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YCS Sydney 2024 Coverage

Date:  28 March 2024

YCS Sydney 2024 took place on the weekend of 8th-10th March 2024, at the Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia. 917 Duelists entered the tournament for a chance to become the next YCS champion – and the below is a record of some of the most interesting matches from the event.

Round 3

Welcome to Round 3 of YCS Sydney 2024!

Josh Vine is from Melbourne with a home store of General Games Frankston.

David Tran is a local from Sydney and plays at Strike One Collectibles.

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Game 1

Josh opens a hand of Diabellstar the Black Witch, Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit, Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill, Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye and Snake-Eye Oak.

David opens a hand of 2 copies of Babycerasaurus, Fossil Dig, Souleating Oviraptor and Dinowrestler Pankratops.

David wins the die roll and opts to go first. David starts with Fossil Dig to add Miscellaneousaurus from his Deck, immediately sending it from his hand to the Graveyard with its effect. Subsequently uses its other effect, banishing itself from the Graveyard to Special Summon Animadorned Archosaur from his Deck, which upon summon destroys one of the Babycerasaurus in his hand to add Double Evolution Pill from his Deck to his hand. Babycerasaurus effect activates in the Graveyard, Special Summoning a Souleating Oviraptor from David’s Deck. He uses Souleating Oviraptor’s effect to add Petiteranodon from Deck which he Normal Summons. David uses Souleating Oviraptor’s effect to destroy the Petiteranodon to Special Summon a Babycerasaurus from his Graveyard and then uses Petiteranodon’s effect to summon Xeno Meteorus from his Deck. Josh picks up and reads this card to ensure he is aware of its effects.

David Link Summons a Linkuriboh, using his Animadorned Archosaur and then a Security Gardna using the Linkuriboh. He uses Xeno Meteorus’ effect, destroying the Babycerasaurus to Special Summon Megalosmasher X from his Deck as well as using Babycerasaurus to Special Summon Kaitoptera. Kaitoptera has an effect to add Polymerization from David’s Deck to his hand. He activates Polymerization using Kaitoptera and Xeno Meteorus as materials to Fusion Summon Horned Saurus which has an effect to place a Field Spell from his Deck or Graveyard to the field zone which he uses to place Lost World from his Deck. He proceeds to use Double Evolution Pill to banish Linkuriboh and Kaitoptera from his Graveyard to Special Summon Ultimate Conductor Tyranno from his Deck in Defense Position. Kaitoptera also has an effect where upon being banished, it Special Summons itself as well as adding a Polymerization from the Graveyard to David’s hand. David uses Polymerization to perform another Fusion Summon using the Horned Saurus and Megalosmasher X to make Transcendosaurus Gigantozowler which upon Special Summon adds back Xeno Meteorus from Graveyard to hand. David took this opportunity to trigger the effect of his Lost World, summoning a Jurassic Token to Josh’s field in Defense Position. To finish off his turn, David uses Kaitoptera and Souleating Oviraptor to Xyz Sumon Evolzar Dolkka.


Josh draws Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to start his turn. He activates Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to place a Snake-Eye Ash to his Spell & Trap Zone before sending it to the Graveyard to Special Summon a Diabellstar the Black Witch from his Deck. Josh attempts to use Diabellstar the Black Witch’s effect to set 1 ‘Sinful Spoils’ Spell/Trap from his Deck, with David detaching a material from his Evolzar Dolkka in response. Josh opts to send his Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit from his hand to Graveyard as Chain Link 3 with David using Evolzar Dolkka’s effect again, detaching its other material. Josh reads Evolzar Dolkka, confirming that it is not only not limited to once per turn but also not limited to once per chain. With the chain resolving, Diabellstar the Black Witch is negated and destroyed. Josh moves on by Normal Summoning his Snake-Eye Oak and using its effect to Special Summon Snake-Eye Ash from his Graveyard and uses its effect to add Snake-Eye Poplar which has an effect to Special Summon itself from the hand when it’s added there, except by drawing. Josh uses Snake-Eye Poplar’s additional effect to add Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to hand. David thinks for a brief period and then decides to now use Ultimate Conductor Tyranno’s effect, destroying his Transcendosaurus Gigantozowler to change Josh’s Snake-Eye Ash, Snake-Eye Oak and Snake-Eye Poplar to face-down Defense Position. David follows up using Transcendosaurus Gigantozowler’s effect, shuffling back Megalosmasher X from his Graveyard to the Deck to Special Summon itself.

With no further actions and staring at a field of large Dinosaurs, Josh concedes Game 1.

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Game 2

Josh opens a hand of 2 copies of Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit, 2 Bonfire and an Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring.

David opens a hand of 2 copies of Infinite Impermanence, a Fossil Dig, a Babycerasaurus and a D.D. Crow.

Josh chooses to go first this game. He activates Bonfire,adding Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck to his hand. He Normal Summons the Snake-Eye Ash, but upon attempting to activate its effect, is met with an Infinite Impermance from David. Josh Link Summons a Linkuriboh using the Snake-Eye Ash before ending his turn.

David draws Ground Xeno and immediately activates its effect, but Josh is able to negate it by using Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. Knowing Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring can only be used once per turn, David is able to safely resolve his Fossil Dig. Just like in the previous game, David uses Fossil Dig to add Miscellaneousaurus from his Deck, immediately sending it from his hand to the Graveyard with its effect. Subsequently uses its other effect, banishing itself from the Graveyard to Special Summon Animadorned Archosaur from his Deck, which upon summon destroys one of the Babycerasaurus in his hand to add Double Evolution Pill from his Deck to his hand. Babycerasaurus effect activates in the Graveyard, Special Summoning a Souleating Oviraptor from David’s Deck. He uses Souleating Oviraptor’s effect to add Petiteranodon from Deck which he Normal Summons. David uses Souleating Oviraptor’s effect to destroy the Petiteranodon to Special Summon a Babycerasaurus from his Graveyard and then uses Petiteranodon’s effect to summon Xeno Meteorus from his Deck. David mentions that Xeno Meteorus is also a tuner, before using it and Souleating Oviraptor to Synchro Summon a Baronne De Fleur. David proceeds to Link Summon Linkuriboh using Animadorned Archosaur, subsequently uses Linkuriboh and Babycerasaurus to Link Summon S:P Little Knight, opting not to use its effect upon summoning. David activates Double Evolution Pill banishing Babycerasaurus and Linkuriboh to Special Summon Ultimate Conductor Tyranno from his Deck. Following that, David uses Baronne De Fleur’s effect to target Josh’s Linkuriboh attempting to destroy it. Josh sends a Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit from his hand to the Graveyard, activating its effect in response, but David is able to use Baronne De Fleur’s other effect to negate the effect of Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit. David enters the Battle Phase and Josh extends a fist bump, acknowledging that there is over 8000 points of damage on David’s side of the field.

David is able to pilot his Dinosaur strategy to overcome the most popular Deck in this tournament and will be moving on to Round 4 with a score of 3-0.

Round 5

We are now just under halfway through the Swiss rounds of the tournament. Christopher Li is a player who flew all the way from Perth, with his local store being Good Games Morley. Jessee Rando is a local from Sydney, playing at Tower Games Windsor which unfortunately is closing its door soon.

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Game 1

Chris opens with a hand of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, Droll & Lock Bird, Effect Veiler, Nibiru the Primal Being and Bonfire.

Jessee opens with a hand of 2 copies of Pot of Prosperity, Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice, Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended and Radiance of the Voiceless Voice.

Jessee wins the die roll and opts to go first.

Jessee begins the match with a Pot of Prosperity, banishing 6 monsters from his Extra Deck and excavates 3 copies of Diviner of the Herald, a Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice, Infinite Impermanence and a Prayers of the Voiceless Voice – opting to add the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice to hand, while placing the other 5 cards at the bottom of his Deck. After that resolves, Chris sends Droll & Lock Bird from his hand to the Graveyard, preventing both players from adding cards from their Main Deck to their hand for the remainder of the turn. Jessee proceeds to Normal Summon his Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice and declares the activation of its effect. Chris discards Effect Veiler targeting Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice, but Jessee responds by negating the activation using his Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended. Jessee is then able to place Barrier of the Voiceless Voice from his Deck face-up in his Spell & Trap Zone. Jessee sets 1 card and ends his turn.  

