We’re looking at some of the trends here at the North America World Championship Qualifier! We’re focusing on general card trends here, with another Tech Update focusing on Duelist Advance cards coming soon.

Droll & Lock Bird and Mistaken Arrest

It’s a common thing for Droll & Lock Bird to cycle in and out of popularity, based on what Decks are popular. With strategies like Ryzeal and Mitsurugi performing so well, it’s no surprise that this Spellcaster is one of the most commonly played cards in the tournament. We’re even seeing an upsurge in Mistaken Arrest, which lasts an additional turn! That’s a big deal when you need to shut down the Graveyard effect of Ame no Murakumo no Mitsurugi over multiple turns.

Sales Ban

It’s not easy to counteract Droll & Lock Bird, so some Duelists are instead preempting it with Sales Ban. You lose access to Droll yourself if you do this, but you’re probably intending to combo off and create a game-winning field anyway. Sales Ban is also flexible enough to block cards like Nibiru, the Primal Being, Ryzeal Detonator, or anything else that might hinder you for a turn.

PSY-Frames

Looking for new ways to combat Mitsurugi, some Duelists have settled on PSY-Frames. While PSY-Framegear Gamma is on the Limited List, PSY-Framegear Delta is not. Delta is able to shut down Mitsurugi Ritual no matter which effect they’re using, preventing any further Mitsurugi monsters from getting their effects when Tributed. A single Gamma is also just as powerful as ever if you can draw it, too.

Solemn Warning

Playing Solemn Strike or Solemn Judgment isn’t a new trend, usually in the Side Deck for when you’re going first and can ensure they’re Set before the opponent gets a move. We’re now seeing many Duelists switch to Solemn Warning instead. Warning hits many of the same cards, but importantly can negate Mitsurugi Ritual, Ame no Habakiri no Mitsurugi, or an Xyz Summon – a combination of cards that the other two Solemns don’t all cover.

Lava Golem

Many more Duelists have turned to Lava Golem, the original Kaiju style monster. Simply put, it’s tough to find a way through cards like Lunalight Liger Dancer, Ryzeal Detonator, and Number 41: Bagooska the Terribly Tired Tapir. They either protect themselves or interact in ways to make things a challenge – so just Tribute them away for a big stinky Lava Golem! You give up your Normal Summon/Set for the turn, so this card isn’t for every Deck. As a bonus for Regenesis Decks, Lava Golem’s 2500 DEF allows you to start Special Summoning right away!