DUEL SCHOOL - Definitive Staples List

My third proper Yu-Gi-Oh! guide, introducing a library of staples and generics that's perfect for new players to explore!

Introduction

Hi! I'm Beef, a TCG player and Duel Links player. I run the Noble Knight discord, which has over one thousand members. Whilst I don't play as much as I used to, I enjoy a splash of competitive YGO from time to time, my favourite meta decks being Brilliant ABC, going second Spyral, Orcust and Dark Synchro.

This guide aims to serve as an ongoing list (or library) of staples for the game, split across numerous categories and priorities. This guide is perfect for newer players who aren't too familiar with the cardpool.

Just because a card is lower priority, does not make it bad. Everything here has come up in at least one format and hence has warranted inclusion. It's up to you to decide how you want to spend your time, dust and gems. Always check the Master Duel Meta website[www.masterduelmeta.com] for insights to the current format and use your own judgement on what you need for the decks you wish to build.

This is all subject to change and will be frequently updated and expanded, which is commented on at the end. This guide is far from finished and I'm still experimenting with different formatting to see what works the best, so please let me know what you prefer! For now however, Please turn your attention to the table of contents for what you need!

Hand Traps - High Priority

Hand Traps are the often regarded as the strongest Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, the results make the case for itself. They are the ultimate form of defence, able to lower your opponents ceiling on the first turn. The following list is ranked in terms of priority, however the format and conditions at the time you read may call for something different. Always check Master Duel Meta to consider your options first, my goal here is to simply create a definitive list.

Highest Priority Hand Traps

• Maxx "C" Strongest card in YGO, Master Pack UR.
  
  Quick effect discard, draw one card for each time your opponent special summons this turn
  
  
  
  Maxx C is without a doubt, the strongest card in the history of the game - it completely warps deckbuilding in the OCG compared to TCG. Unfortunately, it is legal in Master Duel and 3 copies are essential. This is not just a card that will protect you from combo decks, but completely choke out rogue and mid-range setups.
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring Most universal hand trap in YGO, Master Pack UR (and available in a bundle)
  
  Quick effect discard, negate a summon, search or GY dump from deck
  
  
  
  Whilst Maxx C has the potential to autowin, Ash Blossom is important as it completely shuts down a variety of starter cards. Being able to reduce the ceiling of your opponents hand is crucial and a well-timed Ash Blossom achieves this. The card will only grow in strength when paired with other hand traps or board breakers. You can obtain one from a bundle and it is recommended to finish your set. (Also, it stops Maxx "C" on your own turn)
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Infinite Impermanence Effect negation & pseudo board breaker, Master Pack UR
  
  Target and negate a monster, can be used from hand if you control no cards.
  
  
  
  One of the strongest ways to negate effects in the game, Infinite Imperm may occasionally find it's way out of formats - but is still important to grab. Allowing you another strong hand trap going first and also offering as variety of going second options to crack omni-negates (or completely shut down monster negates) without having to dedicate a vital normal summon. Whilst not as high impact as other hand traps or board breakers, the versatility it offers is key.
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Nibiru, the Primal Being Torrential Tribute as a hand trap, Alien pack UR
  
  When your opponent has summoned 5 or more monsters that turn, tribute the board to summon this card to your side of the field and a token with ATK and DEF equal to the combined stats of those tributed on your opponent's side
  
  
  
  And so comes our holy saviour, Dwayne the Rock Johnson. A high impact card that simply by existing causes combo players to route around it, it can be pulled from an actual pack which makes it much easier to obtain than the others so far.
  CRAFT OR PULL, ALIEN PACK IS DUST OUTSIDE OF THIS
  
  
• Droll & Lock Bird Shuts down all searching for the turn. Master Pack SR
  
  When your opponent adds a card from their deck to the hand, discard to stop both players from searching for the rest of the turn
  
  
  
  One of the highest impact cards in the game, Droll is vital as it shuts down an entire mechanic. Whilst this can make the usage more niche than something like Ash Blossom, it becomes pivotal against certain matchups and rose to popularity throughout Link Era YGO. This card is particularly strong against Drytron and only being an SR makes it very easy to obtain. Whilst it's not perfect against all decks, those it hinders are completely wasted by it.
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Artifact Lancea Shuts down all banishing for the turn. Artifact pack SR
  
  On your opponent's turn, tribute from hand to stop either player from banishing for the rest of the turn
  
  
  
  Another high impact but more niche hand trap, Lancea is still a popular choice as it removes most forms of graveyard utility for decks. Particularly punishing against rogue decks. A Super Rare from a rather solid pack makes it easily obtainable and invaluable when Dinosaurs inevitably gain support.
  CRAFT OR PULL, ARTIFACT PACK IS GOOD
  
  
• PSY-Framegear Gamma Effect negation & destruction, Psy/S-Force/IP Masq/Time Thief pack UR
  
  When your opponent activates a monster effect while you control no monsters, special summon this and one PSY-Frame Driver from your hand/deck/gy to negate and destroy. Banish these two summons during the EP.
  