Chris draws WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils. He leads his turn with the activation of Bonfire in his Main Phase. Jessee responds with Radiance of the Voiceless Voice and Chris discards his Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring to negate the effect. Bonfire resolves, allowing Chris to add Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck to his hand, which he Normal Summons. He activates Snake-Eye Ash’s effect to add Snake-Eye Poplar, which Special Summons itself and subsequently adding Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. Chris then activates WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils, adding Diabellstar the Black Witch from his Deck to his hand. He uses Snake-Eye Poplar to Link Summon Linkuriboh and Snake-Eye Poplar activates, placing itself into the Spell/Trap Zone before being sent to the Graveyard by the effect of Diabellstar the Black Witch Special Summoning itself and then activating another effect to set Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye from his Deck. Chris activates Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, placing Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Deck to the Spell/Trap Zone. He activates his set Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye, sending Linkuriboh as cost to Special Summon Jet Synchron from his Deck.

Jessee concedes to go into Game 2.

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Game 2

Chris’s opening hand is WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils, Bonfire, Nibiru the Primal Being, Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring.

Jessee’s opening hand is Pot of Prosperity, Summon Limit, Infinite Impermanence, Diviner of the Herald, and a Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice.

Jessee decides to go first. Jessee once again leads with Pot of Prosperity, banishing 6 monsters from his Extra Deck. This time, Chris decides to discard his Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring in response. Jessee Normal Summons Diviner of the Herald, sending Trias Hierarchia from his Deck to the Graveyard. Next, the Graveyard effect of Trias Hierarchia activates, tributing Diviner of the Herald to Special Summon itself. Diviner of the Herald, when tributed, can Special Summon a level 2 or lower Fairy monster from the hand or Deck so Jessee opts to Special Summon Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice – which is able to place Barrier of the Voiceless Voice from the Deck to the hand. Jessee activates the Barrier of the Voiceless Voice to add Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice from the Deck to the hand. He discards the Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice to send Prayers of the Voiceless Voice and adding Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended. He then uses the other effect of Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice, banishing itself and tributing the Trias Hierarchia to Ritual Summon Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice who allows Jessee to add another Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended from his Deck to his hand. Jessee sets 2 cards to his Spell/Trap Zone and then ends his turn.

Chris draws Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit for turn. Chris reads Barrier of the Voiceless Voice on the field as well as Prayers of the Voiceless Voice in the Graveyard to get a clear understanding of all the continuous and possible trigger effects which could impact his decisions. In the Draw Phase; Chris activates WANTED: Seeker of the Sinful Spoils to add Diabellstar the Black Witch from his Deck to his hand. In the Main Phase, he activates Diabellstar the Black Witch, discarding his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon. Chris attempts to use the trigger effect of Diabellstar the Black Witch, but Jessee stops it by activating a set Infinite Impermanence. Chris activates Bonfire to activate Snake-Eye Poplar, and then uses its effect to Special Summon itself. Jessee responds with a set Summon Limit. Chris then uses Snake-Eye Poplar to add Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, which he activates – placing a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Deck to his Spell/Trap Zone. Chris ends his turn.

Jessee draws Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. In Main Phase 1, he activates the effect of his face-up Barrier of the Voiceless Voice. Chris sends Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit from his hand to the Graveyard to destroy the Barrier of the Voiceless Voice. Jessee enters the Battle Phase and attacks Snake-Eye Poplar with Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. Chris uses the Graveyard effect of Snake-Eye Poplar, but that’s immediately stopped by Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. In Main Phase 2, Jessee uses his Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice and Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice to Link Summon Dyna Mondo – opting not to use its effect upon summon. Chris triggers the effect of his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to summon the Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Spell/Trap Zone. Jessee ends his turn.

Chris draws Effect Veiler. In the Draw Phase, Jessee tributes his Dyna Mondo for its effect to Special Summon back Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. Furthermore, his Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice in the Graveyard triggers to Special Summon itself and subsequently placing a Barrier of the Voiceless Voice into the Spell/Trap Zone. Chris Normal Summons Effect Veiler and uses it and his Diabellstar the Black Witch to Link Summon Knightmare Phoenix. He discards Nibiru the Primal Being in an attempt to destroy Summon Limit, but Jessee responds with his Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. Chris uses Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon’s effect to place another copy from the Graveyard into the Spell/Trap Zone. Chris ends his turn.

Jessee draws Nibiru the Primal Being. He begins his turn using his face-up Barrier of the Voiceless Voice to add Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice, immediately using the effect to discard itself and sending Prayers of the Voiceless Voice to the GY to add a Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice from his Deck to his hand. He uses the second effect of Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice,tributing Sauravis, the Ancient and Ascended from his hand to Ritual Summon the Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice and upon using its effect to search a Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice from his Deck – which he Normal Summons and activates the effect of. Chris triggers the effect of his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, which is negated by the Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. Jessee uses Radiance of the Voiceless Voice, targeting the Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon in Chris’s Monster Zone and the one in his Spell/Trap Zone. Chris responds using the Snake-Eye Flamberge monster to Special Summon the one that was in the Spell/Trap Zone. In the Battle Phase, Jessee attacks over the Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon with one of his Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice, attacks directly with his second and his Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice for 50 small but meaningful damage.

With no cards in hand and a Summon Limit on the Field, Chris concedes Game 2.

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Game 3

Chris opens a hand of Droll & Lock Bird, Snake-Eye Oak, Bonfire, Crossout Designator and Effect Veiler.

Jessee opens a hand of Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice, Diviner of the Herald, Saffira Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice, Pre-Preperation of Rites, and Infinite Impermanence.

Chris starts off Game 3 by activating Bonfire to add a Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck to his hand. He Normal Summons it, but its effect is immediately met with an Infinite Impermanence. Fortunately for Chris, he activates Crossout Designator declaring Infinite Impermanence, banishing a copy of his own from his Deck. Snake-Eye Ash is then able to resolve, adding Snake-Eye Poplar which summons itself and then adding Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye from his Deck. He activates the Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, placing a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Deck into his Spell/Trap Zone. He uses Snake-Eye Poplar to Link Summon Linkuriboh. Chris follows up with his Snake-Eye Ash’s effect, sending itself and the Snake-Eye Flamberge in the Spell/Trap Zone to summon a Snake-Eye Flamberge from his Deck. The Snake-Eye Flamberge that was just sent to the Graveyard activates to Special Summon back Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard, which are then immediately used to Link Summon I:P Masquerena. The Snake-Eye Poplar then puts a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon into his Spell/Trap Zone. Chris Link Summons a Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames, which has an effect to Special Summon Snake-Eye Poplar from Graveyard before using both to Link Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix and then using that to Link Summon Worldsea Dragon Zealantis. Chris ends his turn after using the effect of his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to place the I:P Masquerena from his Graveyard to his Spell/Trap Zone.

Jessee draws Pot of Prosperity for turn. He opts to begin his turn with Pre-Preperation of Rites to add Prayers of the Voiceless Voice and Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. Chris sends Droll & Lock Bird on resolution. Jessee Normal Summons Diviner of the Herald, prompting Chris to respond with Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to summon his I:P Masquerena and then Effect Veiler targeting the Diviner of the Herald. Jessee uses the effect of Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Voiceless Voice to discard itself and send a Prayer of the Voiceless Voice from his Deck to the Graveyard before banishing the Saffira, Dragon Queen of the Viceless Voice tributing a Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice from the hand to summon Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice. Here, Jessee will activate the effect of Lo, the Prayers the Voiceless Voice while Chris opts to use the effect of I:P Masquerena to send itself and Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Link Summon S:P Little Knight. Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice summons from the Graveyard, activating its effect on field with Chris using S:P Little Knight as Chain Link 2 and Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon as Chain Link 3 to protect the S:P Little Knight from Skull Knight, Protector of the Voiceless Voice – forcing Jessee to use it as Chain Link 4 to stop Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon. S:P Little Knight is able to then banish the Skull Knight, Protector of the Voiceless Voice and Radiance of the Voiceless Voice is placed to Jesse’s field. Jessee banishes Prayer of the Voiceless Voice from the Graveyard and in response, Chris activates the effect of S:P Little Knight to banish itself and Lo, the Prayers of the Voiceless Voice before the Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice is summoned to the field in Defense Position. Jessee uses Radiance of the Voiceless Voice, shuffling a Prayer of the Voiceless Voice from his hand into his Deck to Special Summon a Lo, Prayers of the Voiceless Voice. During the End Phase, the S:P Little Knight and Lo, Prayers of the Voiceless Voice return to the field.

