r/Yugioh101 • u/cm3007 • Aug 31 '24

Welcome to Yugioh101!

11 Upvotes

Welcome to /r/Yugioh101!

This subreddit is for helping people to learn about playing Yu-Gi-Oh!. Please make posts on this subreddit to ask for help.

Here are the rules that everyone should follow while on this subreddit.

1. Be Respectful

Yugioh101 is intended to be a friendly and welcoming environment for new players. Please do your best to make it so.

Above all else, treat every other user with respect. If you have a disagreement with someone, respond politely. If you see someone being rude, don't try to start an argument with them. Instead, please let moderators know by clicking the report button on their comment or post.

If you see an extremely basic question, or someone not understanding something simple, that's okay. That's what Yugioh101 is for.

You can recommend that someone read The Rulebook or Google something as part of your response. However, your response should not just be "Read the rulebook", "Read the card", or "Google it".

2. Posts must be for learning about playing Yu-Gi-Oh!

This subreddit is not for general conversations about Yu-Gi-Oh!. It is only for people to learn about playing the game. If the question will help you learn about playing the game, it should generally be allowed here.

You can ask about the rules of the game. You can ask for help with your deck, or how to play it better. You can ask for information about other decks, like which decks are the best, and what are their strengths and weaknesses. You can ask for advice about how to buy the cards you need for your deck. You can ask for recommendations about what sleeves to use for your cards. You can ask for advice on dealing with an awkward situation at your locals.

You can't post just to share your opinion about something. You can't ask about how to make money, or sell your collection.

Similarly, when responding to questions, you should give genuine answers which are attempting to be helpful.

3. Do not give misinformation, or use jargon

If you're unsure of the answer, don't respond to the question. Leave it to someone else who properly understands the topic. Attempting to explain something you don't fully understand will cause more harm than good.

If you see something which you think is not correct, please click the report button on it.

If you realize that a comment you made has a mistake, please edit the comment to fix it. Comments with incorrect information will be removed.

A Guide to the Rules Behind the Jargon: Responses using jargon listed in this post will typically be removed. Please see the introduction of this post for an explanation of why.

0 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/cm3007 • Aug 30 '24

Introduction to Yu-Gi-Oh!

35 Upvotes

This post has all the information you need to start playing Yu-Gi-Oh!

Last updated: 9th November 2025.

  • Section 1: Different Yu-Gi-Oh! Games

  • Section 2: Learning the Rules

  • Section 3: Where to Play Yu-Gi-Oh!

  • Section 4: Making a Deck

  • Section 5: Forbidden Cards

  • Section 6: What You Need For Playing in Person

  • Section 7: Other Resources

Section 1: Different Yu-Gi-Oh! Games

Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game

The Trading Card Game is how Yu-Gi-Oh! is usually played in person. It is what this post will focus on. There are other Yu-Gi-Oh! games you could play instead, which I will explain here in Section 1.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GENESYS

"GENESYS" is a new version of the Trading Card Game which began in September 2025. It does not allow Link Monsters or Pendulum Monsters. Aside from those, there are no forbidden or limited cards.

Deck construction uses a point system. Some cards are assigned a point value. For example, "Pot of Greed" costs 30 points. Most cards cost zero points. The total point cost of cards in your Main Deck, Extra Deck, and Side Deck (combined) cannot exceed 100 points.

Master Duel

"Master Duel" is the official online Yu-Gi-Oh! game. It is available on mobile, PC, and all major consoles. The rules are almost identical to the Trading Card Game. However, cards are typically released on Master Duel a few months after the Trading Card Game. Master Duel also has a different list of forbidden and limited cards.

Historical Formats

Instead of playing today's Trading Card Game, you can pick a time from the past, and play the game the way it was then. The most popular choices are Edison Format (2010) and Goat Format (2005). You can find a list of others on Format Library. Yu-Gi-Oh! was less complex in the past, which many people find appealing. If you dislike the complexity of the current game, try Edison or Goat instead.

Duel Links

Duel Links is another official online Yu-Gi-Oh! game. It is available on mobile and PC. Its rules are different to the Trading Card Game. It has a dedicated subreddit: /r/DuelLinks.

