It's been a long time since my last article on Dark Realm (Dark World). I'm too lazy to write up anymore articles and I never thought that I would be doing another one. But here I am, sharing with you my thoughts on one of my favourite mechanics in the game: Bounce. However, as the title suggests, I am not looking at the conventional "Rock Bounce". Instead, I will be covering "Mystic Bounce", one of the rarest deck-types in the world of cookie-cutter Yu-Gi-Oh.

Rock Bounce
First of all, let me cover a bit on "Rock Bounce" anyway. The "Rock Bounce" relies heavily on [Crio Sphinx] to get direct card advantage out of all the bouncing. Cards such as [Guardian Sphinx] and [Sentry Golem] are hot favourites to aid this deck type. [Giant Rat] has a pivotal role here, since it can tutor for [Crio Sphinx] without tribute summoning, and also the other reusable bounce tech [Sentry Golem]. Stuff like [Exiled Force], [Injection Fairy Lily] and [Mystic Swordsman LV2] can also be tutored by [Giant Rat].

Note: One of the main problems of "Rock Bounce" is that it lacks offensive power. I usually prefer to throw in some Zombies to help in that department, mainly because [Pyramid Turtle] is also searchable via [Giant Rat], and [Vampire Lord] can deliever a hell lot of annoyance which adds to the fun. You can also experiment with other hybrids yourself!

There isn't anything really special about the spell selection for a "Rock Bounce" deck. The spell selection should be somewhat similar to your typical "Soul Control" deck. [Soul Exchange] has awesome synergy with the deck, since you will be running a higher amount of tributes than usual, and the fact that losing your battle phase is no big deal to your [Crio Sphinx] and [Guardian Sphinx].

The Trap selection is also relatively simple, but you would want to include some [Ordeal of a Traveler] besides your normal traps, as it is a very good bounce option here. [Compulsory Evacuation Device] can also be used for some quick bouncing and chainability. If you want some protection for your traps, you can also try some [Solemn Judgement] if you want.

Mystic Bounce
Now we've come to the main focus of this article. "Mystic Bounce" is different from "Rock Bounce" in that it generates card advantage by sending cards to the top of opponent's deck rather than discarding them with [Crio Sphinx]. I will use a simple card-by-card analysis of key elements to help explain the theme rather than typing out long paragraphs.

Mysterious Guard
Earth/Spellcaster/3/800/1200
FLIP: Return 1 face-up monster on the field to the top of its owner's Deck. At the same time, if there is a face-up Warrior-Type monster on your side of the field, you can return another face-up monster to its owner's hand.

Comments: A long forgotten card. This is the star of the deck. The first effect is the "Spin Mechanic" (term coined by Mike Rosenberg, a.k.a. Dawn Yoshi) which is our main source to generate card advantage. Sending cards to the top of your opponent's deck can cause bad draws for them and make their moves more predictable. This swing of advantage to your favor can be huge. But that's not all [Mysterious Guard] can do. If you haven't noticed, there is a secondary "bonus" bounce effect. The second effect can be used to bounce another one of your opponent's Monsters, or can be used to reuse your own [Breaker the Magical Warrior]. This can even be used to bounce itself back to your hand if you don't have [Tsukuyomi] to help reuse the flip. However, there is a condition for the second effect: We need a Warrior. Not just any Warrior. We need one which can last on the field. [Big Shield Gardna] beckons...

Big Shield Gardna
Earth/Warrior/4/100/2600
Negate the activation of a Spell Card that designates this 1 face-down Monster. At that time, flip this card into face-up Defense Position. If this card is attacked, change the Battle Position of this card to Attack Position at the end of the Damage Step.

Comments: Awesome defensive capabilities. It is very helpful in triggering the second effect of [Myserious Guard]. Searching it via [Reinforcements of the Army] can also trick your opponent into thinking that the next Monster you set will definitely be it.

Legendary Jujitsu Master
Earth/Rock/3/1300/1800
A monster that battles with this Defense Position card is returned to the top of the owner's Deck at the end of the Damage Step.

