Deck Guide

Building a deck was never so easy...

Step 1: Choose a Main Theme

There are several different themes for decks, and each one tries to win in a different way. There is a list of deck themes on the right. After you've picked out your main theme, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Choose a Supporting Theme

Your deck has it's main theme, but in most cases you will need a supporting theme as well. You want to win with Exodia, but how will you survive until you get there? You want to make a Discard Deck, but once your opponent's hand is gone, how will you win? Your deck will probably need some sort of support, and that's what the supporting theme is for.

One good thing to remember is that you can often choose a main theme to be your supporting theme. Note, by the way, that there are a nearly infinite amount of supporting themes. Be creative, and come up with your own!

Step 3: Make a practice deck list

Now, you've decided on two themes, so you've probably got a few main cards picked out in your mind that you want to use. Start making your deck list. Be sure to include the amount of each card that you want in your deck, and as you proceed with the construction, keep a tally of how many cards you can still put in the deck. Make sure you have exactly 40 cards in the deck!

Unless you already have your entire deck mapped out(and if you did, why would you be using this guide?), you're going to want to do some research. Find out about more cards and what they do. Search through spoilers, magazines, and your own collection of cards to find cards that you can put in your deck. This might take a little bit of time, but it will be worth it, as you will end up with a much more fulfilling deck.

Remember not to limit yourself to the cards that you own. If you're serious about this deck, it might take some work to get the perfect cards for it, but as I've said before, when you finally sit down and play your dream deck, it will all be worth it. Be prepared to trade with others. If you can, try looking on Ebay or online stores for card singles. Be picky; you can probably get Japanese cards for very low prices if you search hard enough!

One you've filled up the space in your deck, look over your deck list. Try to imagine playing this deck. Are there cards that you really don't want to draw? Are there combos that will be too difficult to play? Do you have enough cards to support you until you win? If not, nitpick. Find cards that you don't really like or need and replace them with more suitable cards. Take your time on this.

Step 4: Test your Deck

The odds of you making a perfect deck list in your head are pretty low. Go outside, find some other players with good decks, and play them. Are you drawing the cards you need? Is one card not as effective as you thought it would be? If your deck has problems, don't throw it away, tweak it until it works well. A deck should be like a well-oiled machine. All of the cards are parts, which means that every card should do something. When all of the cards finally work together, you've got your deck machine finished, and you're ready to rock.

A final word of advice: Don't get discouraged. Don't give up. If you've got a great idea for a deck, and it's not working, remember, there's probably a way that you can alter your deck so it will win. If you've got a deck you like, but you can't seem to make it work, email the deck list to us. Be sure to format it like the other decks we have posted in the Deck Center(there is a link to the Deck Center at the bottom of the page if you need to check). When you have your deck list ready, click the link below. OneWingedAngel@msn.com

Deck Themes:

Exodia Deck - This deck tries to win by gathering the 5 pieces of Exodia into the player's hand for instant victory.

Ouija Board Deck - Similar to the Exodia Deck, this deck tries to win by playing the Ouija Board combo. Play the Ouija Board, and win 4 turns later.

One-Hit Kill Deck - A deck that revolves around Devil Franken's ability to special summon the infamous Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon for a one-hit kill.

Special Summon Deck - A deck that tries to overwhelm it's opponent by using tricks that summon large amounts of powerful monsters.

Pump Deck - This deck uses cards that strengthen their monsters to overwhelm the opponent's monsters.

Deck Destruction Deck - This deck tries to remove cards from the opponent's deck, running them out of cards and thus winning the match.

Control Deck - This deck focuses on negating your opponent's cards through various means, thus remaining in a state of control until victory can be attained.

Discard Deck - This deck limits your opponent's options by removing cards from the opponent's hand. This is a specific kind of control deck.

Destruction Deck - This deck limits your opponent's options by destroying all of their monsters. This is a specific kind of control deck.

Atlantis Deck - This deck is based around the special powers of Atlantis and the Legendary Fisherman to remain in control. This is a defensive deck.

Direct Damage Deck - This deck uses non-attack sources to deal damage to the opponent.

Fusion Deck - Very similar to the Special Summon Deck, but focuses heavily on Fusions as a means of victory.

Ritual Deck - Very similar to the Special Summon Deck, but focuses heavily on Rituals as a means of victory.

Basic Deck - This deck is monster-based, with few special tricks. It is similar to what a character in the comics might play.

Still a little confused? Check out some decks that we've already made at the Deck Center.

Or, are you having trouble finding cards for your deck? Maybe we can help! Rare Cards