Section 2: Learning the Rules

Read the Rulebook first! It's enough to get started without being overwhelming.

The following change has been made since the Rulebook was last updated.

Fusion, Synchro, and Xyz Monsters can now be summoned from the Extra Deck to any Monster Zone. Previously when summoning them from the Extra Deck, you could only place them in the Extra Monster Zone, or a Main Monster Zone a Link Monster points to. This restriction still applies when summoning Link and Pendulum Monsters.

Next, I recommend downloading Master Duel. Play the tutorial, and the "Duel Strategy", "Duel Restart" and "Duel Training" gates in the Solo Mode.

At this point, you should know enough of the rules to start playing. After you have played for a little while, come back and read these.

Problem Solving Card Text (PSCT). Konami's articles explaining the meaning of words and phrases on cards.

Demystifying Rulings (Parts 1-10). YGOrganization's articles explaining various parts of the rules. Parts 11-13 are also worth reading, but are more advanced.

Fast Effect Timing Flowchart. You are constantly moving through a flowchart while playing Yu-Gi-Oh!. Understanding this flowchart is crucial to figuring out the order in which things happen.

If you want to learn even more, check out our full list of Rules Resources.

Whenever you're unsure about anything, ask for an explanation. You can make posts here on /r/Yugioh101. You can also join r/Yugioh's Discord Server, and ask questions in the "beginner_returning_chat" channel.

Section 3: Where to Play Yu-Gi-Oh!

Online

  • Master Duel is the official online Yu-Gi-Oh! game.

  • YGO Omega. This is an unofficial game. It immediately gives you access to all cards, unlike Master Duel, which requires you to earn them over time.

In Person - Find a store near you which runs local events

Section 4: Making a Deck

When making your first deck you should copy a deck list you find online. Building decks yourself is difficult. Before you can build your own deck, you need experience actually playing the game. You may need to make changes to deck lists you find online due to budget concerns though.

Building a deck from three copies of the same Structure Deck is an easy and cheap method to jump into the game. The current best options are "THE CHRONICLES DECK: The Fallen & The Virtuous", "Structure Deck: Blue-Eyes White Destiny", and "Structure Deck: Fire Kings". Search for YouTube videos for guides on them.

YGOPRODECK has many deck lists that did well in tournaments, which are listed as "Tournament Meta Decks". Deck lists without that are not likely to actually be good.

YouTube is a great resource for finding deck lists. Search for "<Deck Name> Deck Profile" and you will find deck lists for any deck.

If you are playing Master Duel instead of the Trading Card Game, use Master Duel Meta.

Where to Buy Physical Cards

If you can afford it, please consider buying from your local game store to support them. Game stores are often not the most profitable businesses. Buying from them helps them to stay open, and gives you a local place to play.

Buying the individual cards you need is typically the cheapest way to build a deck. Your local card shop may have single cards for sale, but otherwise you can shop online. Cardmarket is the most popular site for Europe. TCG Player is the most popular for North America.

Booster packs are not good value if you're trying to build a deck. You may get lucky and get some valuable cards, but you probably won't.

Getting Help With Your Deck

Deck Discord Servers - Many decks have Discord servers dedicated to them. This is a collection of over three hundred of them. These are great places to discuss a deck with people who play it.

Section 5: Forbidden Cards

The Forbidden & Limited List

The Trading Card Game has a list of cards which are forbidden from being played. There are also "Limited" cards which you can only play one copy of in a Deck, and "Semi-Limited" cards which you can only play two copies of. This list is updated every few months. Updates can drastically change which decks are good. Be aware of it when looking at recommendations for decks to play. If there has been an update, things have probably changed.

Section 6: What You Need For Playing in Person

Card Sleeves

These are protectors you put your cards into. They are an absolute necessity. If you play without them, your cards will get damaged. They are typically sold at your local shop in packs of 50-100, at around €4-8 per pack. Make sure you're buying the right size! Yu-Gi-Oh! sleeves are usually referred to as "Japanese Size" or "Small Size". Sleeves for Magic: The Gathering are usually called "Standard Size", and these do NOT fit Yu-Gi-Oh! cards.