Comments: Another "Spin" mechanic. Unlike [Mysterious Guard], you cannot trigger it as you want it. It requires your opponent to attack it, which makes it more passive. It is still useful in our theme though.

Mystic Swordsman LV2, LV4, LV6

Comments: The problem with [Mysterious Guard] is that it cannot target face-down Monsters. So what happens when your opponent starts setting his Monsters?? This is where [MS LV2] and [MS LV4] comes into the picture. Let them regret for attempting to avoid your [Mysterious Guard]. [MS LV6] also has an built-in "Spin" mechanic for face-down Monsters. The Mystic Swordsmen are not staples in the deck so whether you want to use it or not depends on your own personal preferences.

Note: Yes, I derived the term "Mystic Bounce" from [Mysterious Guard] and [Mystic Swordsman]. XD

Giant Rat

Comments: An awesome tutor for the deck. It can search for [Mysterious Guard], [Big Shield Gardna], [Legendary Jujitsu Master], [MS LV2], [Des Lacooda], [Exiled Force] and even [Injection Fairy Lily]. For OCG players, you can even use it to search for [Dandelion].

Spirit Reaper

Comments: A very good defender and control card. If you manage to clear your opponent's field, direct attack for card advantage.

Des Lacooda

Comments: A reusbale card-draw engine. Can be searched from [Giant Rat]. Not necessary and depends on personal preference.

Ready For Intercepting
Normal Trap
Flip one face-up Warrior or Spellcaster-Type monster on the field into face-down Defense Position.

Comments: A Trap version of [Book of Moon], which can be used on [Mysterious Guard], [Magician of Faith], [Big Shield Gardna] etc. and even [Thousand Eyes Restrict] if you intend to use [Metamorphosis] with [Dandelion]. Being chainable is nice and since [Book of Moon] is restricted...

Back to Square One & Phoenix Wing Wind Blast

Comments: The spell and trap versions of the "Spin" mechanic. They require discards so with the absence of [Sinister Serpent] and the restriction of [Night Assailant], you may not want to use them. They are still useful though.

Level Limit - Area B & Gravity Bind

Comments: The theme is generally more on defensive control so stall cards like these can be considered to protect your [Mysterious Guard]. However, you shouldn't be overplaying these stall cards if you intend to use [Mystic Swordsman LV6] (and cookie-cutter Warriors) and opt for a more offensive approach.

Solemn Judgement

Comments: The best all-around negator. A favourite among defensive control decks although it can also be used in some extreme Aggro decks.

General Overview

As you can see, [Mysterious Guard] has very good potential. If you utilise it correctly, it can even be better than [Legendary Jujitsu Master], which has gained some popularity not long ago. I am not going to post a decklist because I feel that everyone should try making their own decks. It is more fun and fulfilling that way. There are many different approaches you can try and it is not too difficult to construct a playable one since [Mysterious Guard] can be used with your normal cookie-cutter Warriors as well. Play-test it and tweak it to your own liking. You can even add fun cards like [Conscription] if you feel like it. LOL

I am not saying that "Mystic Bounce" or "Rock Bounce" are Tier one decks that can dominate the tournament scene. However, they are indeed capable of challenging the most popular deck types of today. *Unlike your crappy E-Heroes, it is actually possible to win a tournament with it. We need more people who are bold enough to step out of cookie-cutting and try something new to refresh the stale meta.

*I simply like to take cheap-shots at E-Heroes. No need to send me hate mail for this comment please. XP
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I don't spend too much time on the game nowadays. Considering the number of decks that I play-test, I can't really say that I've explored them to the fullest. Therefore the article is quite general and simplistic in nature, not as comprehensive as I want it to be. I just don't have the time (and motivation). If anyone has any ideas to contribute to the article, please post them here.

p.s. Don't expect me to do any new articles. I'll only do it when I feel like it (which is very unlikely). XD

I thought penguin soldier might be useful in this situation

you also might want to put a couple of waboku's to stall time while building your crio and guardian combo

:D


just some ideas , i play bounce too :D