Disruptor Deck. Serf. A World of Books. San Leandro, CA. Monsters: 20 2 wall of illusion 3 man-eater bug (MEB) 3 hane-hane 2 cannon soldier 2 giant soldier of stone (GSOS) 2 magician of faith (MOF) 1 witch of the black forest 2 sangan 1 jirai gumo 1 invader of the throne 1 cyber jar Magic: 13 5 Pot of Greed, Dark Hole, Monster Reborn, Change of Heart, Raigeki 2 Heavy Storm 1 Fissure 1 Delinquent Duo 1 Messenger of Peace 1 Forceful Sentry 1 Share the Pain 1 Giant Trunade Traps: 7 2 Magic Jammer 2 Solemn Judgment 2 Robbin’ Goblin 1 Mirror Force Total 40 Tournament on December 22, 2002 (Official UpperDeck Tournament) Straight to the point, to the point no fakin; cooking duelists like a pound of bacon. 1st match Opponent: Phillip R (powered-up beatdown) My match against Phillip goes to three duels. This was the first time I have ever played Phillip. He started out in the Beginner ranks, but quickly won many tournaments on his climb up to Advanced to show that he belongs with the “big boys” (and PinayMai). I won the first duel with 6600 LP left, we were both trying to test each other’s deck out. Second duel, he’s at 800 and I’m at 163. Mental lapse on my part and I play Cyber Jar in ATK mode the turn before to bring him down to 800. I then realize that if he gets any beatdown monster out, I’m toast. Phillip capitalizes on my mistake and catches me slippin! Third duel, this was close, lasted about 10-12 turns, me at 3100 and him at 2900. I was able to get Robbin Goblin and discarded his hand, which had a Barrel Dragon and a Summoned Skull. I use Monster Reborn for the win. I can tell that Phillip is a good duelist that people need to watch out for soon. What he lacks now is just more experience of playing against the Advanced players and getting down the strategy and style of play. 2nd match Opponent: Bandit Keif (cool FX deck) Like I said before, as long as I win, I know Keif will be there waiting. Since trademarking his FX deck, Bandit Keif has gone on a tournament rampage, winning 5 out of 6 tournaments that he joined. Along with my current tournament losing streak to him, things didn’t look too good. First duel goes to Keif. He laughs in my face as I only bring his LP down to 6100 while he crushes me. Right away, I’m in the hole and now need to win two in a row. Second duel was a big surprise. Yami Yugi must have left Yugi Moto and went to Serf, because the cards were coming out perfect. The duel lasted about 4-5 turns and I was able to keep attacking for 2300 each turn (Sangan + GSOS). This made me wonder, was it a bad draw on Keif’s part, or have I used up all my luck?? Third duel was another classic duel. Most of our duels go at least 15 turns, with both of us bring each other down to low LP. (for him: less than 3000, for me: three digits) This duel had it all. Robbin Goblin wreaking havok, Keif bringing out Inzo to render my counters (traps) useless. The peak came when I had 500 LP and he had 2100. I attack his face down monster, it was Spear Cretin and we both get a monster. I check my graveyard and ooooohhh, a magician of faith. I set face down defense. Little did I know that Keif either has a Millenium Eye or he’s just two steps ahead of me, but he chose Invader of the Throne, face down. I end, he flips summon and steals my MOF’s effect! Could this mistake cost me the duel and the match? He gets back Pot of Greed and uses it. I am shaking, from the cold and nervousness. I am hoping he doesn’t draw a Cannon Soldier, or it’s over. He can’t attack, since I had GSOS in DEF. I guess he didn’t get it, since he sets a monster face down. My turn, and I draw: Raigeki! Clear the field, GSOS in ATK mode, summon another monster in ATK mode and attack for the win! I’ve ended my tournament losing streak to Bandit Keif. But I know he’ll be back for vengeance next week. 3rd duel Opponent: Zeeno (shoot ‘em deck) Zeeno had converted his deck from Beatdown to his shoot ‘em deck created thanks to the GameBoy Advance. By the way, Keif is the number one duelist at our store, I’m 2, and Zeeno is 3. But the only other person to have beaten Keif in a tournament recently was Zeeno. So this was going to be tough. First duel, Zeeno wins with 2400 LP. I Solemn Judgment 4000 of my LP away and it cost me. Second duel, this was horrible. I lost in about 4 turns. I believe Invader of the Throne (his) had something to do with it. I don’t know what you guys think, but Invader of the Throne right now is a very strong card. With the ruling that UpperDeck has for it (permanent change of heart without switching), this card should be in every deck. Before I get any emails on this subject, please read the Official Upper Deck FAQ on www.upperdeckentertainment.com/tournament, click on duelist tip/FAQ. What else can I say? This deck surprised me and Zeeno beat me two duels straight. His Magic Drain stopped my Magic cards and I couldn’t do much else. Zeeno wins the whole thing and is the new champion this week. I promise him a tougher match next week as I shook my fist at him. By the way, anybody that goes to A World of Books, if you read this, I lost my Millenium Puzzle that I wear around my neck. If you find it or see anyone with it, let me know. Thanks! What’s up! to Bandit Keif for being a tough opponent, always giving me good duels, and making me earn my wins. to Zeeno for being the champ this week and his new little brother that gave him good luck. Bob! to the brave, former Intermediate duelists that are now in Advance. To be the best, you got to beat the best. to the hardcore Yu-Gi-Oh! gamers at a World of Books, keeping the game going. Get lost! to the thieves that steal cards from kids to the cold wind that kept blowing cards everywhere and making my snot drip out of my nose. That's right, snot! Serf buffserf@yahoo.com