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Hello again everyone! I’ve got
another fun and informative interview for all of you
to read. This time I’m interviewing Kane Provis all
the way from Australia. The time difference was
insane on this one. When I was interviewing him in
late afternoon here…he was at work at 9 in the
morning! I’m really glad he took the time out of his
busy day to do this interview…so without further
delay, I present to you; Kane Provis #2 in
Australia.
Bryan:
Where are you from originally Kane?
Kane: Townsville, Australia
Bryan:
What's it like in Australia?
Kane: We're moving into winter now,
which is the best part of the year. Its summer
that's just crazy hot.
Bryan:
Age?
Kane: 24
Bryan:
Do you go to college or do you attend a university?
Kane: I've actually finished
University, but now I have a job working at the
University, so I'm still here.
Bryan:
Really? What was your major?
Kane: Communication Design, which is
a fancy way of saying graphic art.
Bryan:
That's awesome, so you do graphic designs,
animation, and the like?
Kane: Yeah. I do a lot of work in
Photoshop and Dream Weaver. Most of the work I do is
in Web Pages.
Bryan:
Really? Interesting...I might have some work for you
lol
Kane: *mr Burns* Exxxxcellent.
Bryan:
lol
Bryan:
For the record, where do you currently live?
Kane: What do you mean?
Bryan:
Like what country…state?
Bryan:
So everyone else knows...
Kane: Oh. Queensland. It's the
tropical state of Australia. Lots of palm trees and
parties!
Bryan:
Nice, I think I'll plan a trip there soon...
Bryan:
lol
Kane: Great, just make sure it's
during the winter
Bryan:
lol
Bryan:
What's the name of your home store?
Kane: My Generation.
Bryan:
What is your UDE Ranking in Australia?
Kane: Just went up to #2, but it'll
probably slip back to three since I skipped last
week's tournament.
Bryan:
What are your credentials? For example, Top 8
finishes at Regional events, National
Qualifications, etc?
Kane: We had two regional tournaments
this year, one I made 8th, the second I came in
second place. I've been playing Yu-Hi-Oh for about a
year and a half, so you might want my tournament
results from last year...well...less said the
better
Bryan:
lol
Bryan:
Only two regional events? Is that all they give you
down there?
Bryan:
In Florida alone we've had about 7
Kane: Yeah. Townsville doesn't really
qualify as a capital city, so we take what we can
get. However I'm fortunate for the level of
competition here. Two other people who rank in the
National top 10 both play in my tournaments,
including the previously ranked #1 player.
Bryan:
Nice. At least the competition is tough.
Bryan:
Do they have more Regional tournaments in other
parts of Australia? Or just the two you've
mentioned?
Kane: Definitely. One of the players
I mentioned comes from Japan and makes regular
visits there, so he's always bringing back new cards
and interesting strategies.
Kane: I believe so, but I can't say
for certain since I haven’t had any reason to check.
Bryan:
That sounds great, are the Japanese players as good
as people say they are?
Kane: He's a very good player, and
crafty too. However he's the only Japanese person
I've played, so I can't say for certain about the
rest *laugh*
Bryan:
LOL. So tell me a little bit about this craftyness
of theirs and a little info on their latest
strategies
Kane: Oh, it's nothing that really
isn't common knowledge if you dig around enough on
the internet. His latest deck is an Exodia/Heart of
the Underdog deck, which is certainly entertaining
to play against. It's more just in the general
attitude.
Bryan:
General attitude?
Kane: Just in the way they take the
game so seriously. They know the cards, and their
values, so it's difficult to make them force a
mistake. Australian people you can joke around with;
do crazy stuff during a match and have a laugh. But
with him it's all business most of the time.
Bryan:
I see...that's normally the attitude I take at
larger tournaments, all BS aside and straight to
business lol.
Kane: Hey, to each their own *grin*
Bryan:
Unless it's someone I know then I'll be a little bit
more laid back...
Bryan:
So where exactly do you find info on the Japanese
metagame and strategies?
Kane: I have friends who are in the
know a lot who keep me pretty well up to date. And
there's always *cough* Pojo.com *cough*
Bryan:
Pojo.com? lol you're gonna have to tell me
where...maybe I don't read the forums enough.