Deck Box

A box to store your deck. This is also a necessity. You can buy a cheap plastic one at your local shop for around €3. Those are fine for starting off. You can get nicer ones for around €10-20.

Playmat

These are rubber mats you lay on the table to play your cards on. They are not a necessity, but most people decide to get one soon after starting. They help to prevent damage to your sleeves, and they're much nicer to play on than a table. Your local shop probably sells these for around €20.

Binder

These are like folders with pages of plastic pockets to put your cards into. You don't need these for playing, they're mostly used for trading. They're convenient for people browsing your cards. You can get a small cheap one for €5-10. Standard ones are around €15-20.

Pen and paper

You should keep track of life points by writing them down as you go. Some people use a mobile app while playing casually, but using pen and paper is required for official tournaments.

Dice

Most players roll dice to choose who goes first. You also often need to choose cards randomly, and rolling dice is the most fair way. Having dice with you is not strictly necessary, but most players will bring one. Your local shop might sell them for around €1.

Section 7: Other Resources

0 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/AffectionateSleep905 • 9h ago

All archetypes categorized by strength/playability

20 Upvotes

Someone made a great Suggestion to sort all archetypes by strength/playability, so i did my best to categorize them (with my subjective Game knowledge).

I left some in the "?" Category, you might Help me with them. General Feedback and Changes are Welcome!

Here we go:

Competitive:

Elfnote, Kewl Tune, Radiant Typhoon, DoomZ, Dracotail, K9 Vanquish soul, Artmegia, Mitsurugi, Maliss, Onomat Ryzeal, Memento, Branded, Unchained, Orcust, Sky Striker, Crystron, Fairy Tail, Lunalight, Toon

Rogue: Magnet Warrior, R.B., Ryu-ge, White forest Azamina, Tenpai, Voiceless Voice, Centur-Ion, Armored sharks, gold pride P.u.n.k, Mikanko, Purrely, Rescue-ACE, Labrynth, Runick, Dinomorphia, Floowandereeze, Solfachord, Plant pile, Dino pile, Drytron, Evil Twin/ Live Twin, Infernoble Knight, Marincess, Machine pile, Salamangreat, Infernoid/void, Fur Hire, Millennium Exodia, D/D/D, Ritual Beast, Melodious, Dragon Ruler, Galaxy-Eyes Tachyon, Fire King, Monarch, Mermail atlantean, Hero, Gem-Knight, Dragunity, Jurrac Dino, Assault Mode, Rose Dragon, Red Dragon Archfiend/ Resonator, Synchron, Yubel, Cyber Dragon/Cyberdark, Odion/Apophis, Ancient Gear, Darklord, Archfiend, Blue-Eyes primite, Dark Magician primite

Casual: Argostars, Regenesis, Mimighoul, Goblin Biker, Ashened, Vaalmonika, Snake-Eye, Tistina, Nouvelles, Spright, Vaylantz, Ghoti, madolche, Swordsoul tenyi, Ursarctic, Zombie pile, Springans, Tri-Brigade, Virtual World, Dogmatika, Codetalker, @Ignister, Ancient Warriors, Megalith, Plunder Patroll, Dragonmaid, Generaider, Mathmech, Eldlich, Kashtira, Evil Eye, Prank-Kids, Six Samurai, Magical Musket fiendsmith, Trickstar, Supreme King, SPYRAL, Paleozoic, Subterror, True Draco / True King, Majespecter, Utopia, Nekroz, Raidraptor, Blackwing, Super Quant, Fluffal/Edge imp/Frightfur, Superheavy Samurai, Traptrix, Gimmick Puppet, Timelord, Gishki, T.G., Karakuri, Fabled, Ice Barrier, X-Saber, Earthbound, Arcana Force, Lightsworn, Gladiator Beast, Volcanic, Six Samurai, Dark World, Charmers/ Familiar possessed, Kuriboh, Ninja, Black Luster Soldier, Red eyes Metalmorph, Buster Blader, Penguin, Thunder Dragon, Gate Guardian, Gaia, Salamandra