  
  
  Whilst limited to 2 in Master Duel, Gamma is still as strong as ever. Able to negate your opponents key monsters as well as protect you against hand traps. Very pivotal in decks that utilise a key spell card such as Tri-Brigade. Whilst Gamma's condition can be rather annoying - the card offers wide versatility with the potential to stop a Maxx "C" or Ash Blossom that would otherwise end your turn.
  CRAFT OR PULL, PACK HAS OK DECK CORES AND A STRONG STAPLE

Hand Traps - Mid Priority

Secondary Priority Hand Traps

• Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion Graveyard control, Master Pack UR.
  
  Quick effect discard to stop graveyard recursion, banishing and revival
  
  
  
  Essentially Ash Blossom for decks that play with the GY more than the hand, Belle is a strong pick in a variety of metas - but not enough to be a must grab off the bat. However it is always worth considering especially as it has the ability to shut off a sole problematic card in meta match ups.
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Effect Veiler Effect Negation, Master Pack UR.
  
  During your opponents main phase, QE discard to target and negate an opposing monster for the turn
  
  
  
  An alternative to Infinite Imperm, it unfortunately does not share the budget status it does in the TCG. Because of this, the value of this card suffers a strong decline in MD. There are still fringe cases where it will appear in a format and if you manage to pull it, is still a strong option. Crafting however is simply not recommended.
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• D.D. Crow Graveyard control, Master Pack SR.
  
  QE to discard and banish a card in the opponent's GY
  
  
  
  D.D. Crow has existed since 2006 and always maintained value as a strong choice. Similar to Ghost Belle in usage but with different utility to stop key cards. Play depending on the format (and recommended to pick up a set if you have the SR gems for the inevitable Destiny Hero Phoenix Enforcer)
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Dimension Shifter Graveyard shutdown, Master Pack UR.
  
  If you have no cards in your GY, send this card to GY and banish any card sent to the GY until the end of the next turn
  
  
  
  Extremely high impact, D Shifter is a must for the decks that can run it - a complete graveyard shutdown is no joke. Thankfully the amount of decks that fulfil the conditions of this card are niche. However it's a must have if you do.
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT ONLY IF PLAYING A DECK THAT MAKES USAGE OF IT, PULL OTHERWISE

Hand Traps - Low Priority

Lowest Priority Hand Traps
(Images will be skipped here)

• Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit Field control, Master Pack UR.
  
  Quick effect discard to destroy a card on field when it activates an effect
  
  Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit is a strong card, don't get me wrong. But when those gems can go to something such as Ash Blosson, I just can't recommend seriously grinding for this card. Ogre sees play against continuous spell cards, commonly those of the Pendulum or Field variety. It won't directly negate these effects, but pseudo stop them. It's also used against Link decks that require specific materials to jump into stronger combos, such as Isolde against Infernoble. This makes it handy against particular rogue matchups and always a fine sidedeck choice, but too fringe to warrant grinding for.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Ghost Mourner & Moonlight Chill Effect negation, Master Pack UR
  
  If your opponent SS a monster, discard to target said monster and negate. If it leaves the field, burn the OPP
  
  Effect Veiler is already niche enough in that it can only work on the opponent's main phase, unfortunately Mourner follows this trend. A medicore option if pulled, but ultimately outclassed by other craftables. May see fringe play against decks that summon on your turn (especially as midrange design trends follow cards like Orcustrated Babel and Tri-Brigade Revolt) but even then, boardbreakers are preferred.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Skull Meister Graveyard control, Master Pack SR
  
  When a card effect is activated in your opponent's GY, negate that effect.
  
  Skull Meister is a niche but strong form of graveyard control that pops up from time to time. Whilst it isn't as commonly used as something like Ghost Belle or Crow, the card still has plenty of moments and is worth spare gems and spare gems alone.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Chaos Hunter Graveyard shutdown, Master Pack SR
  
  When your opponent SS a monster, discard one card to summon from hand. Your opponent cannot banish cards.
  