Chirs draws Infinite Impermanence for turn. He Normal Summons Snake-Eye Oak, activating its effect. Jessee uses Skull Guardian, Protector of the Voiceless Voice to negate and destroy. Chris triggers the effect of his Salamangreat Raging Phoenix from his Graveyard. He attempts to enter the Battle Phase, but Jessee responds using Radiance of the Voiceless Voice to target and destroy the Salamangreat Raging Phoenix. Chris proceeds to enter the Battle Phase and attacks over Diviner of the Herald with his Worldsea Dragon Zealantis, dealing some damage. Chris enters his Main Phase 2 but shortly after, timer hits 0 and Chris sitting on higher Life Points wins the game and match.

Chris moves on to round 6 with a 5-0 record with his Snake-Eyes Deck.

Round 8

Welcome to Round 8 of YCS Sydney 2024. We now have 2 players who are currently sitting at 6 wins and 1 draw, so technically still undefeated. We have Elliot Harris, who is celebrating his birthday today. He is currently residing in Canberra to study, but is from Melbourne – playing at Good Games Greensborough. Joak on the other hand lives in Townsville in Queensland and does not play at a local store.

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Game 1

Elliot opens a hand of Diabellstar the Black Witch, Nibiru the Primal Being, Snake-Eye Ash, Crossout Designator, Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill.

Joak opens a hand of Xyz Remora, 2 copies of Tenyi Spirit – Shthana, Gozen Match and an Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring.

Joak wins the die roll and will start off the match. His turn is relatively simple, he Special Summons a Tenyi Spirit – Shthana, Normal Summons the other copy and then uses them both to XYZ Summon Number 4: Stealth Kragen. He sets his Gozen Match and ends his turn.

Elliot draws a second copy of Diabellstar the Black Witch. He Normal Summons Snake-Eye Ash, using its effect to add Snake-Eye Poplar. When he tries to use Poplar’s effect to Special Summon itself, Joak activates his Gozen Match and mentions that his Number 4: Stealth Kragen has a continuous effect which changes all monsters on the field to WATER monsters so both players can now only control Water monsters. Elliot enters the Battle Phase attacking with Snake-Eye Ash into Number 4: Stealth Kragen, destroying itself and taking 1100 damage. A small price to pay to clear his field of WATER monsters. In Main Phase 2, Elliot Special Summons a Diabellstar the Black Witch, sending the Snake-Eye Poplar from hand which places itself into the Spell/Trap Zone. Elliot also sets an Original Sinful Spoils: Snake-Eye. He sets Crossout Designator and ends his turn.

Joak draws Silent Angler for turn. He Normal Summons Xyz Remora and as he controls a Water Monster, he is able to Special Summon his Silent Angler. He uses the two monsters to Xyz Summon a Bahamut Shark, to which Elliot responds with Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill. Joak uses his Number 4 Stealth Kragen to destroy Elliot’s Diabellstar the Black Witch and inflict 1250 damage. Elliot uses Diabellstar’s effect to Special Summon itself from the Graveyard and sending the Snake-Eye Poplar from his Spell/Trap Zone, which immediately places itself back there. Elliot also uses the effect of the newly summoned Diabellstar the Black Witch to set WANTED: Seeker of the Sinful Spoils. Joak uses the effect of his negated Bahamut Shark to place a material in the Graveyard, before using the Bahamut Shark to Xyz Summon Xyz Armor Fortress. He uses the effect detaching 2 materials to add Full Armored Xyz and Armored Xyz from his Deck to his hand. Next up, he uses the Xyz Armor Fortress to Xyz Summon Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer. Joak activates the Armored Xyz to equip a Bahamut Shark from his Graveyard as an Equip Spell to his Number 4: Stealth Kragen which then triggers the effect of his Full Armored Dark Knight Lancer, allowing it to attach Elliot’s Diabellstar the Black Witch to itself as Xyz material. Elliot at this point acknowledges it being a losing game and concedes.

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Game 2

Elliot opens a hand of 2 Effect Veiler, Snake-Eye Ash, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and Infinite Impermanence.  

Joak opens a hand of Soul Release, Tenyi Spirit Shthana, Silent Sea Nettle, Right-Hand Shark and Crystal Shark.

Elliot starts game 2 by Normal Summoning Snake-Eye Ash adding Snake-Eye Poplar which Special Summons itself and then adding a Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. He activates it and uses it to place Snake-Eye Oak into his Spell/Trap Zone. Elliot uses the second effect of Snake-Eye Ash, sending itself and the Snake-Eye Oak to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Deck. He uses Snake-Eye Flamberge and Snake-Eye Poplar to Link Summon I:P Masquerena. The Snake-Eye Famberge in the Graveyard activates to Special Summon Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Oak from the Graveyard and the Snake-Eye Poplar places the Snake-Eye Flamberge into the Spell/Trap Zone. The newly summoned Snake-Eye Oak activates, Special Summoning Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard. Elliot uses I😛 Masquerena, Snake-Eye Poplar, Snake-Eye Ash to Link Summon Apollousa, Bow of the Goddess. He follows up using Snake-Eyes Oak, sending Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and itself to Special Summon a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Deck, which then uses its effect to place the I:P Masqurena into the Spell/Trap Zone. Elliot sets his Infinite Impermanence and ends his turn.

Joak draws Triple Tactics Thrust. Joak starts his turn by attempting to Special Summon Tenyi Spirit – Shthana. After confirming that its effect to Special Summon itself can only be activated once per turn, Elliot opts to negate it with his Apollousa Bow of the Goddess. Joak activates Soul Release, banishing Snake-Eye Oak, Snake-Eye Ash, Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from Elliot’s Graveyard. He next activates Triple Tactics Thrust, to which Elliot responds by discarding his Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. Joak Normal Summons Right-Hand Shark and attempts to Special Summon Silent Sea Nettle, which Elliot also negates with Apollousa. Before entering the Battle Phase, Elliot uses his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Special Summon I:P Masquerena and then immediately uses its effect to Link Summon S:P Little Knight which banishes Joak’s Right-Hand Shark. They both return immediately as Joak ends his turn.

Elliot draws a Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill and Normal Summons it. He uses it and S:P Little Knight to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames and uses its effect to Special Summon a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Graveyard which places the S:P Little Knight into the Spell/Trap Zone. Elliot enters the Battle Phase and attacks with his Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames, Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and Apollousa, Bow of the Goddess for 1500 damage. In Main Phase 2, Elliot uses the former 2 monsters to Link Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix.

Joak draws Abyss Shark. He once again attempts to Special Summon Tenyi Spirit – Shthana which this time is successful. Elliot triggers the effect of his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to Special Summon the S:P Little Knight from his Spell/Trap Zone. He Normal Summons Silent Sea Nettle and uses his two monsters to Xyz Summon: Number 4: Stealth Kragen. He enters the Battle Phase and attacks Apollousa, Bow of the Goddess, inflicting 1100 damage. In Main Phase 2, Joak Special Summons Abyss Shark from his hand. Elliot responds with S:P Little Knight to banish Number 4: Stealth Kragen. As Chain Link 3, Joak uses the Number 4: Stealth Kragen but Chain Link 4, Elliot discards Effect Veiler – targeting the Stealth Kragen. When this all resolves, Abyss Shark is able to add Buzzsaw Shark from his Deck to his hand. Joak uses the effect of Crystal Shark in his hand to Special Summon itself. He uses the Abyss Shark and Crystal Shark to Xyz Summon another Number 4: Stealth Kragen, which upon activation of its effect is met with another Effect Veiler from Elliot. At the end of the turn, the S:P Little Knight and Number 4: Stealth Kragen return to the field.