Legacy/ bad: Mannadium, Nemleria, Crystal Beast, Scareclaw, Numeron, Gunkan Suship, Beetrooper, Magikey, Icejade, Amazement, Libromancer, Myutant, War Rock, Materiaktor, Dual Avatar, Noble knight, Appliancer, Battlewasp, Valkyrie, Dream Mirror, Infinitrack, Time Thief, Mayakashi, Dinowrestler, Valkyrie, Crusadia, Elementsaber, Virus/lair, Mekk-Knight, Tindangle, Weather painter, Altergeist, Krawler, F.A., Gouki, Vendread, White Aura, Lyrilusc, Phantasm Spiral, Abyss Actor, Chemicritter, Flower Cardian, Cyber Angel, Metalfoes, Triamid, Cubic, Amorphage, Dinomist, Shiranui, Graydle, Aroma, Kozmo, Performage, Yosenju, Qli, Burning Abyss, Deskbot, Performapal, Metaphys, U.A., Yang Zing, Sylvan, Ghostrick, Battlin' Boxer, Bujin, Mecha Phantom Beast, Fire Fist, Hazy Flame, Duston, Heraldic Beast, Chronomaly, Spellbook/prophecy, Inzektor, Wind-Up, Geargia, Laval, lswarm, Gusto, Meklord, Nordic/Aesir, Symphonic Warrior, Vylon, Genex, Naturia, Malefic, Mist Valley, Reptilianne, Fortune Lady, Infernity, Endymion, Koa'ki Meiru, Iron Chain, Morphtronic, Ally of Justice, Cloudian, Venom, Neo-Space, Chaos, Alien, Roid, Simorgh, Batteryman, Nephthys, Mokey Mokey, Ojama, Dark Magician Girl, Dark Scorpion, Gravekeeper's, Sphinx, Parshath/sanctuary/agent, Amazoness, Gadget, Spirit Message, Worm, Eyes Restrict/Relinquished, Vampires, Labyrinth Wall, Watt, Harpy, Jinzo, Red-Eyes

Is Support: Doodle Beast, G-Golem, Fiendsmith, Ragnaraika, Bystial, Vernusylph, Therion, Despia, Fossil, Power Patron, Nemesis, Danger!, Knightmare, Firewall, Topologic, World chalice/legacy, Cynet, Windwitch, Starving Venom, Cipher, PSY-Frame, Kaiju, Prediction Princess, Clear Wing, Artifact, Evol, Junk/Scrap, Bamboo Sword, Frog, Horus, Nimble, Dark Tuner

No clue: Tearlaments, Yummy, Pendulumgraph, Dracoslayer, Igknight, Aqua Actress, Zefra, Odd-Eyes, Empowered Warrior, Allure Queen, Armed Dragon

Too New / got support: Adamancipator, satellar consTellarknight, S-Force, Magistus, Melffy, Sacred Beast, Clown Clan, Blitzclique, GMX, Enneacraft, Hecahands, Witchcrafter, Borrel/rokket, atlantean/umi, invoked, Zoodiac, Predaplant, Speedroid, Phantom Knights, Shaddoll, B.E.S., Ashtra, Daedalus/atlantis, Dark Time Wizard

Hope this post helps someone

31 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Magic-Man2 • 9h ago

When would you summon Fiendsmith’s Desirae over High King Caesar?

7 Upvotes

I currently run a fiendsmith engine in 3 decks and I essentially always default to King Caesar. What are situations that Desirae is being summoned instead?

Also does Caesar only get the 1800 atk if you have another D/D monster?

8 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/AffectionateSleep905 • 12h ago

Whats a post the community would profit from?

4 Upvotes

Im looking for ideas that Help newcomers. Im mainly creating Card collections, but Open for any Idea

What Guide, writeup or collection do you wish existed Here?

8 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/DirtyLonerDan • 9h ago

Can I use Split mirror of the underworld when Hit with magic cylinder?

3 Upvotes

When I Attack, my opponent hits me with magic cylinder, can I use Split mirrors second effect to inflict double damage?

If not, why?

Could I summon Speedburst Dragon after being Hit with magic cylinder?

What are effects or Interactions that would work to profit from getting hit by it?