  A similar boat to Skull Meister, however the card has fallen out of dramatic favour during the Link Era. Still always worth considering for the low price and high impact of being a free QE floodgate.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended Targeting prevention, Herald pack UR
  
  When your opponent targets a monster you control, discard to negate.
  
  Extremely niche, Sauravis can be used in decks that are completely terrified of Infinite Inperm and other similar targeting cards. It's from a pretty good pack and can be worth holding onto. Overall however there are much more effect hand trap preventives and extenders available.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Ghost Ogre & Winter Cherries Deck shutdown, Master Pack UR
  
  If your opponent controls more monsters than you, discard to banish all copies of one card you share in the ED
  
  Ghost Reaper was heavily debated upon reveal, cited as a killer of Burning Abyss.
  In which PKFire would then continue to be one of the strongest decks.
  
  Ghost Reaper was then cited as a counter to the feared menace of ABC, which was completely dominating representation in OCG.
  Brilliant ABC would then continue to be one of the strongest decks.
  
  SPYRAL reached tier 0 status and Ghost Reaper was cited as a way to block the deck's crucial extra deck extender - Spyral Double Helix.
  SPYRAL would then dominate the TCG and OCG for months, then come back to play a going second build and then come back for one final hurrah at the end of Link Format to prove it's the scariest combo deck ever made.
  
  See a pattern?
  
  Ghost Reaper is a strong card if you have the space, but it's too inconsistent especially on an online ladder. If you particularly fear mirror matches, the better player will often win regardless. A solid pick up for weaker rogue decks, but not worth it for anyone using a tiered deck. Strong in a niche vacuum that is far too small to warrant the UR dust needed.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Contact "C" Field control, Master Pack SR
  
  When your opponent summons, summon this card to your opponents field. They cannot Fusion/Synchro/XYZ/Link unless they use "C" as material.
  
  Contact is an interesting card. It's able to prevent crucial Extra Deck extenders from appearing and has popped up in sideboards from time to time. However the amount of strong extenders (and Link pool) a deck runs has expanded to the point where the niche this fills is better served by something like an Infinite Imperm to completely shut off the effect instead.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Flying "C" Field control, Master Pack N
  
  When your opponent summons, summon this card to your opponents field. They cannot XYZ summon
  
  Another floodgate, Flying "C" has seen a variety of play against decks like Burning Abyss. Extraordinarily niche nowadays, but may see a resurgence if card design trends follow that of Virtual World. It's a normal, so you can easily afford it.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Retaliating "C" Graveyard shutdown, Master Pack N
  
  When your opponent activates a spell card that special summons a monster, summon this from hand. Any card sent to the GY is banished instead
  
  One of the most niche of the "C" cards, Retaliating can find uses in particular metagames (such as Zoo). At only a normal, this card is easily obtainable.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Gnomaterial Field control, Master Pack UR
  
  When your opponent SS a monster and you control no card, discard to target a monster your opponent controls - this turn it cannot be used as summon material
  
  This card saw a spike of play during mid 2019, but has failed to return to relevance since then. An interesting hand trap that can choke your opponent out of play extension. However there are far more effective options at doing so, reducing the card to being a fringe side option. Even worse in Master Duel.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT

Board Breakers - High Priority

Strong going second options, Board Breakers are reactive cards that dismantle your opponents board allowing you to play. Whilst they can't be used immediately like Hand Traps - they offer more value in particular formats. The two are simply different sides of the same coin, however some metagames may favour one or the other.

Highest Priority Board Breakers

• Forbidden Droplet Versatile effect negation, Darklord pack UR.
  
  Send cards from hand or field to GY, negate and half attack of that many opposing monsters. Opponent cannot respond with cards of the same time you send
  
  
  
  One of the most expensive TCG cards for good reason, Droplets is able to navigate situations you wouldn't otherwise whilst setting up your graveyard in particular decks. Extremely strong both first and second due to the quick play status, Droplets is a must have UR.
  
  PULL OR CRAFT, DARKLORD PACK HAS SOME LOW RARITY STAPLES
  
  
• Lightning Storm Versatile board wipe, Master pack UR. Available in a bundle.
  
  A choose your own Raigeki or Harpie's Feather Duster
  
  
  
  One of the most important staples in Master Duel, Lightning Storm is extraordinarily strong in a best of one format - it offers a card that has great value going second against both combo and control decks, making it one of the most recommended pickups. Konami already offers a bundle deal with one, so obtaining your next two isn't very difficult.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT AND GET FROM BUNDLE
  
  
• Dark Ruler No More Complete effect negation, Master pack UR.
  