Elliot draws Bonfire and activates it, adding Snake-Eye Ash. He Normal Summons it and uses it to add Snake-Eye Poplar to hand, which Special Summons itself and adds Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye. He Link Summons Linkuriboh with the Snake-Eye Poplar, which places Snake-Eye Flamberge into his Spell/Trap Zone. Next, he uses Linkuriboh and Snake-Eye Ash to Link Summon Knightmare Phoenix, following up with Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye sending his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Special Summon Jet Synchron. The Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon effect triggers, Special Summoning Snake-Eye Ash and Snake-Eye Poplar. Elliot uses Knightmare Phoenix, Jet Synchron and Snake-Eye Poplar to Link Summon Accesscode Talker,which is able to gain 2000 ATK by targeting his Knightmare Phoenix that he used to summon it. Joak responds at resolution with the effect of one of his Number 4: Stealth Kragen to destroy the Accesscode Talker. Elliot uses Salamangreat Raging Phoenix to Link Summon Worldsea Dragon Zealantis. Joak uses his second Number 4: Stealth Kragen; Elliot now uses S:P Little Knight to banish itself and that Number 4: Stealth Kragen which resolves and destroys the Worldsea Dragon Zealantis. Elliot then attacks with his Snake-Eye Ash into Number 4:Stealth Kragen, hoping for a trade – but it is pointed out that as it is no longer a Fire Monster due to the continuous effect of Number 4: Stealth Kragen, it does not get the ATK gain from the Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. Realising his blunder, Elliot extends a hand shake.

Joak was successful in this match and will go into the next round with a 7-0-1 record with his Shark Deck.

Round 10

Welcome to Round 10 of YCS Sydney 2024, taking place on Sunday 9th of March. This morning we have the final Swiss round. The winner of this match will likely be locked in for the Top 32 playoffs.

Jackson Rolfe is from Orange, NSW – just over 2 hours’ drive west of Sydney, playing at a local store known as Games N More Orange.

Joshua Glen on the other hand is from Wollongong, just over an hour coastal drive south of Sydney and plays at a local store of Good Games Wollongong.

Joshua is known for being loyal to his Salamangreat Deck, having topped YCS Sydney 2020 with the same strategy – as well as 2022 NSW State Championships. Jackson is fresh from his victory in one of Friday’s Public Events, having won a Giant Card of Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames. He won that event using his Kashtira Deck and has chosen to bring that Deck into the Main Event as well.

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Game 1

Joshua starts the game with a hand of Salamangreat Gazelle, Salamangreat Weasel, Salamangreat Circle, Droll & Lock Bird and a Parallel eXceed.

Jackson has a hand of Pot of Prosperity, Dimension Shifter, Kashtira Birth, Infinite Impermanence and Ghost Mourner & Moonlight Chill.

Joshua wins die roll and opts to go first. Immediately in the Draw Phase, he activates Salamangreat Circle and in response Jackson sends his Dimension Shifter from his hand to the Graveyard so that all cards that would be sent to the Graveyard are banished instead – with the effect lasting until the end of Jackson’s turn. Joshua adds Salamangreat Spinny to his hand, which he Normal Summons and then uses to Link Summon a Salamangreat Balelynx. He activates both the effects of the Balelynx and a Parallel eXceed from his hand, which Special Summons itself under the Balelynx and adds a Salamangreat Sanctuary from Deck to hand. In a new chain, Jackson discards Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill to negate the effect of Parallel eXceed. Joshua uses his two monsters to Link Summon S:P Little Knight, before ending his turn.

Jackson draws a Called by the Grave for his turn. He activates Pot of Prosperity, banishing 6 monsters from his Extra Deck and excavates 2 copies of Pressured Planet Wraitsoth, Kashtira Unicorn, Kashtira Riseheart, and 2 copies of Effect Veiler. He adds Kashtira Unicorn and Special Summons it with its effect. Joshua activates the effect of his S:P Little Knight to banish itself and the Kashtira Unicorn. Jackson sets an Infinite Impermanence, then ends his turn with both the Little Knight and Unicorn returning to the field.

Joshua draws a second copy of Parallel eXceed. He Normal Summons Salamangreat Gazelle and uses its effect to send a Salamangreat Spinny from his Deck to the Graveyard. As Joshua activated a monster effect, Jackson is able to use the effect of his Kashtira Unicorn to look through Joshua’s Extra Deck and banishes his Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames. Joshua proceeds to Link Summon Salamangreat Balelynx with his Salamangreat Gazelle and just like last turn, activate the effect of Parallel eXceed to Special Summon itself. He uses his two monsters to Link Summon Cyberse Wicckid. He activates the effect of his Salamangreat Weasel in hand to Special Summon itself into a zone that Cyberse Wicckid points to, allowing Joshua to banish a Parallel eXceed from his Graveyard to add a Salamangreat Tiger from his Deck to his hand. He discards Salamangreat Sanctuary to Special Summon the Tiger, as well as Special Summoning a Salamangreat Spinny from his Graveyard. He Xyz Summons a Salamangreat Miragestalio using his Weasel and Spinny, but it is immediately met with Jackson’s set Infinite Impermanence. Joshua ends his turn.

Jackson draws Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill for turn, but without hesitation Normal Summons it. He Synchro Summons a Baronne De Fleur using the Mourner and his on-field Kashtira Unicorn. Jackson activates Kashtira Birth to Special Summon back the Kashtira Unicorn, following that uses the Unicorn’s effect to add Kashtiratheosis from his Deck to his hand. Joshua sends his Droll & Lock Bird from his hand to the Graveyard, preventing either player from adding cards from the Main Deck to the Hand for the remainder of the turn. Jackson responds using Called by the Grave, banishing the Droll & Lock Bird. Jackson activates his Kashtiratheosis, targeting his Kashtira Unicorn. Joshua attempts to use the effect of his S:P Little Knight to banish itself and the Unicorn, but Jackson this time is able to negate and destroy the S:P Little Knight with his Baronne De Fleur. With the Kashtiratheosis resolving, Jackson is able to Special Summon Kashitra Fenrir from his Deck. Joshua concedes the first Duel.

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Game 2

Joshua takes a look at a hand of Lady Debug, Cynet Mining, Salamangreat Rage, Salamangreat Circle and Effect Veiler.

Jackson has a hand of Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion, Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill, Effect Veiler, Pot of Prosperity and Pressured Planet Wraitsoth.

Joshua opts to go first again and just like in Game 1, again will activate Salamangreat Circle in the Draw Phase – but this time adding Salamangreat Gazelle to his hand. In Main Phase 1, he Normal Summons Lady Debug – but Jackson has Effect Veiler. Joshua uses Gazelle to Link Summon Salamangreat Balelynx and Jackson responds with Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill. Joshua follows up with Cynet Mining to discard Salamangreat Rage and add EM:P Meowmine from his Deck to his hand – and as he controls a Link Monster, he is able to Special Summon it using both Balelynx and Meowmine to Link Summon Cyberse Wicckid. This allows Joshua to Special Summon the Salamangreat Gazelle from his hand. With that, Joshua is able to trigger the effect of both monsters with Cyberse Wicckid banishing Lady Debug to add Salamangreat Weasel from Deck to hand as well as Salamangreat Gazelle, sending a Salamangreat Jack Jaguar from Deck to Graveyard. Next Joshua will use Cyberse Wicckid and Salamangreat Gazelle to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames using her effect to Special Summon a Salamangreat Balelynx from the Graveyard, using them both to Link Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix. This triggers his Salamangreat Weasel in the Graveyard, allowing it to Special Summon Salamangreat Balelynx to Jackson’s side of the field, while he draws a Salamangreat Charge. In turn, this triggers Joshua’s Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames in the Graveyard to destroy a Balelynx on each side of the field and Special Summon itself. Joshua will then use his Princess and Raging Phoenix to Link Summon another Salamangreat Raging Phoenix. As Salamangreat Raging Phoenix was Link Summoned using another copy as material, it allows Joshua to add Salamangreat Roar from his Deck to his hand. He proceeds to Special Summon Salamangreat Jack Jaguar from his Graveyard by returning Salamangreat Balelynx from his Graveyard to his Deck, before using the Jaguar to Link Summon the Balelynx. Joshua proceeds to Link Summon Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf with his Raging Phoenix and Balelynx. He activates Salamangreat Charge, but Jackson has Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion to negate it. Joshua sets his searched Salamangreat Roar and ends his turn.