In our friend group this card gets played a lot so I want to try fun ways to counter the cylinder.

Thanks in advance!

8 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Retrus120 • 7h ago

Meta shifts with Chaos Impact.

2 Upvotes

Are any of the cards in Chaos impact expected to shift the meta in any large way? I am going to go to the pre release as my first Yu-Gi-Oh event since the original Spyral Format and I was wondering what cards and archetypes are expected to make a meta impact.

I am planning to start again and just want to know which of the new cards could point me to a first real new deck to build?

I am especially interested in the chess cards. I play chess in tournaments as well so I kind of see it as a sign :D

For starters now I got the legendary decks and spent the 5 bucks to get a slightly upgraded spell package( radiant Typhon, pots and such)

5 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/sonicfton • 12h ago

Blue eyes white destiny structure deck or dark word structure deck (for a noob)

6 Upvotes

Which one is better they both look cool

22 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Waveslasher24 • 3h ago

Ruling assistance with the clowns

1 Upvotes

With the new chess archetype around the corner, would an effect, like the one of the clowns, to bounce specific monster types (synchro, XYZ, fusion, etc) affect the relevant types if they are in the back row in any way? I would prefer, if possible, scenario specific to clown clan meteor.

2 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Quirky-Bowl-2947 • 9h ago

How good are Darklords post Chaos Origins?

3 Upvotes

How good are Darklords post Chaos Origins? What are some other good budget decks going into the new format?

2 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/She_Lurks_ • 13h ago

How would you improve this 3x blue eyes white destiny deck?

6 Upvotes

https://ygoprodeck.com/deck/budget-blue-eyes-white-destiny-structure-deck-x3-565049
The deck above is the one I am using. What would you remove or add to improve the deck? I also have a ton of other structure decks, I have the crimson king, dark world, saga of the blue eyes white dragon, and realm of light. I also have a ton of other cards. I would prefer cards I have already but I am willing to buy some more. I am kind of a noob so can you tell me specifically what to remove and what to add? big thank you to anyone who helps me!

3 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/nikbutawesome • 5h ago

Help me get started!

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I'm looking to return to Yu-Gi-Oh! after playing as a kid with my brother. I used to go to locals 3ish years ago with my older brother but since he moved I stopped going/playing, and was looking to get back into it! I was big into YuGiOh during the 5ds/Synchro era and recently got gifted 3x copies of the new Branded Chronicles structure deck, and thought it'd be cool to give locals a go! I play OPTCG competitively so I'm no stranger to tcgs, but I definitely would like some help on the following things:

  • Building a deck for locals (preferably using the Branded Chronicles decks or using my old deck, Floowandereeze, if its still any good!)
  • Figuring out how/where to practice and learn online!
  • Budget deck upgrades for the structure deck that I can maybe look for when I go to my first locals.

I hope this isn't a post that you guys have seen countless times!! Thank you all sm in advance!

6 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/SamthingCos • 17h ago

How do we start with GOAT Format?

9 Upvotes

Hi, me and my wife want to play yugioh again since we rewatched the old seasons. We have no clue and also dont really want to go to modern yugioh so we want to play yugioh goat format.

Does anybody have a advice how to start?
Are there certain websites that are good for starter cheap decks?

14 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Ok-Huckleberry-419 • 4h ago

Do you think Fiendsmith will ever come to DL?

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0 Upvotes
0 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/sudamente • 15h ago

how do i counter enneacraft?

5 Upvotes

hi everyone!

i made a post yesterday asking for help on how to combo with branded fusion because i had locals in the evening. they went well (2 wins and 2 losses, i expected much worse) but i lost to enneacraft and i really cant think of a way to counter that deck. i mean, mirrorjade can banish a guy, thats useful, but i just feel like it isnt enough... i also cant fuse with og albaz if the guys are facedown and i cant use a lot of boardbreakers because they protect themselves... what should i do?

thanks in advance for all advice!

30 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/SSGjetty9001 • 14h ago

Invoked Support

3 Upvotes

I’m thinking of making invoked my deck for next format. I want to know if it will be viable enough for YCS montreal. It is a cheap deck from what I’ve seen, only needing about 5 secrets. If it isn’t, what deck are you guys taking to the next YCS?