Kane: Yeah, it's an obscure site...
Bryan:
Tell me about it lol. (I wonder if Bill is reading
this…lol)
Bill ---
No.
Bryan:
Alrighty next question...what's your favorite card?
Kane: I could go the obvious route
and say Envoy of the Beginning. But I'm going to
have to say it's Strike Ninja!
Bryan:
Strike Ninja eh? Any particular reason why?
Kane: Because he has to be one of the
most underrated cards in the game. When you talk to
people about using Strike Ninja in a deck, they
immediately assume you're using a deck that's packed
with D.D. Scout Planes and everything that goes with
it. But the truth is he's a lot more versatile than
that, and his effect is just GODLY if it's used at
the right time.
Bryan:
I totally agree with you on that one, his effect is
by far one of the best the game has to offer. How do
you think the Strike Ninja deck will fare since
Painful Choice is banned along with Mirage?
Kane: That depends if your deck is
focused on Strike Ninja. Speaking for myself, I use
two and I don't have a single Scout Plane in my
deck. For me it's just a matter of making a majority
of the cards Dark types, so when you draw one
there's a good chance you'll be able to use his
effect. Sure, you won't get it 100% of the time, but
that can be said for a lot cards.
Bryan:
Very true.
Bryan:
So what's your favorite deck archetype?
Kane: Control all the way. I've tried
beat-down and stall, but I get infuriated when
people start making moves and combos that I can't
stop in their tracks. I've tried to make a fairly
unique from of Control for myself which many people
have called a "Yoink!" deck. That's because it has
five (previous six, but no CoH now) cards that take
control of the opponent’s monster.
Bryan:
Really? I used to be a hardcore Control player
myself until Chaos rolled around...then I just
integrated those GODLY monsters into my form of
Control. It's really cool to talk to a fellow
Control player.
Bryan:
Can I safely assume that your current deck is
control?
Kane: Before the bans kicked in, I
was running the CCCC, but since they took effect
I've modified my deck to what I have is something
more original. Aside from using Envoy of the
Beginning, it really has nothing to do with Chaos
decks, especially with the two strike Ninja's. I
also favor Mobius over Jinzo, and even pack two of
those.
Bryan:
Hmm...Interesting choice, does that choice have
anything to do with your metagame or just a personal
preference?
Kane: It's because I've built my deck
so that every card functions well with the others.
Most people wouldn't run three Scapegoats since they
can clog your field if people decide not to attack,
but they function beautifully with Creature Swap and
Enemy Controller. Having two Mobius's and DMOC along
with BLS would normally be considered too many
tributes.
Kane: But if you're stealing so many
monsters, you can support them easily.
Kane: So that's the kind of balance
I've tried to achieve.
Bryan:
3 Scapegoats?! Wow...does any one play trample over
there?
Kane: Some people do, and that is one
of the few weaknesses that my deck has. But again,
two Enemy Controllers help take the heat off.
Bryan:
Definitely, what about King Tiger? I'm sure that guy
can give you a hard time...especially since it finds
itself in so many Side-Decks in the states.
Bryan:
How do you deal with him?
Kane: Definitely, that's always a
factor. But again, the trick is not to rely on any
particular cards. I've built my deck with the
philosophy that every card you draw should be
something you can use straight away. So, all the
monsters function with each other. The other thing
which makes strike Ninja so brilliant is that he's a
guaranteed tribute.
Kane: If I'm facing down Wanghu with
a Ninja and they try to attack, I'll gladly let him
jump out of the way and take a direct hit from the
tiger if it means I can tribute the Ninja next turn.
Bryan:
That's very true...I never thought of Strike Ninja
in that way.
Bryan:
You learn something new everyday lol
Kane: Glad to help!
Bryan:
What sets you apart from all of the other top
players in the world?
Kane: Because my motivation to win is
to prove the perfection of my deck. It's taken me
hundreds of hours, thousands of dollars and
limitless trades to get it where it is today. I
believe that my deck is perfect, and that faith in
me and my deck is what helps me through every duel.