  Complete board negate that prevents monster response, but prevents damage
  
  
  
  The card your opponent will always topdeck, DRNM completely stuns most combo boards, as they will require non ED Omni-Negate points of interaction to play through this. DRNM is extraordinarily strong in combo centric metagames and a great pick up if you can. A small point to remember in combo mirrors however is that this card will shutdown any niche Cupid Pitch lines of your own.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  

Board Breakers - Medium Priority

(I have run out of image uploads, my apologies. Each card will henceforth be linked)

• Dinowrestler Pankratops[yugipedia.com] Monster Pop, Monster, Dinowrestler & Gouki pack UR
  
  If your opponent controls more monsters than you do, you can Special Summon this card (from your hand). You can only Special Summon "Dinowrestler Pankratops" once per turn this way. (Quick Effect): You can Tribute 1 "Dinowrestler" monster, then target 1 card your opponent controls; destroy it. You can only use this effect of "Dinowrestler Pankratops" once per turn.
  
  A go-second powerhouse, Pankratops is a giant threat able to clear numerous forms of removal. He's big and can beat over plenty of cards, whilst able to sacrifice himself to destory anything on the field. Whilst it seems minimal in comparison to full boardwipes, the versatility he offers to play around different boards is vital.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL OR CRAFT, PACK HAS AN OK DECK CORE
  
  
• Triple Tactics Talent[yugipedia.com] Jack of all trades extender, Spell Card, Master pack UR.
  
  If your opponent has activated a monster effect during your MP, choose from three banned card effects - Draw 2, control 1 opposing monster or look and shuffle one card from their hand into the deck
  
  The ability to choose between a draw 2, yoinking your opponents monster or ripping a card from their hand is extraordinarily strong. Don't let the restriction fool you, Tactics can come up more than you think. It offers vital counterplay against hand traps going first or boards going second. It's particularly strong against boards that focus on one big piece of negation, like Dragoon, Apollusa and Utopic Future Dragon. Best paired with decks that have strong extenders to maximise the draw's potential.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Forbidden Chalice[yugipedia.com] Effect Negation, Quick Play Spell Card, Darklord pack R
  
  Negate one monster's effects in exchange for giving it 400 attack
  
  A cheap alternative to cards like Imperm and Droplets, Chalice allows you to isolate and remove one key omni-negate monster from your opponent's combo board. Coming in at a rare, the card is incredibly high value for the price and is often a popular choice to be paired with other cards.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Evenly Matched[yugipedia.com] Banishing Board Wipe, Trap / Hand Trap, Master pack SR
  
  At the end of the Battle Phase, if your opponent controls more cards than you do: You can make your opponent banish cards from their field face-down so they control the same number of cards as you do. If you control no cards, you can activate this card from your hand.
  
  Whilst powercrept overtime, Evenly Matched is a strong equaliser card that packs value for only being an SR. Similar to Nibiru, this is a card that forces you to respect it simply by existing in the format. Particularly effective against wider boards that use numerous pieces of interaction, or to isolate a key boss monster and rid yourself of it through other means.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Interrupted Kaiju Slumber[yugipedia.com] Board Wipe, Spell, Kaiju / Danger pack UR
  
  Destroy as many monsters on the field as possible, then Special Summon in Attack Position, 2 "Kaiju" monsters with different names from your Deck (1 on each side), but they cannot change their battle positions, and must attack, if able.
  
  Another powercrept board wipe, Slumber can still pack a punch for also giving you free resources and follow-up, as it packs an extra graveyard search on the next turn to boot.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL, REALLY GOOD PACK
  
  
• Gadarla, the Mystery Dust Kaiju[yugipedia.com] Monster Wipe, Monster, Kaiju / Danger pack R
  
  Tribute an opponent's monster to special summon to their field.
  
  Kaijus are the ultimate way to out big dumb boss monsters your opponents summon and a great catch up tool for decks that aren't on the tier list. Gadarla is currently the recommended of the bunch, as it is able to make it through the wind barrier statue. [yugipedia.com] This will change from format to format however, thus gaining access to the entire suite is recommended. Santa Claws[yugipedia.com] is also a downgraded option.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL OR CRAFT, REALLY GOOD PACK
  
  
• The Winged Dragon of Ra - Sphere Mode[yugipedia.com] Monster Wipe, Monster, God Card pack UR
  
  Tribute three opponent's monster to normal summon to their field.
  