Jackson draws Lightning Storm and activates it to destroy Joshua’s set Salamangreat Roar. Jackson activates Pot of Prosperity, banishing 6 monsters from his Extra Deck face-down and excavates Kashtira Riseheart, Lightning Storm, Dimension Shifter, Pressured Planet Wraitsoth, Kashitra Fenrir and Infinite Impermanence. He adds Kashtira Fenrir and Special Summons it. Joshua is able to activate the effect of Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames in his Graveyard to destroy Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf and the Kashtira Fenrir, while then banishing a Salamangreat Balelynx from his Graveyard to protect the Sunlight Wolf.  With the Princess summoned to a zone that Sunlight Wolf points to, Joshua is also able to add Salamangreat Gazelle from his Graveyard to his hand. Jackson activates Pressured Planet Wraitsoth to add Kashtira Uncorn from Deck to hand. He Special Summons it and uses the Unicorn to Xyz Summon Super Starslayer TY-PHON – Sky Crisis. He attacks over Joshua’s Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames and ends his turn.

Joshua draws a copy of Infinite Impermanence and starts his turn using his Salamangreat Jack Jaguar in the Graveyard to Special Summon itself returning a Salamangreat Raging Phoenix from the Graveyard to the Extra Deck. He Normal Summons Salamangreat Gazelle and uses its effect to send Salamangreat Weasel from his Deck to his hand. He Link Summons a Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf using his Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf and Salamangreat Jack Jaguar. As Joshua starts to build his chain links, Jackson concedes Game 2.

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Game 3

Joshua starts off with a hand of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, Effect Veiler, Infinite Impermanence, Salamangreat Sanctuary and Salamangreat Foxy.

Jackson meanwhile has a hand of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion, Summon Limit, Kashtira Birth and Dimension Shifter.

Jackson starts off the third Duel by setting Summon Limit and ending his turn.

Joshua draws a second copy of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. In the Standby Phase, Jackson activates the effect of his Dimension Shifter. Joshua has a short think and also ends his turn.

Jackson also draws his second copy of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and likewise ends his turn.

Joshua draws Droll & Lock Bird. With the effect of Dimension Shifter no longer being applied, he is free to make his move. He begins by Normal Summoning Salamangreat Foxy using its effect to excavate Lady Debug, Salamangreat Gazelle and Salamangreat Circle. Without hesitation, he adds the Gazelle to hand before Link Summoning Salamangreat Balelynx with Foxy and attempting to activate the effect of Salamangreat Gazelle to summon itself – which is stopped by Jackson’s Summon Limit.

Jackson draws Terraforming and activates it to add Pressured Planet Wraitsoth. Joshua activates Droll & Lock Bird,effectively forcing Jackson to end his turn.

Joshua draws Cosmic Cyclone. He starts his turn by discarding Salamangreat Sanctuary to activate the effect of Salamangreat Foxy in the Graveyard, but Jackson discards Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion to negate it – knowing if he didn’t, Foxy would be able to destroy Summon Limit. Nonetheless, Joshua activates his Cosmic Cyclone to banish Summon Limit anyway. Next Joshua Normal Summons Salamangreat Gazelle,but upon activating its effect, Jackson discards his Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring to negate. Joshua uses his Gazelle and Balelynx to Link Summon Hiita the Fire Charmer, Ablaze and using her effect to Special Summon Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring from Jackson’s Graveyard before using them both to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames which summons back the Hiita. In the Battle Phase, Joshua attacks for 4550 damage and in Main Phase 2, he uses his two monsters to Link Summon Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf.

Jackson draws Kashitra Fenrir. He starts off by playing Pressured Planet Wraitsoth, but that gets met with Joshua’s Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. Next Jackson Special Summons Kashtira Fenrir. This triggers Joshua’s Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames in the Graveyard to destroy Jackson’s Fenrir and Joshua’s Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf and Special Summoning herself. The Sunlight Wolf is protected by Joshua banishing a Salamangreat Balelynx from the Graveyard, but also is able to add back Salamangreat Gazelle from the Graveyard to his hand. Jackson activates Kashtira Birth to Special Summon the previously destroyed Kashtira Fenrir and attempts to use its effect, but Joshua stops it with Effect Veiler. Jackson proceeds to Normal Summon Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and uses it and his Fenrir to Synchro Summon Baronne De Fleur. He uses Baronne’s effect to target Joshua’s set Infinite Impermanence and Joshua activates it to negate the Baronne’s effect. Jackson attacks over Promethean Princess with Baronne and ends his turn.

Joshua draws Salamangreat Circle and discards it to Special Summon Salamangreat Foxy from the Graveyard, with Foxy’s effect additionally destroying Kashtira Birth and triggering Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf’s effect to add Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring from the Graveyard to Joshua’s hand. Joshua Normal Summons Salamangreat Gazelle using its effect to send Salamangreat Weasel from his Deck to the Graveyard. He Link Summons Salamangreat Balelynx with Foxy and then uses Weasel’s effect in Graveyard to Special Summon Salamangreat Foxy to Jackson’s side of the field, as well as drawing a Cynet Mining. This triggers Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flame’s effect in the Graveyard, but Jackson negates it with his Baronne De Fleur. Joshua proceeds to activate Cynet Mining, discarding Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring to add Salamangreat Spinny from his Deck to hand. Joshua uses his Balelynx and Sunlight Wolf to Link Summon another Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf and adds back Salamangreat Sanctuary from his Graveyard to his hand. He discards Salamangreat Spinny to give his Sunlight Wolf 500 extra ATK points and then Special Summons the same Spinny from the Graveyard. He overlays Gazelle and Spinny to Xyz Summon Salamangreat Miragestalio, who then detaches the Gazelle to Special Summon Salamangreat Jack Jaguar from Joshua’s Deck. Next up Joshua Link Summons Salamangreat Raging Phoenix using his Jack Jaguar, Sunlight Wolf and Miragestalio who has a bonus effect of being able to return Jackson’s Baronne De Fleur to the Extra Deck. Joshua activates Salamangreat Sanctuary which allows him to Link Summon a second Salamangreat Raging Phoenix using the first and then add Salamangreat Rage from the Deck to his hand. Moving on, Joshua returns Salamangreat Sunlight Wolf from the Graveyard to his Extra Deck to Special Summon Salamanagreat Jack Jaguar onto the field.

Having previously attacked for 4550 damage, Joshua enters the Battle Phase and has enough damage to end the game and the match. Joshua wins and finishes the Swiss Rounds of the tournament with an 8-2 record.

Top 16

We are now at the Top 16 play off at YCS Sydney 2024. Duelists still in the competition are now only 4 wins away from being crowned the YCS Champion.

Fighting for a place in the Top 8 and securing themselves a Nintendo Switch, we have Siris Wang – a player from Melbourne and local to Good Games Box Hill, while on the other side we have Matthew Laughlin who flew all the way from Hobart and a player at Dan Solo Games.

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Game 1

Siris opens a hand of Diabellstar the Black Witch, One for One, Infinite Impermanence, Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and a Droll & Lock Bird.