Bryan:
That's a very important concept to grasp...to have
faith in yourself and your deck. To most it may
sound a little like a...Yugi-ish "Heart of the
Cards" type-thing but it's definitely worth it to
have some faith in what you've built. I'm glad you
put that out there for every one to read.
Kane: Thank you. And it's great to
meet a person who feels the same way.
Bryan:
Give us a little insight on your game-play. Your
strategies; are you conservative or aggressive,
mindset, attitude...etc.
Kane: I've been told that I'm quite
ruthless when I duel. That’s probably due to the
fact that early on I like to let my opponent take
control. Sit back, let them play their best cards
and cut down their hand. If you can let them do that
and keep in control of the duel, mid to late game
they'll have nothing to stop you from going on the
offensive. Usually I'm happy to set off a ROD or
Cylinder.
Kane: Because I know I won't have to
deal with them later.
Bryan:
Yes that's definitely a great way to play. A lot of
players like to waste their best cards early and
then complain when they have nothing to stop your
BLS from hitting the field lol.
Kane: I've found that very rarely
trying to take an early lead actually pays off.
Bryan:
When you're playing Control yes it's extremely
important that you wait. I'm personally a more
aggressive player, I think I have a keen ability in
knowing how to take the early lead and keep you on
your knees until I win. That's how I build my decks
usually lol.
Kane: Hey, kudos to you if you can
pull it off!
Bryan:
If you were to take a look at any of my personal
deck lists you would see the lack of defense I use
in my decks because I aim to take the first game by
force and the second game is where I usually take a
more defensive stance. I think it pays off to be
aggressive versus conservative Control players like
you...
Kane: It can, definitely. It's
possible to catch control players flat-footed with
an all-out assault, simply because they decided not
to put all their defensive/negation cards on the
field, preferring to save them for later.
Bryan:
I admit it does take a little work to crack a good
Control player; you just have to know when to strike
the hardest and pick your shots.
Bryan:
If you make it to Worlds this year I can show what
I'm talking about lol.
Bryan:
When I see you there of course.
Kane: Of course.
Bryan:
How often do you practice? How do you practice and
with whom?
Kane: I play text duels over
messenger and Yahoo almost every day with a select
group of friends. Text dueling isn't very popular
for the obvious fact that it's very easy for your
opponent to cheat, but there are always people who
are happy to play honorably, and I'm happy to play
against them.
Bryan:
Text duels eh? Isn't that a little bit of hard work?
Have you tried YVD?
Kane: I have, but I prefer to play
with my own card.
Bryan:
Who doesn't?
Kane: Test duels are easy. Say you
set two Magic or Trap cards, and one monster face
down. All you say is "I set one FD, two M&T and end
turn"
Bryan:
How do you prepare for major events both mentally
and strategically?
Kane: Watch a lot of the anime to get
inspired!
Bryan:
lol that's awesome! That's the most unique response
yet! lol
Kane: We aim to please.
Bryan:
lol
Bryan:
I think we're all guilty of watching the anime to
get inspired...it's the music man lol.
Kane: I think it's the catch phrases
"As soon as your attack hits my token, this duel is
OVER!"
Kane: Who hasn't wanted to say that?
Bryan:
lol
Bryan:
I love the trash talking on that show; they just
talk and talk and talk mad trash to each other while
playing...lol
Kane: Yep. We spent the entire
episode talking, and used exactly three turns!
Bryan:
lol exactly great stuff...
Bryan:
Do you get nervous or anxious at serious
tournaments?
Kane: Definitely. I was in a duel
that was so close and so fierce (competing for the
last spot in the finals) that my hands were shaking,
but being that nervous can definitely impair your
judgment when it comes to strategy. And that’s why
you need to have faith in your skills and your deck.
If you *know* the next card you draw can help, then
there's no need to be nervous.
Bryan:
What deck will you be using at the Australian
Nationals this year?
Kane: Nationals here are on May 1st,
and I'll be taking my current deck with me. I've
already made the changes from the new Ban List, and
overall it seems to have not impacted on its overall
potency.
Bryan:
What are your predictions for Nationals? What deck
archetype do you think will dominate?