  A triple Kaiju, Sphere Mode carries a harsh restriction of occupying your normal summon. If your deck can afford that, this card is a strong option against combo decks. Lava Golem[yugipedia.com] is also a relevant sidegrade to this.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL OR CRAFT, MEDIOCRE PACK

Board Breakers - Low Priority

• Super Polymerization[yugipedia.com] Monster Wipe, Spell, Evil/Masked Hero pack UR
  
  Discard 1 card; Fusion Summon 1 Fusion Monster from your Extra Deck, using monsters from either field as Fusion Material. Neither player can activate cards or effects in response to this card's activation.
  
  Super Poly has always been one of the most feared cards in the game, as you simply can't respond to it. However it is currently limited to 2 in Master Duel and not overwhelmingly strong against top decks. It's a card worth holding onto when pulled, but not going out of your way to craft in the place of other cards. Exceptions of course being specific decks that can make great usage of the fusion it summons. Decide if it's for you and worth the price. The card will be relevant again one day, but currently your gems are better spent on something more versatile.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL, GOOD PACK
  
  
• Mind Control [yugipedia.com] Monster Steal, Spell, Master pack UR
  
  Target 1 monster your opponent controls; until the End Phase, take control of that target, but it cannot declare an attack or be Tributed.
  
  Extremely strong in particular metagames, I remember paying $10 for a common copy at a YCS so I could sideboard it during SS Orcust format, around the time TOSS had been relatively solved. A great pull, but not so much a great craft. Brain Control is a decent sidegrade when you're extra worried about Monarchs.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL
  
  
• Raigeki & [yugipedia.com] Dark Hole[yugipedia.com] Board Wipe, Spell, Free UR and Revival of Legends SR
  
  Destroy some guys or somethin
  
  Dark Hole and Raigeki are extremely strong at lower ranks and some fine budget options that can steal games, but ultimately outclassed by the cards higher on this list. They're very playable when you lack options, but upgrading to a better staple will take you a long way. I personally think Dark Hole is always worth keeping instead of crafting, as it can inch itself into occasional formats. Raigeki has been unlimited in the TCG, but we have no idea if Master Duel will follow this.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL
  
  
• Alpha, the Master of Beasts [yugipedia.com] Wide bouncing, Monster, Master Pack UR
  
  Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must first be Special Summoned (from your hand) while the total ATK of all monsters your opponent controls is more than that of all monsters you control. You can target any number of Beast, Beast-Warrior, and/or Winged Beast monsters you control; return them to the hand, then, return face-up monsters your opponent controls to the hand, equal to the number of cards you returned to the hand, also for the rest of this turn, "Alpha, the Master of Beasts" you control cannot attack directly. You can only use this effect of "Alpha, the Master of Beasts" once per turn.
  
  In a vacuum, Alpha seems incredibly strong - able to come onto the board, swing and then return to hand with another. Making it more copies of Pankratops. Ultimately however it lacks much threat due to not being a quick effect and is easily disregarded by opposing threats, unable to impact the board. Whilst generically it can be lackluster, it can be strong in decks that follow the typing, such as Zoodiac[yugipedia.com], Tri-Brig[yugipedia.com] variants and more.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL
  

Spell / Trap Removal

• Lightning Storm[yugipedia.com] Versatile board wipe, Spell, Master pack UR. Available in a bundle.
  
  If you control no face-up cards: Activate 1 of these effects;
  ● Destroy all Attack Position monsters your opponent controls.
  ● Destroy all Spells and Traps your opponent controls.
  You can only activate 1 "Lightning Storm" per turn.
  
  One of the most important staples in Master Duel, Lightning Storm is extraordinarily strong in a best of one format - it offers a card that has great value going second against both combo and control decks, making it one of the most recommended pickups. Konami already offers a bundle deal with one, so obtaining your next two isn't very difficult.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT AND GET FROM BUNDLE
  
  
• Cosmic Cyclone[yugipedia.com] Single Removal, Quick Play Spell, Master pack SR.
  
  Pay 1000 LP, then target 1 Spell/Trap on the field; banish it.
  
  The best single S/T removal in the game, Cosmic does one job perfectly - the one trap you banish is completely gone. This makes it invaluable against cards like Artifact Scythe[yugipedia.com], Eldlich's Golden Land[yugipedia.com] traps and other recurring cards.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Twin Twisters[yugipedia.com] Double Removal, Quick Play Spell, Master pack / Stalwart Force SR.
  
