It was finally the day of the weekly Duel Masters tournament and I was geared up for some action.  It was one of those rare occasions where I decided to brandish my most notorious deck, which is oddly named the Fish Tank.  The deck got its name from its bizarre deck protectors.  I typically prefer to leave the Fish Tank at home because of its dominating prowess and the frustration it creates for others, but today is different.  Just to be clear, the Fish Tank has only truly completed and won a handful of matches.  The rest of the matches were victories that were mainly attributed to people forfeiting or taking an automatic loss (i.e. not bothering to play).  It is great knowing that I’ve constructed something this powerful but the downside is that when nobody wants to play there is no reason to even have a game. 

 

Despite this risk, I made the decision to bring the Fish Tank anyway.  I’ve had a lousy week and I really need the boost in self-esteem.  Perhaps hearing the words, “Oh not this again” or “I forfeit” would allow a little sunshine to cascade into this miserable week.  I sacrificed a lot of time at work to meet deadlines and my ex-girlfriend will not stop nagging me.  Hopefully a couple of wins will be all that I need.

 

As soon as I entered the store I was greeted by an ocean of friendly and familiar faces.  It’s great having all these friends that share the same gaming passion as I do.  The funny thing is that they’re always eager to see which deck bring.  I typically disguise my decks in different deck boxes just to keep them guessing.  As I walked around and watched people practice I suddenly realized that these people were all that I needed to turn this day around.  As I’ve always said, there is one common bond that binds us all as a community, and that is Duel Masters.  My elation, however, was soon dampened by the reality that the tournament was about to begin.  Bringing the Fish Tank may not have been a good idea (considering that some people were starting to groan).  At least my first match was against a Bombazar deck and I wouldn’t have to hold back…

 

The first match was beautiful.  I managed to lock the game and deck out my opponent (this was a first for the Fish Tank and an incredible learning experience).  I would be sure to try a deck-out strategy again.  In the second match my starting hand was absolutely awful and even though I was able to do some sloppy control, my opponent was able to display some of the greatest top-decking I had ever seen.  I went down in a blaze of glory but was thrilled to be able to learn from my mistakes.  The third match was a freak accident.  My opponent once again managed to do some brilliant top-decking and got exactly what he needed.  I eventually regained favor in the match with a beautiful Upheaval combo but then out of desperation he rushed out Bombazar.  I had a blocker and 5 shields, while he had Bombazar, 2 creatures, and no hand.  I was pretty confident because my triggers had been thrashing him throughout the past two games and all I needed was one.  But what’s this???  Nothing turned up.  My opponent was just as shocked as I was.

 

            The second round was quite an awakening.  As I looked over the pairings I let out a few chuckles when I realized that I had to face a new player.  Even though he played Duel Masters when it first came out, he wouldn’t be a problem.  I already started doing the math to see how well I could place after finishing him off.  As we shuffled our decks and started a dialogue, I observed his mannerisms.  He appeared to be having fun but then his eyes connected with his deck and he frowned as he shuffled.  I saw that his deck had no deck protectors and that some of his cards weren’t in the best condition.  The only emotion I could sense from him at that time was either disappointment or embarrassment. 

 

After seeing this I couldn’t help but reflect on what I had been doing all along.  I remembered reading the pairings and chuckling when seeing that I was paired up against the new guy.  I remembered how I quickly glanced at him with a victorious grin.  This isn’t right.  How could I be such a jerk?  It’s always thrilling for all of us when we see a new player but why is it that we all feel this need to obliterate them?  I remember sneaking a glance at the new guy’s performance in the previous round.  His potluck deck was facing a well-formed dragon deck.  His opponent brought out the big guns immediately but instead of going for the kill he continued to build everything up and finished it off with a humiliating defeat.  Now that I think about it, I was thinking of doing the same thing.

 

The reason why I put this article together is because we gather every week to enjoy each other’s company and prove our worth by trying to be number one.  We expect each other to hold nothing back and we unleash everything we have in hopes of achieving a victory.  However, when we face a new player, should this really be the case?  Is it a coincidence that all of our combos and all of our strategies unfold perfectly against a new player?  Do we see the new player smiling and enjoying our awe-inspiring onslaught as we pummel him/her with all our effort?  Is it really fun to go all out on someone who cannot attack or defend himself/herself?  Should we really feel pride in achieving an empty victory?

 

            I’m not pointing fingers at anyone, only at myself.  My competitive nature is like some sort of animal instinct that has overshadowed the human feeling known as compassion.  Having reduced myself to being a warmongering zealot by lusting to destroy the less fortunate has only made me realize that it’s time to change.  It’s an embarrassment.  I am however learning to control it.  Next time all of us go out to a tournament let’s take a look at ourselves and our surroundings.  Let’s make sure that people are having a good time.  Those who seem withdrawn or discouraged should be helped and given some reinforcement.  They should not be left out.

 

            For months now I’ve seen the majority of us expressing our concerns in the forums about the dwindling membership in this game.  It’s true that in a lot of areas there are fewer players coming to Duel Masters events; while in mine I’m seeing new players every so often.  My local store is like a big family.  We love seeing new players and we try to make them feel welcome.  Let’s all embrace the new guys and those who are less skilled.  Without these so-called noobs there is no future for this game.  Older players typically move on but for some bizarre reason we continue to torment those who are just beginning to show interest.  They should be welcomed, not punished.  They are after all the elite players of the future.

 

            The best kind of leader is one who leads by example.  Ever since the tournament I just described, I’ve made it a point to become friends with the new players.  I even approach their parents and establish a respectable rapport.  Parents LOVE that!  I’ve also asked experienced players to tone it down when facing our new people.  My wish is for all of you are able to internalize this message before we run the game into the ground.  Let’s work together to strengthen our community and bring more people in.  It’s also a good idea to exchange email addresses with everyone in your local tournaments.  Once you have someone’s email address they’ll feel compelled to come back.  If they ever go missing you’ll also have a way to reach them and get them back in. 

 

            There is only one rule that we all need to keep in mind and that is to “play fair”.  If you’re facing a veteran then go all out and give them everything you got.  However, when going against someone who is less skilled, you don’t necessarily have to give away the match, but encourage them and give them pointers after they make a mistake.  Just remember that at one point in time we were all in their same position.  As you interact with others just remember that in a way you are representing the game and our community.  Be fair, enjoy the game, and play smart.  I present to you the path to ultimate glory.

 

For the love of the game…

Dry 1337