Pook's Place

Fear of a Shadow Game: Why I Play an Honest Duel
By Pook

            6.14.04  Alright, this week’s article I am dealing with a bit of superstition on my part, because I genuinely am afraid of what the cards might do to me.  I’m talking about cheating and stealing, two things I refuse to do, all for the sake of my soul.  No, I’m not a goody-goody who is worried about going to Hell.  What I’m talking about is having my soul stolen because of a Shadow Game. 

            Everyone is a little superstitious about something – some sports players won’t wash articles of clothing during the finals, some people perform funky little rituals before taking a big test, whatever.  There is this little amount of primal fear in all of us.  Personally, number 13 and I don’t get long very well (yet ironically, it is my dad’s lucky number, go figure).  But lately, I have been worried for my very existence because of what might happen if I were to do something wicked in the game of Duel Monsters.  Too often I see the effects of dueling-gone-bad on the anime, and I think that it has greatly affected me. 

For example, online dueling.  There are just so many chances to organize your deck to get exactly the next card you need to win.  I have fought with myself about this.  Yes, I have been tempted to take a peak at what comes next, but every time, I stop myself before I can.  I know that if I were, Shadi or Marik or someone else with a nice desert tan and a flair for magic golden jewelry person is going to show up at my house and make me play a Penalty Game!  Fear keeps me in line, very similar to Machiavelli’s principles (sorry, getting all intellectual today – look it up if you don’t know what I’m talking about).  But strangely enough, on more than one occasion when I have stopped myself from looking, on the very next turn I pull the exact card I need (heart of the cards or psychic tendencies, you be the judge).  So that is how I remain honest in even the most tempting situations. 

Then, there’s card theft.  More and more I keep hearing about this happening to people.  I got an email from someone asking me if they should just quit playing Yu-Gi-Oh because his cards kept getting stolen.  I told him that sure, it must be disheartening, but if you really love the game, stick with it, and make sure you keep extra care with your cards.  Too many kids out there like playing Rare Hunter, and it has to stop – these people want every card, no matter what.  They’re card fiends (not to be confused with Fiend cards, mind you).  My friend told me that his cousin had cards stolen when a kid came up to him, wanted to see a rare, and just ran off with it.  Didn’t threaten him, didn’t try to discreetly deceive him, he actually pulled a Snatch Steal!  The very thought sickened me.  Then, on the other hand, this same friend has the opportunity to take cards from work (they aren’t selling and they don’t keep track of them).  As tempting as it is, he and I both decided he shouldn’t, not because he’d lose his job, but because he could lose his soul!  Just like in my situation, a Millennium item-bearer would show up at where he works and smite him.  Yes, SMITE HIM!  It’s a little out there, but the anime, the manga, and even the game itself have programmed us to fear deception.  The last thing either of us want is to be banished to the Shadow Realm! 

So everyone, please keep this in mind.  I don’t mean to preach, but there has to be some code of ethics to this game.  If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for your soul, or else, I might show up at your door with a nice little penalty game…..hehehehehehe…..

Quick note – I won’t be replying to emails this week simply because I will be en route west and will not have access to a computer.  So if you email me and I don’t get back to you, that’s why, I promise I’m not avoiding you.  See you next week!