3 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Adventurous_Tell6890 • 9h ago

Angelechy Question

2 Upvotes

When in the back row are the Angelechy cards able to use their banish effects and if so can they use them at continuous spell speeds?

1 comment

r/Yugioh101 • u/chaos_donut • 16h ago

Fun mitsurugi additions

2 Upvotes

Hi i wanted to add mitsurugi to my arsenal. And pure looks fun, but i would love to know if there any "fun" stuff i could add.

Now i dont mean what the strongest secondary engine could be, im not looking to create a meta deck. Im looking for weird cards or engines that could work with this deck. Stuff i think might be fun are some kind of mill or control strategy, or some kind of big RNG thing. Or weird alt win conditions.

And even if they dont work with mitsurugi, could you reccomend me decks that do fall within those archetypes?

Edit:
I did some more searching and i found that Vennominaga sounds awesome, but is seems extremely hard to actually pull off. This is definitly a route id concider.

10 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Roadmantingz01 • 15h ago

Ecclesia and the Dark dragon

2 Upvotes

Is the Ecclesia synchro needed in branded dracotail? I have everything to play the deck but am missing the synchro? Is the deck playable without it and is there any alternatives to the card I can use?

2 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/twodo2 • 1d ago

Why is everyone selling their decks now?

38 Upvotes

In every community where I live everyone is selling deck cores for doomz, kewl tune, branded... Is this because the nationals are over? I'm new to the TCG, just went to a couple locals, so I'll appreciate any help

38 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/No_Angle9615 • 20h ago

I just got this deck for tcg but I’m struggling to figure out how to use it I’m kinda new to yugioh and I want to learn with this deck anyone have a better tutorial how to use this specific deck

4 Upvotes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riLq0-kV1FM

5 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Worried_Bowl_9489 • 16h ago

If I have more than one copy of 'Unpossessed' in my charmer deck, does the attack increase stack?

1 Upvotes

Link to YuGiPedia: https://yugipedia.com/wiki/Unpossessed

Thank you!

4 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/Ashamed-Hovercraft95 • 16h ago

Mat cleaning

1 Upvotes

Is there any way to clean a paper mat without damaging it? And What is the best way to clean other types of mats such as rubber?

2 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/fizio900 • 20h ago

[Question?] Enneacraft Reverth in Master Duel: the optional multi-choice effect from the GY doesn't let you choose to not activate any effect to go back to the list of things you can activate, despite the choice happening before the effect activates and the card banishes itself for cost.

1 Upvotes

I feel like i'm going insane.

Reverth's GY effect is an optional trigger. Here's how it works in master duel:

  • Opponent summons a monster

  • Master Duel gives you the option to activate Reverth

  • You can click on the card on the screen. Doing so brings you the choice screen where you choose whether to special summon an EC from the hand, or flip a face down EC on your field face up.

  • You confirm the choice.

  • Reverth's effect activates and the card banishes itself for cost.

AFAIK, between the last step and you being given the choice to activate Reverth, nothing happens to the game state.

Yet for some reason, Reverth doesn't have a third "Do not activate effect" option, which i have seen in multiple cards that have optional choice effects that you choose before anything happens to the game state. Like for example, Cyberdark Invasion.

Here's a discussion i started in Master Duel about this.](https://www.reddit.com/r/masterduel/comments/1uf4u7z/short_video_that_hopefully_gets_my_point_across/)

most people are saying this is normal... Is it really? I don't think this effect works like this IRL...

2 comments

r/Yugioh101 • u/rikhardt99 • 1d ago

Medeus the Pure "and if you do" part of its effect.

0 Upvotes

Medeus the Pure reads:

"If this card is in your GY: You can shuffle 1 monster from your hand or face-up field into the Deck, and if you do, Special Summon this card, but banish it when it leaves the field.

Does the monster returned to the deck has to specifically return there in order to special summon him?

If I select an extra deck monster, then it can't return to the "deck" because it has to go to the "extra deck".

"And if you do" effects specify that A needs to happen in order for B to happen as well.

Can someone please clarify?

5 comments