Matthew will play with a Floowandereeze and the Magnificient Map, Pot of Extravagance, Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds, Floowandereeze & Robina as well as a Floowandereeze & Eglen.

Matthew wins the die roll and will start off with Pot of Extravagance, banishing 6 monsters from his Extra Deck to draw a Pot of Duality and a Floowandereeze & Toccan. At resolution, Siris will activate his Droll & Lock Bird – preventing any more cards from being added from the Main Deck to the hand this turn. Matthew proceeds to activate Floowandereeze and the Magnificent Map to banish Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town from his Deck to Normal Summon Floowandereeze & Toccan, which has its on summon effect stopped when Siris uses Infinite Impermanence. Matthew finishes off his turn by activating Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds.

Siris draws Snake-Eye Ash and discards it to activate One for One to Special Summon Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck, using its effect to add Snake-Eye Poplar who Special Summons itself and then adds a Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye from the Deck to the hand. Next up, Siris activates the Divine Temple to place Snake-Eye Birch from his Main Deck to his Spell/Trap Zone. He uses his Snake-Eye Poplar to Link Summon Linkuriboh and then discards his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Special Summon his Diabellstar the Black Witch from his hand and set a WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils from his Deck. Additionally, the Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon in the Graveyard activates to Special Summon back Snake-Eye Ash and Snake-Eye Poplar from the Graveyard. Siris does some math before activating Snake-Eye Ash’s effect, sending itself and Linkuriboh to the Graveyard to Special Summon a second copy of Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Deck and using its effect to place Matthew’s Floowandereeze & Toccan into the Spell/Trap Zone. In the Battle Phase, Siris is able to attack for over 8000 damage, ending Duel number one on his first turn.

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Game 2

Siris starts with a hand of Effect Veiler, Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion, One for One, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and Crossout Designator.

Matthew will play with Pot of Prosperity, Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Dimension Shifter and 2 copies of Floowandereeze & Empen. He chooses to go first and starts off the game with Pot of Prosperity, banishing 6 monsters from his Extra Deck – but Siris will negate the effect with his Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. In response, Matthew will activate the effect of Dimension Shifter. He proceeds to activate Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure to banish Floowandereeze & Empen from his hand to add Floowandereeze & Robina from his Deck to his hand. He Normal Summons the Robina and activates its effect to add Floowandereeze & Eglen from his Deck, and also Normal Summons the Eglen who adds Mist Valley Apex Avian. The Robina and Eglen are used to Tribute Summon Floowandereeze & Empen. With this, Matthew activates the effects of his Floowandereeze monsters, returning the tributed Eglen and Robina to hand as well as adding a Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town from his Deck before setting it and ending his turn.

Siris draws Infinite Impermanence and proceeds to end his turn.

Matthew draws Floowandereeze & Eglen. He Normal Summons Floowandereeze & Robina, to which Siris will respond with Infinite Impermanence. Matthew enters the Battle Phase and attacks for 3300 damage.

Siris draws Nibiru the Primal Being. He activates One for One, sending Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion to Special Summon Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck in Defense Position, then using Ash’s effect to add Snake-Eye Poplar which activates its effect to Special Summon itself and search Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. On resolution, Matthew activates Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town to Normal Summon Floowandereeze & Eglen and activates its effect to search Raiza the Mega Monarch and Tribute Summon Mist Valley Apex Avian using the Eglen and Robina. Once again, the Eglen and Robina are returned to the hand, and additionally Matthew is able to activate the Graveyard effect of Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town to banish itself and change all of Siris’s monsters to face-down Defense Position. Siris activates Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to place a Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck to the Spell/Trap Zone.

Matthew draws Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds and activates it. He reveals Raiza the Mega Monarch and Floowandereeze & Eglen, placing them both on the bottom of his Deck to draw Dimensional Fissure and Floowandereeze & Robina. Matthew Normal Summons the Robina and Siris triggers his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to Special Summon his Snake-Eye Ash from his Spell/Trap Zone. The Floowandereeze & Robina searches a Floowandereeze & Toccan, which is also Normal Summoned and activates its effect – targeting Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town that is banished. Siris will activate Snake-Eye Ash’s on summon effect as Chain Link 2, but Matthew will use his Mist Valley Apex Avian to return itself to hand and negate/destroy the Ash. As Floowandereeze and the Unexplored Winds is on the field, Matthew is able to use Siris’ Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye and his own Floowandereeze & Toccan in lieu of Tributing to summon back the Mist Valley Apex Avian. In the Battle Phase, Matthew uses Floowandereeze & Robina to attack the set Snake-Eye Poplar, Mist Valley Apex Avian to attack the set Snake-Eye Ash and attacks directly with Floowandereeze & Empen. He sets Floowandereeze and the Dreaming Town.

Siris draws Snake-Eye Birch and concedes the second Duel.

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Game 3

Siris has a hand of 2 copies of Droll & Lock Bird, Infinite Impermanence, Effect Veiler and a Snake-Eye Ash.

Matthew will play with Floowandereeze and the Magnificent Map, Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, Floowandereeze & Robina, Pot of Prosperity and Mist Vally Apex Avian.

Siris chooses to go first. He Normal Summons Snake-Eye Ash to search Snake-Eye Poplar. He activates Poplar’s effect to Special Summon itself and searches Original Sinful Spoils – Snake Eye before using it to Link Summon a Linkuriboh and place itself in the Spell/Trap Zone. He follows up by using Snake-Eye Ash’s effect to send itself and Linkuriboh to the Graveyard to Special Summon Snake-Eye Oak from his Deck, and then activating Oak’s effect to Special Summon back the Snake-Eye Ash. Next, he uses the Snake-Eye Oak’s effect to send itself and Snake-Eye Poplar to the GY in order to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon. He uses the Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and Snake-Eye Ash to Link Summon I:P Masquerena and the Flamberge will Special Summon back from the Graveyard a Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Ash. Next up the I:P Masquerena and the Snake Eye Poplar will be used to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames,which activates its effect to Special Summon back Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon. Flamberge will place the I:P Masquerena from Siris’ Graveyard into his Spell/Trap Zone. Siris activates Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to send the Promethean Princess to the Graveyard to Special Summon Jet Synchron. Jet Synchron and Snake-Eye Ash are used to Synchro Summon Formula Synchron, which draws Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. He activates the Divine Temple to place Snake-Eye Birch from his Deck into his Spell/Trap Zone. He sets Infinite Impermanence and ends his turn.

Matthew draws Floowandereeze & Empen. He starts his turn with Pot of Prosperity, banishing 6 cards from his Extra Deck. Siris responds with the effect of Formula Synchron, which uses itself and Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Synchro Summon Baronne De Fleur and additionally using the Flamberge to Special Summon I:P Masquerena from his Spell/Trap Zone. The Pot of Prosperity excavates a Dark Ruler No More, Floowandereeze & Robina, Floowandereeze & Empen, Pot of Prosperity, Dimensional Fissure and a Swallow’s Cowrie. Matthew opts to add the Dark Ruler No More to his hand. On resolution, Siris will activate both the effects of Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon in the Graveyard and a Droll & Lock Bird in the hand. In response Matthew uses Floowandereeze and the Advent of Adventure, banishing a Floowandereeze & Robina in hand, but Siris will negate that with his Baronne De Fleur. With that, neither player can add cards from the Main Deck to the hand for the remainder of the turn while Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Oak are Special Summoned from the Graveyard. Matthew ends his turn.

Siris draws Snake-Eye Ash and Normal Summons it. Siris enters the Battle Phase and attacks with all 5 of his monsters – taking the win and advancing to the Top 8 of YCS Sydney 2024.

Top 4

We are now at the Top 4 of YCS Sydney 2024. We have one lone Australian player left, with the other 3 players being from the United States of America. Will the Australian be able to bring it home? Let’s find out!

Jason Huang is a player from Melbourne and a resident player at Grand J Games.

Christopher LeBlanc is a player who needs no introduction – flew all the way here from Florida and plays at Cool Stuff Games – Hollywood.

