters but by that time (after you have used Dans effect) your pretty much able to hit your numbers to start your offensive push.

Spike Brothers Assault Squad (Goblin)4000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Auto 【R】: During the battle, that this Unit has Boosted a 《Spike Brothers》, if the Attack hits, Stand this Card.
This guy is one of the reasons why we may never see a stand trigger. This effect is like a weak @$ version of a stand. The play is to hit with a Juggernaught (or Brakki) boosted by this card getting the +5000 so to attack with 20k return the attacking unit, stand Assault Squad and hopefully have Seifried check a grad 3, call it to the empty spot and boost with Assault squad again. Or more consistent is to attack with Sky Diver boosted by Assault Squad for 15K, if it hits send the Diver to the Soul and superior a unit from hand that Assault squad can boost again. The issue here is that SBAS is only 4k attk and for the effect to go through the attack has to hit. If his attack were higher it may have been an interesting card but as it is I wouldn't recommend him.

Wonder Boy (Goblin)8000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Standard 8k attack vanilla grade 1 booster

GRADE 2
Devil Summoner (Demon)7000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Auto: When this Unit is called to the Vanguard Circle or Rear Guard Circle, reveal the top card of your Deck. If that card is a Grade 1 or Grade 2 《Spike Brothers》, call that card to a Rear Guard Circle, if not, shuffle that Deck.
He's ok... I like the field advantage that he generates, but with the grade 3 count + your grade 0 its possible that his effect can fail quite a bit. Not to mention he's 7k attack


Highspeed, Brakki (Warbeast)9000 Attk / 5000 Guard
AUTO](RC): [Soul-Blast 1] When this unit attacks, you may pay the cost. If you do, this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle, and at the beginning of the close step of that battle, return this unit to your deck, and shuffle your deck.
I love Brakki. for a small price of one soul blast and to be returned to the deck Brakki can hit for an un boosted 14K!!!! Most may frown at the return to deck part but honestly this may be one of his best features. The SB game play is to attack big then retire to the deck so that the Siefried can then hit, check a grad 3 and then call that unit to the now open slot for another attack.
Panzer Gail (Ogre)8000 Attk / 5000 Guard
Auto: When this Unit intercepts, and you have a 《Spike Brothers》 Vanguard during that Battle, this Unit's Shield gains +5000.
Here is the decks 10k interceptor. He is also searchable via Dudley Dan

Treasure Black Panther (Warbeast)10000 Attk / 5000 Guard
The 10k Attk Grade 2, vanilla, 5k interceptor

Spike Bouncer (Ogre)8000 Attk / 5000 Guard
AUTO 【V/R】: When one of your other «Spike Brothers» unit's attack hits a Vanguard, during that turn, this unit gets Power +3000.
Has the potential to swing for a lot if you consider that in this deck your units can hit more than just 3 times. BUT in terms of consistency this card is not that essential but may find a spot when he comes out over devil summoner
GRADE 3
General Seyfried (Demon)10000 Attk
Auto 【V】: When a Grade 3 《Spike Brothers》 is revealed by this Unit's Drive Check, you may call that card into a Rear Guard Circle that does not have a Unit in it.
Auto 【V】: When this unit is boosted by a 《Spike Brothers》 unit, this unit gains +3000 Power.
Couple things to note Some grade 3s in this deck belong in RG and some in VG. Siefried is a VG grade 3. His effect only happens to empty circles as well so understanding your timing and attack order is very important, try to attack with your units that vacate the circle after attacking, So that now when you attack with Siefried as VG you have a spot to put that Drive Checked grade 3. Other than that if he is boosted by a Wonder Boy He hits that magic 21k number.

Juggernaut Maximum (Giant)11000 Attk
[CONT](VC/RC): If you do not have another <Spike Brothers> Vanguard or rear-guard, this unit gets [Power] -2000.
[AUTO](RC): [Soul-Blast 1] When this unit attacks, you may pay the cost. If you do, this unit gets [Power] +5000 until end of that battle, and at the beginning of the close step of that battle, return this unit to your deck, and shuffle your deck.
Im a big fan of Juggs he hits hard and gets out of the way. He's not the best guy to be boosted by Dan since Dans effect happens on declaration meaning the Superior called unit from the deck can't drop into the spot that Juggs vacates. Moe often than not he is who you grab with Dan and is a great one to follow up with Siefried attacking next to drive check a grad 3 for that newly opened spot

Sky Diver (Workeroid)11000 Attk
Continuous【V/R】: If you do not have another《Spike Brothers》 Vanguard or Rear Guard, this Unit loses -2000 Power.
Auto【R】: [Put this Unit into your soul] When this Unit's attack hits, you may pay the cost. If you do, choose up to 1 《Spike Brothers》 from your Hand and Call it to a Rear Guard Circle.
This guy is mighty handy, fills the soul, 11k, and can superior call from your hand for multiple hits. NOTE!!! this card doesn't specify open circle, so you can call your units through his effect right over top of preexisting units sending them to the drop zone. Remember that this unit had to hit to get his effect.

Unite Attacker (Ogre)10000 Attk
Auto 【V】: During the start of your Main Phase, Soul Charge (1), and for that turn, this Unit gains +2000 Power.
Auto 【V/R】: [Soul Blast (8), Counterblast (5)] When this Unit's attack hits, you may pay the cost. If paid, look at the top 5 cards of your Deck, out of them, choose any number of 《Spike Brothers》 and call them out separately to Rear Guard Circles, Shuffle the Deck afterwards.
Unite always feels like a win more card. He fills the soul and can easily attack for 12k but I don't like to run him since I feel he's not quiet in synch with the rest of the deck. Id rather run more of the other grade 3s that can facilitate more combos.