  Discard 1 card, then target up to 2 Spells/Traps on the field; destroy them.
  
  Always a strong option, Twin Twisters is great for decks that will pair multiple floodgates or multiple interruptions at the same time. However, the discard one can hurt significantly in the simplified game states these decks aim for. But hey, when they always open double Skill Drain - might as well take out both.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT OR PULL
  
  
• Harpie's Feather Duster[yugipedia.com] Board Wipe, Spell, Harpie pack UR
  
  Destroy all Spells and Traps your opponent controls.
  
  The GOAT, Harpie's is a fantastic power card to supplement other S/T removal staples. I would never recommend just running the one copy available, but putting it with at least three of another is rather strong.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT OR PULL, FINE PACK
  
  
• Hey, Trunade![yugipedia.com] Board Wipe, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Return all Set Spells and Traps on the field to the hand.
  
  Not the most universal option, Trunade finds it's way into particular metagames due to the high impact nature. It's especially strong in decks that aim to kill on the turn, blowing out non-tiered control decks like Altergeist and Traptrix. If you're desperate to get through a set 5 on a budget and can't risk even one interaction, this is your top choice.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Night Beam[yugipedia.com] Single Removal, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Target 1 Set Spell/Trap your opponent controls; destroy that target. Your opponent cannot activate the targeted card in response to this card's activation.
  
  Night Beam isn't exactly the best card - but it does have a cult following who swear by it, for good reason. It's able to isolate exactly one dumb set card you probably have a good read on. Reactive traps like Salamangreat Roar[yugipedia.com] and other searchable problems all fall to it. However, the card is low in versatility and extremely weak to floodgates, as a Skill Drain can simply be flipped well before it.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  

Hand Trap Preventers

Hand Traps are strong. However there is always stronger on the food chain.

• Called by the Grave[yugipedia.com] Direct Negation, Quick Play Spell, Master pack UR.
  
  Target 1 monster in your opponent's GY; banish it, and if you do, until the end of the next turn, its effects are negated, as well as the activated effects and effects on the field of monsters with the same original name.
  
  CBTG is one of the most important cards to craft in Master Duel, as it will prevent Maxx "C" at no cost. It is an urgent pick up that is practically mandatory. Whilst in TCG decks often play without it, it is rather critical for most here to prevent automatic losses.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Crossout Designator[yugipedia.com] Direct Negation, Quick Play Spell, Master pack UR.
  
  Declare 1 card name; banish 1 of that declared card from your Main Deck, and if you do, negate its effects, as well as the activated effects and effects on the field of cards with the same original name, until the end of this turn. You can only activate 1 "Crossout Designator" per turn.
  
  The return of GOAT format's legendary Nobleman of Crossout[yugipedia.com], this Knight will prevent any card in the game. Nibiru, Ash, Imperm, Maxx C. However his guard comes at the steep cost of deck space. This card is critical in decks that automatically lose to a particular Hand Trap such as Nibiru, whilst also being important to main against Maxx "C".
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• PSY-Framegear Gamma [yugipedia.com] Effect negation & destruction, Monster, Hand Trap, Psy/S-Force/IP Masq/Time Thief pack UR
  
  Cannot be Normal Summoned/Set. Must be Special Summoned by a card effect. When your opponent activates a monster effect while you control no monsters (Quick Effect): You can Special Summon both this card from your hand and 1 "PSY-Frame Driver" from your hand, Deck, or GY, and if you do, negate that activation, and if you do that, destroy that monster. During the End Phase, banish the face-up monsters Special Summoned by this effect.
  
  Whilst limited to 2 in Master Duel, Gamma is still as strong as ever. Able to negate your opponents key monsters as well as protect you against hand traps. Very pivotal in decks that utilise a key spell card such as Tri-Brigade. Whilst Gamma's condition can be rather annoying - the card offers wide versatility with the potential to stop a Maxx "C" or Ash Blossom that would otherwise end your turn
  
  CRAFT OR PULL, PACK HAS OK DECK CORES AND A STRONG STAPLE
  
  
• Triple Tactics Talent[yugipedia.com] Jack of all trades extender, Spell Card, Master pack UR.
  