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Game 1

Jason opens a hand of 2 copies of Bonfire, 2 copies of Nibiru, the Primal Being and a Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion.

Christopher opens a hand of 2 copies of Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, Nibiru, the Primal Being, Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill and a Snake-Eye Poplar.

Jason will be first to play in the Top 4. He starts with Bonfire to add Snake-Eye Ash, which he Normal Summons and activates its effect to search Snake-Eye Poplar. Poplar activates its effect to Special Summon itself and then its next effect to search Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. Jason activates the Divine Temple, using its effect to place a Snake-Eye Oak from his Deck to his Spell/Trap Zone.  He activates Snake-Eye Ash effect to send Oak and itself to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and uses it and Poplar to Link Summon I:P Masquerena. The Poplar in the Graveyard activates, placing the Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon into the Spell/Trap Zone and the Flamberge Dragon will Special Summon back the Snake-Eye Ash and Snake-Eye Oak, with the latter then Special Summoning back the Snake-Eye Poplar. At this point Christopher will reveal the Nibiru, the Primal Being in his hand – tributing all of Jason’s monsters to Special Summon itself and a Primal Being Token to Jason’s side of the field. This triggers the effect of Jason’s Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to Special Summon back his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon. Before he has a chance to use its effect, Christopher uses Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill. Jason sets a Bonfire and ends his turn.

Christopher draws a Snake-Eye Ash and without hesitation proceeds to the Main Phase to Normal Summon it. He activates the effect to search Snake-Eye Poplar, which Special Summons itself and searches Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye. He activates the second effect of Snake-Eye Ash to send itself and Poplar to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon, which he uses to place Jason’s Flamberge Dragon in the Spell/Trap Zone. He activates Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to send his Nibiru, the Primal Being to the Graveyard and Special Summon a Legendary Fire King Ponix from his Deck. Ponix will activate to search a Fire King Sanctuary. Sanctuary is activated, placing a Fire King Island into Chris’ Field Zone. He proceeds to Link Summon Linkuriboh using the Ponix and then uses Fire King Island to destroy his Snake-Eye Poplar to add Sacred Fire King Garunix, further activating its effect to Special Summon itself – while Jason triggers his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon. Next, Christopher uses Sacred Fire King Garunix to destroy Fire King High Avatar Kirin from his Deck. High Avatar Kirin, if destroyed, is able to Special Summon back Legendary Fire King Ponix from the Graveyard and destroy Jason’s set Bonfire. Christopher proceeds to use Linkuriboh and Ponix to Link Summon Dharc the Dark Chamer, Gloomy and uses Dharc’s effect to Special Summon Jason’s I:P Masquerena from the Graveyard. At this point Jason chooses to reveal and activate his Nibiru, the Primal Being – tributing all the monsters on the field and giving a Primal Being Token to Christopher. This Token has a staggering 11350 Attack Points and 6700 Defense Points. Now both players have had their Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon sent to the Graveyard, but Christopher as the turn player will have his as Chain Link 1, while Jason’s is Chain Link 2. Jason chooses to Special Summon Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Oak, while Christopher Special Summons Snake-Eye Ash and Snake Eye-Poplar. Jason will use Snake-Eye Oak to Special Summon Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard and Snake-Eye Poplar to search Original Sinful Spoils – Snake Eye. Christopher uses his Poplar and Primal Being Token to Link Summon Hiita the Fire Charmer, Ablaze and uses her to Special Summon Jason’s Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Graveyard before using Hiita and Snake-Eye Ash to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames and using her effect to Special Summon his own Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Graveyard. Christopher links off Promethean Princess and the Flamberge Dragon summoned from Jason’s Graveyard to Link Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix and immediately using it to Link Summon Worldsea Dragon Zealantis. He activates Zealantis’ effect to banish all monsters and then Special Summoning them all back; with Jason’s monsters in face-up Attack Position. This triggers’s the Graveyard effect of Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames to destroy Christopher’s Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon and Jason’s Nibiru, the Primal Being and Special Summon herself. Next Christopher will trigger the effect of his Salamangreat Raging Phoenix in the Graveyard to Special Summon itself, but Jason stops it with Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion. In the Battle Phase, Christopher will attack over Snake-Eye Poplar with his Promethean Princess, with Poplar then able to place Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon into Jason’s Spell/Trap Zone. Christopher will use Worldsea Dragon Zealantis effect to destroy the Flamberge Dragon as well as Jason’s Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye before using it to attack over Snake-Eye Oak. Christopher ends his turn.

Jason draws Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill. He Normal Summons Snake-Eye Ash, using its effect to search Snake-Eye Poplar which then Special Summons itself before being used to Link Summon Linkuriboh as well as placing Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon into Jason’s Spell/Trap Zone. Linkuriboh and Snake-Eye Ash are then used to make Hiita the Fire Charmer, Ablaze and her effect is activated to Special Summon Christopher’s Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard – with both now being used to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames. Jason activates Promethean Princess’ effect to Special Summon Snake-Eye Oak from his Graveyard, which in turn Special Summons Snake-Eye Poplar from the Graveyard. He activates Snake-Eye Oak’s effect to send itself and Snake-Eye Ash to the Graveyard, but Christopher stops the effect with Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. Jason activates Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to send Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard to Special Summon Snake-Eye Ash from his Deck, which is then used to send itself and Snake-Eye Poplar to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Deck. As Jason goes to continue to play, Christopher decides to concede this game.

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Game 2

Jason will start with a hand of 2 copies of Bonfire, a Psy-Framegear Delta, Effect Veiler and WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils.

Christopher will play with 2 copies of WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring, Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye and a Summon Limit.

Christopher to start, and he’ll activate WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils in the Draw Phase to search Diabellstar the Black Witch. In the Main Phase, he activates Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye but Jason negates and destroys it with Psy-Framegear Delta. Next, Christopher Special Summons Diabellstar the Black Witch – discarding his second WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils, but Jason will use Effect Veiler to stop the on summon effect of Diabellstar. Christopher sets Summon Limit and ends his turn.

Jason draws Lullaby of Obedience. He starts his turn by activating Bonfire to search and then Normal Summon Snake-Eye Ash, which adds Snake-Eye Poplar which Special Summons itself and then adds Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. Christopher activates his Summon Limit. Jason activates Lullaby of Obedience, declaring Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and as he cannot Special Summon any more monsters, Christopher is forced to add that to Jason’s hand. Jason activates Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, placing Snake-Eye Oak from his Deck to his Spell/Trap Zone, sets a card and ends his turn.

Christopher draws Snake-Eye Ash. He Normal Summons it and activates its effect to add Snake-Eye Poplar and Special Summoning it. Christopher activates the effect of Poplar to search Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye while Jason triggers his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to Special Summon Snake-Eye Oak from his Spell/Trap Zone. Christopher switches his Diabellstar the Black Witch to Attack Position and then attacks over Jason’s Snake-Eye Ash.  During the End Phase, Jason activates his set WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils to search Diabellstar the Black Witch.

Jason draws Effect Veiler. He Link Summons Knightmare Phoenix, using Snake-Eye Oak and Snake-Eye Poplar. He uses Phoenix to destroy Summon Limit by discarding Effect Veiler. He Normal Summons Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and uses it and the Knightmare Phoenix to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames, then using her effect to Special Summon Snake-Eye Oak from the Graveyard – which then Special Summons Snake-Eye Poplar from the GY. Poplar’s effect activates, searching Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye.  The Promethean Princess and Snake-Eye Oak are used to Link Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix, which is used to Link Summon Worldsea Dragon Zealantis. Jason uses its effect and opts to Special Summon all of Christopher’s monsters in face-down Defense Position. Jason then Special Summons back Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames while destroying his Poplar and Christopher’s set Diabellstar the Black Witch. Jason then attempts to Special Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix and place Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard to his Spell/Trap Zone, while Christopher will activate the Graveyard effect of the Diabellstar the Black Witch, discarding Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to Special Summon herself. Diabellstar is able to set WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils from the Deck. Next up, Jason activates Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to send Snake-Eye Ash from his Spell/Trap Zone to the Graveyard -but the effect is negated when Christopher uses Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. Jason then uses the Graveyard effect of his WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils banishing itself, placing Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye to the bottom of his Deck and draws an Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring. Moving on, Jason Link Summons Hiita the Fire Charmer Ablaze, using Worldsea Dragon Zealantis and Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames. Jason Special Summons Diabellstar the Black Witch, discarding Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring and setting a WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils. Hiita will Special Summon an Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring from Christopher’s Graveyard and then both are used to Link Summon Selene, Queen of the Master Magicians which Special Summons back Effect Veiler from Jason’s graveyard. Selene and Effect Veiler are used to Link Summon Accesscode Talker, targeting the Selene used as material to give itself 3000 ATK.  Christopher concedes and Jason will be moving on to play the finals of YCS Sydney 2024.

