Theory One: Card Advantage

The theory that 1 for 1s and 2 for 1s, numbers, is how you should play.

Theory Two: Resource Management

The theory that keeping a field, and ignoring numbers, is more important. 

Theory Three: Pace

The theory that drawing and playing cards incredibly fast, thus forcing your opponent to subconsciously do the same; making them play worse, is more important. 

                This article itself, is more or less an explanation of theories we use in Yu-Gi-Oh. Breaking down the fundamentals of this game and such, I'm sure most Veteran players and new players alike will have a different perspective of the game on certain levels after reading this nice piece of work. 

Examples of Theory One: 

EX.1: You have three cards in your hand while your opponent has two.

Summary: In theory, you currently have advantage. Due to the fact your hand is bigger and thus you may have more options. Realistically, you might not at all, but in this theory holding more cards is an advantage. I find this flawed, you may disagree. Your opinion. 

EX.2: Your opponent has a monster on the field followed by a set Magic or Trap. You hold one set Magic or Trap.

Summary: In theory, your opponent has field advantage. Why? He's got two cards on his field and you've got one. In theory he's better than you. For all we know he could have Aitsu out and a set Stim-Pack and you could have a set Embodiment of Apophis. But in this theory he's better. Yet another flaw in this theory. But hey, I didn't make it and you all have you own opinions. 

EX.3: Now you have Mystical Space Typhoon, Nobleman of Crossout and a Don Zaloog in hand. You can use all three, placing you opponent with no field and one card in their hand. But you only have one of the field, and nothing in hand, to their one in hand. When they draw, they have a +1 advantage on you. That  move, although smart: Isn't a grand cad advantage. Do you still do it? Or do you allow Don to try and kill the monster and set the Typhoon so hopefully next turn you gain card advantage?

Summary: This is one of the more open-ended problems. In the end either you or your opponent could end up with advantage based relatively on numbers and such. Wiether or not you agree with this theory is entirely up to you. 

Thoughts: I personally think this theory has some ration points to it. Do I think this is how you should play? No. I would strongly disagree on playing with numbers like this. A move that could win you the game would cost you advantage and thus you would not do it. Then again, it saves one from being a reckless player. I find it a good theory with a few flaws, which, can all be changed depending on how you, as a player, play your cards. 

Examples of Theory Two: 

EX.1:  Mobius the Frost Monarch is the PRIME example for this theory. For instance, you have monster to sacrifice for Mobius and your opponent has two set cards that are viable targets for Mobius' effect. Now, Mobius himself can be a solid 2 for 2, but is that advantage? No. Is it worth doing? Yes. It's sound and safe resource management. But it's not as sound advantage. Therefor: players seeking card advantage may turn away from Mobius as he provides no advantage whilst resource management players would easily deck him.

Summary: This theory in itself is solely based on decisions and playstyle. Resource Management players see the decision to make a move either viable or a mistake given the situation. Numbers themselves do not matter as long as the field itself is at an advantage, thus possibly ending the game by good management. 

EX.2: Emergency Provisions. Of course, this could go as cliche' to some competitive players seeing as how most of us do not really consider lifepoints until we're lower than 1000. Given this situation: You have Emergency Provisions and two other Magic or Traps set, your opponent activates Heavy Storm. You know your other set cards cannot activate, thus you activate Provisions and in the process get a -3  while gaining 2000 lifepoints on the side. Potentially, those extra 2000 lifepoints can save you the game in a time where your opponent would have killed you if you had X amount. But, by Resource Management you gave yourself advantage without looking at numbers.

Summary: Another simple example on how this theory would work, except this time in Magic or Trap perspective. 

Thoughts:  This theory is the base of how most of us started playing. I don't care who you are, either Wilson Luc or Rhymus Lizo, you started playing this way. I started playing this way. This is the universal theory. Do I think people should play this way? Sure. The game is solely and loosely based on how we get and interpret advantage. Do I play this way? Not so much. 

Examples of Theory Three: 

EX.1: You and your opponent are on turn one, he sets a Magic or Trap and . You special summon Cyber Dragon with no doubt and they chain Scapegoat. You then equip Cyber Dragon with Big Bang Shot and summon D.D. Assailant, you just elevated the game from beginning level to midgame. You rush your opponent with the monsters, inflicting damage and what not. They have no real idea how to respond and eventually start to mentally breakdown.

Summary: Basically, this theory is, in a nutshell, play fast to intimidate your opponent and break them down. This DOES NOT require words to be spoken, nor does it require any facial gestures. They are completely optional. 

Thoughts: One of the more common theories seen competitively. If you notice, in a few duels featured in Jae's last article this is shown slightly. Also, some of Evan Vargas' duels are like this. I find this one of the more effective simple since intimidation is a greater possibility most of the time when you have say, two Cyber Dragons and an Assailant on the field.   

            Thus concludes my article, if you enjoyed this I'm thrilled. I figure I'll make a thread about it in the forums if you all wish. This gives you a more realistic look at what kind of player you are and if you should try a new playstyle. Hope you all enjoyed kids!

                                                                                                -WiCkEd         

Send all decks into: plasmamullet696@yahoo.com 

NOTE: I will be doing deck fixes next week. Getting back into my normal job.