  If your opponent has activated a monster effect during your MP, choose from three banned card effects - Draw 2, control 1 opposing monster or look and shuffle one card from their hand into the deck
  
  The ability to choose between a draw 2, yoinking your opponents monster or ripping a card from their hand is extraordinarily strong. Don't let the restriction fool you, Tactics can come up more than you think. It offers vital counterplay against hand traps going first or boards going second. It's particularly strong against boards that focus on one big piece of negation, like Dragoon, Apollusa and Utopic Future Dragon. Best paired with decks that have strong extenders to maximise the draw's potential.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  

Pots & Draws

These cards I didn't want to split into niche categories, hence they all go here.
Alternatively, you can call this category pots and pans!

• Upstart Goblin[yugipedia.com] Single Draw Card, Spell, Master pack UR
  
  Draw 1 card, then your opponent gains 1000 LP.
  
  In Yu-Gi-Oh!, life is viewed as an abundant resource, where how to best spend it is up to the player. Whilst it can be spent taking attacks to buy time, it can also be spent elsewhere - such as Upstart Goblin. Referred to as Upstart Hoban by the community, named after top player Patrick Hoban[yugioh.fandom.com]. Upstart will passively boost the consistency of a deck, acting as a filler card to reduce your deck count. In Modern YGO, consistency has reached a point where this isn't as mandatory as it used to be. However if you have the deck space, it's always a nice option. But for the price of a UR, this card is far from worth it today.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Pot of Desires[yugipedia.com] Double Draw Card, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Banish 10 cards from the top of your Deck, face-down; draw 2 cards. You can only activate 1 "Pot of Desires" per turn.
  
  Extremely powerful, Desires is two free cards that excels in decks that want to end the game quickly, or decks that run all of their cards in multiples. Often seen in Tri-Brigade[yugipedia.com] and Virtual World[yugipedia.com]. Whilst the banish 10 can be seen as a minus, decks that otherwise wouldn't need to see those cards view this as free. Not only that, but it also baits out an Ash Blossom[yugipedia.com] to secure your further plays. Of note, this card was recently limited in TCG and semi-limited in OCG, so invest at your own risk.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Pot of Prosperity[yugipedia.com] Single Draw Card, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Banish 3 or 6 cards of your choice from your Extra Deck, face-down; for the rest of this turn after this card resolves, any damage your opponent takes is halved, also excavate cards from the top of your Deck equal to the number of cards banished, add 1 excavated card to your hand, place the rest on the bottom of your Deck in any order. You can only activate 1 "Pot of Prosperity" per turn. You cannot draw cards by card effects the turn you activate this card.
  
  Prosperity is one of the strongest cards in the game, as it boosts your consistency dramatically. Able to secure you the starter you need, the extender you want or the strong staple to get through a board. Incredibly great value for only being an SR, it will win you more games than the banish cost will lose.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
  
• Pot of Extravagence[yugipedia.com] Single/Double Draw Card, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  At the start of your Main Phase 1: Banish 3 or 6 random face-down cards from your Extra Deck, face-down; draw 1 card for every 3 cards banished. For the rest of this turn after this card resolves, you cannot draw any cards by card effects.
  
  A consistency tool for decks that don't require their extra deck, often found in control decks. A must have draw card that has found uses in Subterror[yugipedia.com] (Guru Control), Dinosaurs[yugipedia.com] and much more.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Pot of Avarice[yugipedia.com] Double Draw Card, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Target 5 monsters in your GY; shuffle all 5 into the Deck, then draw 2 cards.
  
  A Pot that dominates the simplified gamestate, Avarice offers decks a recycle tool when they're low on cards and in a grind. If you already have a recycling tool in your deck, I would skip this. However it's a decent option for others - but the biggest weakness will always be how useless it is on your first turn.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Pot of Duality[yugipedia.com] Single Draw Card, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Excavate the top 3 cards of your Deck, add 1 of them to your hand, also, after that, shuffle the rest back into your Deck. You can only activate 1 "Pot of Duality" per turn. You cannot Special Summon during the turn you activate this card.
  
  Pot of Prosperity but from a far earlier time in the game. Not insanely high impact, but a solid boost for decks that need it. Best used in conjunction with other draw cards, but your SR gems can get you more worthwhile things.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Card of Demise[yugipedia.com] Triple Draw Card, Spell, Master pack SR
  
  Draw until you have 3 cards in your hand, also for the rest of this turn after this card resolves, your opponent takes no damage. During the End Phase of this turn, send your entire hand to the GY. You can only activate 1 "Card of Demise" per turn. You cannot Special Summon during the turn you activate this card.
  