Finals

We have finally made it to the Finals of YCS Sydney 2024! It will be a Snake-Eye vs Snake-Eye mirror match, with Jason from Melbourne, Victoria on one side against Kamal Crooks-Valdez from Miami, Florida on the other side.

Will Jason be able to claim the trophy for Australia? Or will Kamal collect another trophy to his name, not long after his most recent win?

It’s Time to Duel!

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Game 1

Jason has a hand of One for One, Triple Tactics Talent, Crossout Designator, Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill and Diabellstar the Black Witch.

Kamal will play with a Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill, Jet Synchron, Snake-Eye Ash, Snake-Eye Poplar and Triple Tactics Talent.

Kamal starts with a sequence of plays we have witnessed many times throughout the weekend. He Normal Summons Snake-Eye Ash to search Snake-Eye Poplar, which Special Summons itself and then searches Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye. He activates the Divine Temple to place Snake-Eye Oak into his Spell/Trap Zone, but immediately sends it and Snake-Eye Ash with Ash’s effect to Special Summon Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Deck. Flamberge Dragon and Poplar are used to Link Summon I:P Masquerena. Flamberge Dragon activates in the Graveyard to Special Summon back Snake-Eye Oak and Snake Eye Ash, while Poplar activates to place the Flamberge Dragon into the Spell/Trap Zone. Snake-Eye Oak then Special Summons Snake-Eye Poplar, which is immediately used to Link Summon Linkuriboh. Kamal then Link Summons Apollousa, Bow of the Goddess using I:P Masquerena, Snake-Eye Ash and Linkuriboh. Snake-Eye Oak sends itself and Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Special Summon a second copy of Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from the Deck. Kamal uses Flamberge Dragon’s effect to place I:P Masquerena from his Graveyard to his Spell/Trap Zone before ending his turn.

Jason draws a WANTED: Seeker of Sinful Spoils and will activate it in the Draw Phase to search Diabellstar the Black Witch. In the Main Phase, he discards a Diabellstar the Black Witch to Special Summon the other copy – but Kamal negates the on summon effect with Apollousa. Kamal then uses his Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon’s effect to Special Summon the I:P Masquerena from his Spell/Trap Zone and immediately uses the effect of the I:P Masqeuerena to send itself and Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Link Summon S:P Little Knight. Little Knight banishes Jason’s Diabellstar, while Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon Special Summons back Snake-Eye Poplar and Snake-Eye Oak to Kamal’s Field. The Poplar then searches Original Sinful Spoils – Snake-Eye while Oak adds Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard to Kamal’s hand. Jason proceeds to activate Triple Tactics Talent to take control of the S:P Little Knight. Next, he activates One for One – discarding Ghost Mourner & Moonlight Chill to Special Summon Snake-Eye Ash. Kamal attempts to use Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill but Jason activates Crossout Designator banishing a copy of his own Ghost Mourner & Moonlit Chill from his Deck to negate the effects of all cards with the same name, including the one Kamal just activated. At resolution, Jason continues the sequence of searching Snake-Eye Poplar, Special Summoning Poplar, searching Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, activating it and placing Snake-Eye Oak from the Deck to the Spell/Trap Zone. Snake-Eye Ash then sends itself and the Snake-Eye Oak to the GY – which Kamal attempts to negate with Apollousa, Bow of the Goddess, but Jason will respond using S:P Little Knight to banish his Snake-Eye Poplar and Kamal’s Apollousa. The Snake-Eye Ash resolves and Special Summons a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from Jason’s Deck and uses its effect to place Kamal’s I:P Masquerena from the Graveyard to Kamal’s Spell/Trap Zone. Flamberge Dragon and S:P Little Knight are used to Link Summon Hiita the Fire Charmer, Ablaze. Flamberge Dragon activates to Special Summon back Snake-Eye Oak and Snake-Eye Ash from the Graveyard, and Oak Special Summoning back the Poplar he banished earlier. Hiita activates its effect, targeting Kamal’s Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon to Special Summon it; but it doesn’t stay long as the two monsters are immediately used to Link Summon Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames. Jason uses the Promethean Princess’ effect, this time summoning his own Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon from his Graveyard. Promethean Princess and Snake-Eye Poplar are used to Link Summon Salamangreat Raging Phoenix, with Poplar placing Hiita the Fire Charmer, Ablaze into his Spell/Trap Zone. Salamangreat Raging Phoenix is used to Link Summon Worldsea Dragon Zealantis. Jason activates Zealantis effect and opts to Special Summon Kamal’s Snake-Eye Oak and Snake-Eye Poplar in Attack Position.  This now triggers Promethean Princess effect in the Graveyard to destroy Jason’s Snake-Eye Oak and Kamal’s Snake-Eye Poplar, then Special Summoning herself. As a FIRE monster was destroyed on Jason’s field, he can now trigger his Salamangreat Raging Phoenix effect in the Graveyard to Special Summon itself, while Kamal activates his Poplar to place itself into his Spell/Trap Zone. Kamal triggers his Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye to Special Summon Snake-Eye Poplar. During the Battle Phase, Jason activates the second effect of Worldsea Dragon Zealantis to destroy Kamal’s Snake-Eye Oak and Snake-Eye Poplar.

Jason’s Worldsea Dragon Zealanatis, Promethean Princess, Bestower of Flames and Salamangreat Raging Phoenix are more than enough to inflict 8000 points of damage so Jason will be up one game in the Finals.

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Game 2

Kamal has a hand of 2 copies of Effect Veiler, 2 copies of Triple Tactics Talent and a Snake-Eye Flamberge Dragon.

Jason has a hand of Triple Tactics Talent, Divine Temple of the Snake-Eye, Effect Veiler, Bonfire and Snake-Eye Ash.

Kamal starts – but with no cards to play, he ends his turn.

Jason draws Diabellstar the Black Witch. He starts with a Normal Summon Snake-Eye Ash but is met with an Effect Veiler. Jason activates Triple Tactics Talent to look at Kamal’s hand and shuffle back the second copy of Effect Veiler into the Deck. Jason moves on to activate Snake-Eye Poplar – and with the knowledge that Kamal has no way to interrupt his plays, effortlessly performs his Snake-Eye strategy sequences. Kamal looks around the audience to his friends, knowing what’s about to happen – before extending the handshake.

Jason Huang is the YCS Sydney 2024 Champion – taking out the competition with his Snake-Eye Deck.

Summary

After two days of Dueling, we have come to the end and crowned our 2024 YCS Sydney Champion.

917 players attended the Main Event, but only one player could walk away as champion.

In first place we have Jason Huang, a player from Melbourne who took out the tournament with his Snake-Eye Deck. Even when faced off against a field of 3 overseas players, he was able to keep the trophy in Australia.

In second place, we have accomplished Florida player Kamal Crooks-Valdez who was also playing a Snake-Eye Deck.

In third, just coming off the back of a YCS win two weeks prior, is Christopher LeBlanc – being the sole Fire King Snake-Eye player in the Top 4.

And finally, we have Cristian Urena coming in fourth with Snake-Eye.




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Coverage provided courtesy of Yaowei Zhang.

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