Kane: That’s a tough call. Since the
bans tore the heart out of the Traditional CCCC,
there hasn't really been a deck type powerful enough
to replace it. Warrior/Chaos is an obvious choice,
but I'd look for a few surprises.
Bryan:
What direction do you see this game going in? A good
one or a bad one?
Kane: I'm disappointed with the
Limited Edition packs, as well as the Dark
Beginnings/Dark Revelations. While I understand that
these things are a godsend for newbie players,
people don't think of the poor collector who has
been holding onto his Secret Rare Vampire Lord, only
to now be stuck with a card that isn't worth the
paper it's printed on.
Bryan:
Ahh...I'm guessing you're a collector as well?
Kane: I'm not a collector per-se, but
I do collect cards for trading. So I find myself
irritated that cards I spent so much trouble getting
a hold of are now worth so little.
Bryan:
Well think of it this way, you end up spending less
money on the game since you can buy the common
versions of so many good cards for much cheaper and
sell off your holos. Plus, it becomes easier to make
decks
Kane: I keep all my Holos. 34/40
cards in my deck are Holos
Bryan:
lol, so is mine.
Bryan:
My main deck has to be holos. lol
Kane: Shiny deck powaaaa!
Bryan:
Would you like UDE to offer cash prizes at Regional
tournaments and Nationals?
Kane: Put it this way: If they were
to offer me cash, I wouldn't say no
Bryan:
lol. Do you think offering cash as prize would be a
signal of UDE taking this game a bit more seriously?
Bryan:
Or Konami for that matter.
Kane: I don't think it makes a
difference. Whatever they do, Magic players are
always gonna look down on it. VS had a huge cash
prize, and it's certainly not doing better than
Yu-Gi-Oh!
Bryan:
Never thought of it that way...good answer Kane
Kane: Thank you.
Bryan:
Thinking about what you said you are definitely
right...and yes of course Magic players will NEVER
look at this game as competitive lol
Kane: Their loss *grins*
Bryan:
lol
Bryan:
Okay...final question...
Bryan:
Do you have any advice for newcomers and beginners
looking to bring their game to the next level?
Kane: I try to help a lot of newbies
between games at tournaments by taking a look at
their deck and telling them what to change, and it
usually goes like this: No equip cards, no rituals,
and no fusions without King of the Swamp. Keep it
down to forty cards, and keep your monster count
between 17 and 20, and make sure you have two
monsters for every tribute monster.
Bryan:
Great.
Bryan:
What do you think about the new trend of monster
line-up sin the states that use 15-16 monsters?
Kane: If you can pull it off, great.
But you're in a bad spot if you draw a hand full of
Magic and Traps right off the bat.
Bryan:
What number of monsters do you prefer?
Kane: I have 18; Including three
one-tribute, one two-tribute, and BLS.
Bryan:
4 tributes? Wow...I think I’m playing too many
tributes when I use just one lol.
Kane: As I said, that's where the
creature-stealing cards come into their own. No
point in using Enemy Controller to take their
monster and give it back next turn, is there?
Bryan:
Very true, hence the inclusion of the scapegoats in
your deck.
Kane: Exactly
Bryan:
Kane, this has been a great interview.
Kane: Thank you very much. It was
quite enjoyable here too.
Bryan:
It was both fun and informative and I greatly
appreciate you taking time out of your day. I think
it will be great for the US players to get an
international perspective on YuGiOh and maybe pick
up some ideas.
Kane: Wouldn't have it any other way.
Bryan:
Thanks again Kane, great interview I learned a lot
from you.
Kane: And thank you again for making
it so enjoyable.
I hope you’ve all learned as much as
I have from Kane. He’s definitely got some unique
insight on the game and has a style that’s not too
different from ours. He’s a great player in my book
and I’d expect nothing less from him than a spot in
the World Championships this year. This is one of
the many international players I’ll be interviewing
throughout the year. I’ll be keeping everyone
updated on what’s happening next.
As for the next interview, I will be
interviewing Mike Pianka’s teammate…Kris Perovic.
He’s another player from the New England area and
has a lot to say about the game. Until next time
everyone; remember to practice, stay focused, and
most importantly…have fun! |