  Whilst not used by control decks such as Altergeist[yugipedia.com] and Eldlich[yugipedia.com], Demise does find a home in decks like True Draco[yugipedia.com], where being able to filter into more cards you can freely set (or tribute) is a huge bonus. Drawing up to three is never any joke, this card serves as a large equaliser for the slowest of control to stop even the mightiest of combo decks. An important note however, is that it has fallen out of favour in the last few years as many compatible decks would rather Extrav.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Chicken Game[yugipedia.com] Single Draw Card, Field Spell, Master pack UR
  
  The player with the lowest LP takes no damage. Once per turn, during the Main Phase: The turn player can pay 1000 LP, then activate 1 of these effects;
  ● Draw 1 card.
  ● Destroy this card.
  ● Your opponent gains 1000 LP.
  Neither player can activate cards or effects in response to this effect's activation.
  
  Currently banned in the TCG, Chicken Game is unlimited for OCG and Master Duel. Strong in FTK decks, it also saw usage as extra copies of Upstart Goblin, further powered by being a Field Spell at a time they were strongest. Unfortunately it now suffers the same problems and is a viable option, but far from a must-have with the price.
  
  NOT RECOMMENDED TO CRAFT
  
  
• Magicians' Souls [yugipedia.com] Single / Double Draw Card, Monster, Dark Magician pack UR
  
  You can send up to 2 Spells/Traps from your hand and/or field to the GY; draw that many cards. If this card is in your hand: You can send 1 Level 6 or higher Spellcaster monster from your Deck to the GY, then activate 1 of these effects;
  ● Special Summon this card.
  ● Send this card to the GY, then, you can Special Summon 1 "Dark Magician" or 1 "Dark Magician Girl" from your GY.
  You can only use each effect of "Magicians' Souls" once per turn.
  
  One of the strongest extenders in the game, Souls will not only summon itself for free - but freely draw cards and provide graveyard set-up. Whilst not something that will see widespread play, the decks it supports receive an insane power boost and hence it's worth mentioning. The card becomes further accessible when Illusion of Chaos[yugipedia.com] is released and fantastic to hold if you pull.
  
  RECOMMENDED TO PULL
  

Conclusion & Future Additions

That's all for now! Thank you so much for reading. If you're new to the game and see terms like "Starter" and "Extender" thrown around check out my other guides, they're listed on my profile and explain a lot of interesting theory behind deckbuilding for YGO!

This guide is an ongoing list that is subject to change, I plan to add the following categories in my free time and continuously update this guide. I'll change the icon every time I do, so make sure to follow and check back regularly!

I plan to add the following over time:

• Trap Cards - Interaction
  
• Trap Cards - Floodgates
  
  
• Staple Synchros - High Priority
  
• Staple Synchros - Low Priority
  
  
• Staple XYZ - High Priority
  
• Staple XYZ - Low Priority
  
  
• Staple Links - High Priority
  
• Staple Links - Low Priority
  
  
• Engines - High Priority
  
• Engines - Low Priority

Let me know what particular categories you want to see, or if there's any cards you think should be added to the list! Thank you and duel on.

[AlonCumberbatch]

AlonCumberbatch 刚才 
啊不下级

AlonCumberbatch 刚才 
下机乖受

AlonCumberbatch 3 分钟以前 
解冻皮尔莉本家

[AlonCumberbatch]

cancel purrely purrelyly limited

[KaibaLH]

:

[Nightingale]

Why does Pedo Blossom have to be the icon of this article?

[Grimbus]

Duelist who try to Ash Blossom a Danger!? monster, are the same duelist who run all hand traps and still cant read.

[Boko Harambe]

Link Carrier + Dragon Buster Destruction sword is a must in the current meta IMHO.

It lets you reliably lock the opponent out of their extra deck, which given how link and syncro heavy the meta is, is pretty damn essential.

Also, its a nice "FU" to annoying gimmick decks like Numeron that have hard to stop 1 turn KO combos.

[In Arteta We Trust]

Nice guide. Have to say vintage players like me is having a hard time against those pendulum, xyz, and link deck. Synchro summon still acceptable but prefer the old fashion tribute, fusion, and ritual summon.

[Kira]

Gj and great guide!!!

[ItChY Tasty]

modern ygo meta is so unfair and unbalanced thegame was a great from 2002 till 2010 everything that came after is the essence of pure power creep its unplayable with all the cards out now the game was the best and most skillful during the april 5th 2005 banlist aka goatformat which i still play to this day

[1 min]

really useful guide