Subject: Keeping Yu-Gi-Oh! alive - The Golden Duelist


Hello all,
Today's rant is on some duelists ruining Yu-Gi-Oh! for themselves, their 
opponents, and the general dueling population. Also to be disscussed is 
what you can do to stop this.
So you may be thinking "what in the heck is this guy talking about? Ruining 
Yu-Gi-Oh!?" Many duelists forget that Yu-Gi-Oh! is a game and that winning 
isn't everything. They become hell-bent on winning and are blinded of the 
fun of the game. When I first began Yu-Gi-Oh! in August 2002, I thought to 
myself, "This is fun. I'll never ruin that". They are way too serious. 
Unfortunately, these are not the only ones who suffer. Some innocent 
duelists are the target of inappropriate dueling. Upperdeck included the 
"manners in dueling" section in the rulebook for a reason. Maybe that 
wasn't enough. Is respect too much to ask? Don't waste your time arguing 
with an opponent about a rule unless you can prove it by a reference from a 
reliable source.
And now for the ruining of the game in general. Let's give Upperdeck a 
little credit. They created this game that we all play and take the time to 
critique. No, I did not just contradict myself. Critique, point out flaws, 
fine. Just don't bash.
Here's some ways you can save the game:
For yourself:
Put in some of those cards that aren't nessesarily the best, but you like 
to play. Personally, I play Barrel Dragon and Skull Lair in my main deck 
because they are my favorite cards. However, don't go crazy on this idea. 
Side Deck some of the fun cards if you're going to win.
Also, don't play a card just because everyone else with the same deck idea 
is playing it. I, for example, will probably never play Fiber Jar. But 
still keep an open mind to other's suggestions and reasonings. For your 
opponent: Don't act cocky, especially with people you don't know. Anyone can surprise 
you.
Show some respect.
For everyone:
Point out rulings, strategies, flaws, etc. to the general dueling 
population, especially new duelists or less skilled ones.

This is getting a little long, so I'll start wrapping it up. Keep dueling, 
maintain a positive attitude for yourself, your friends, and 
the game itself, be a joyful winner and a graceful loser. Listen to me or don't: 
the choice is yours.

I'm out,
-The Golden Duelist-

Agree? Disargee? Love me? Hate me? Drop me a line -- fencingfiend2000@yahoo.com