Are Shield Triggers Important?

How important are Shield Triggers?

Have you ever thought of the importance of Shield Triggers? 
How many Shield Triggers do you use? Do you even use them? 
These questions became evident to me over the past two weekends 
tournaments. It became overwhelmingly obvious in my observations 
of countless games one simple fact: No Shield Triggers...No Wins! 
I was amazed, but it really makes sense. Shield Triggers are 
IMO the MOST versatile card type in Duel Masters. I basically 
group Duel Master cards into 4 categories: Monsters (attackers), 
Monsters (blockers), Spells, and Shield Triggers. I know that 
Shield Triggers are actually Spells cards, but the Shield 
Trigger ability is what makes them stand apart. Of course 
all of the 4 card types I mentioned can be either (1.) played 
(casting a spell or setting a monster) or (2.) used as mana. 
Shield Triggers on the other hand give you that added punch 
when they are pulled and activated as a shield. I mean come on, 
haven?t you experienced that empty feeling inside when you just 
busted through and attacked a shield only to find out you just 
activated...HOLY AWE!!!!!!!! or TERROR PIT!!!! bye bye Bolshack!

Think of the possibilities you get with Shield Triggers. 
ALL monsters tapped, retrieve ANY card from your grave, return 
ANY monster to its owners hand, search your deck for ANY card 
you need...oh the possibilities. I know what you may be saying, ?
But there are only 5 shield spots, why waste the deck space?? 
True, but lets look at the averages. I currently run 10 Shield 
Triggers, that means a 25% shot at placing a Shield Trigger as 
a shield, roughly. I have yet to duel a match in which I have 
had fewer than 2 Shield Triggers. Those Shield Triggers have 
proven their worth in the form of wins as do the other top 
tournament winning decks in our area.

So what to do with those Shield Triggers that don?t end up 
as shields? Well as I said, mana or simply play them as spells! 
3-for-1 versatility. Try a few, you will be pleasantly surprised...
and so will your opponent...HOLY AWE!!!!!!!!

Hope you liked my food for thought.

Drawmaster
wfallonw@yahoo.com