Yang! Zing! - A Guide (July 16th 2015)

[Sir Yamiegg]

 

Debuting in Duelist Alliance and receiving more support in The New Challengers and more still in Crossed Souls, these cards are the only solely Synchro-based archetype to be released in the Zexal Era, and the first of the new Wyrm-Type. Buuut this is probably only because they would be too heavily supported as Dragons.
 
The archetype's goal is to Summon different things from the Deck to get the right setup to Synchro into powerful bosses and other generic Synchros. They all float, which is amazing - every Main Deck Yang Zing Special Summons another from the Deck upon its destruction, making them heavily resistant to most removal, especially since field-wipers like Mirror Force, Torrential Tribute, Dark Hole and Raigeki have made a comeback in 2015. Each of the Main Deck non-Tuners have the ability to Synchro during your opponent's turn, making a well-timed Trishula, Baxia, Black Rose (Moonlight) Dragon, Herald of the Arc Light or even Nothung deadly.
 
They suffer from slowness, however, since they have to be destroyed before you have the right setup for power plays. Jiaotu, Darkness of the Yang Zing, from The New Challengers, has helped speed the process up by trading two Yang Zings from the hand for two from the Deck, and many cards can be played to forcibly trigger the Summon effects of your Yangs, so the Deck is faster than most people think with the right build.
 
Without further ado, the monsters!
 
MAIN DECK

[spoiler='Non-Tuner Effect Monsters']
 
[spoiler='Bixi, Water if the Yang Zing']
Bixi is the main monster used to protect your Synchros and dodge your own Skill Drain - which is a very potent card in Yang Zings due to the fact that it shuts down so many Decks and is hardly detrimental to the Deck. Its Level 2 is not the best however and in this format, where the dominant Deck plays little to no Traps - cough cough Nekroz - it does not shine. Overall however, it is a key card to make your pushes go through and is especially necessary in builds running Skill Drain. Its DEF means that it's likely to survive turn 1 against not-Nekroz/Qli and Tellars have to go into the Extra Deck to even run it over (or Rigel, but still).
 

Run 2-3 ( I run 3 because I'm actually facing a lot of Traps these days)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Pulao, Wind of the Yang Zing']
Unfortunately, the worst Yang Zing. Level 1 is horrible for Synchro plays in most builds of the Deck and its Spell-shielding effect is not that relevant this format, though like Bixi it offers powerful blanket protection. Its ass isn't on Bixi/Jiatou level either, sitting only at 1800. It's important in the more casual Level Eater build but otherwise not so much otherwise.

Run 0-2 (personally have never needed it in the competitive build)[/spoiler]

 
[spoiler='Bi'an, Earth of the Yang Zing']
This card is much-debated and often criticised, but I love it. Level 3 isn't too nice for the conventional Synchro plays of the Deck, and due to the high ATK/DEF of most of the Synchros you will be putting out there its battle-protection effect is hardly relevant. HOWEVER in one niche but actually very important situation, Bi'an is love and Bi'an is life. This situation is when you tune it with Chiwen to make Herald of the Arc Light, a monster which will be covered later on in the guide. Just you wait. 
 

Run 2 now Herald of the Arc Light is out [/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Suanni,Fire of the Yang Zing']
Lovely, lovely card. 1900 upon demand is nothing to scoff at and its 500 boost is more important than might initially be thought. Level 4 is a great Level for Synchro plays as well. Can't complain about this one.

Run 2-3 (I like 3)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Taotie, Shadow of the Yang Zing']

Aah, Taotie. 2200 is really nice but drawing it sucks. Its Level 5 is a necessity for the Deck, but it can clog easily.

Run 1 [/spoiler]

[/spoiler]

 
[spoiler='Tuner Monsters']
 
[spoiler='Chiwen, Light of the Yang Zing']

The original and best. No, not the best - Jiaotu has since taken that position due to being a higher Level with a speed-enhancing effect - but still a good card and necessary for the Deck to function. Its Graveyard-Summon ability can help out in a pinch and is also a key component in Summoning Herald of the Arc Light. This effect also makes it the best card to discard for Jiaotu's Summoning ability. Note also that it's the only Yang Zing that doesn't decide the poistion of the monster it Summons for you, making it more versatile in that way.

Run 3[/spoiler]

 
[spoiler='Jiaotu, Darkness of the Yang Zing']

It pitches 2 to Summon 2. That's amazing in this Deck, partially making up for a severe lack of speed. Level 2 is great when you're a Yang Zing Tuner because it helps to set up one of the most heavily protected Baxias you'll find - this + Bixi + Suanni - and goes into Yazi with just a Taotie. A 2k booty is good too.

Run 3, no exceptions.[/spoiler]

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Pendulum Monsters']

 

[spoiler='Zefraniu, Secret of the Yang Zing']

This is the better of the two Pendulum monsters, but its effect will rarely be used in Pure. It only really happens in Zefra Yang Zings, where this thing is the centrepiece of the Deck. In Pure it is still advisable to run because it's the only Level 6 we gots, and you'll probably find that it warrants inclusion, especially for Ignister (against Kozmo) Chaofeng and Trishula.

 

Run 1 in Pure and 3 in Zefra Yang Zing

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Zefraxi, Treasure of the Yang Zing']

The worse of the 2 Pendulums. If we didn't have Bi'an this would be worth a spot in Pure, but as it is, nope. Its effect isn't even that useful outside of Zefra, and that's the build of the Deck without the Effect Yang Zings.

 

Run 0 in Pure and 3 in Zefra Yang Zing

[/spoiler]

[/spoiler]

 
[spoiler='Yang Zing Spells and Traps']
[spoiler='Yang Zing Prana']
Cool name, don't run it.
The effects are impractical and unnecessary; that last run would be really nice, but we run a healthy backrow most of the time and 5 Attributes are hard to get in the Grave.
 

Run 0 (1 if you want to be non-competitive)[/spoiler]

 
[spoiler='Yang Zing Path']

Ah yes, our Pot of Avarice. Since Yangs float so hard and it's easy to simply crash, get the right setup for this.It can clog early-game; personally, I have never found it to do so, but some people are fussy. It's fine to max out on because of the speed of the meta and the need for crashing and draws.

Run 2-3[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Yang Zing Creation']
You thought we floated hard? Well we float EVEN HARDER! This card is so potent because it prodcues instant PLUSES, things which this Deck does not do straight away. More Zings=more Zingchro=more win. 

NOTE: Do not run in Zefra Zings. Why? This card's restriction which is so measly in most versions of the Deck (you can only Summon Synchros from the Extra Deck) nullifies Yangzefra's ability to Pendulum Summon.

Run 3 (0 in Yang Zing Zefra)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Yang Zing Brutality']

An interesting one. It can be used to punch over Kozmos easily but still triggers them. This also triggers your Yang Zings, but is a relatively slow way to do so. It's a tech at best and effects are more important than beaters anyway.

Run 0 (0 is advised but it could be sided at 1-2)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Yang Zing Unleashed']

This one has kewl artz but it's meh. It's meant to force your opponent to crash, but it's so easily played around and there are better, faster ways of triggering Zings. Its Quick Synchro effect isn't that useful either except maybe under Skill Drain or during the Battle Phase - but you'll mostly want to Sync before battling anyway to get rid of pesky cards with Baxia/Yazi/Trishula/etc.

 

Run 0-1 (0 is preferable)[/spoiler]

[/spoiler]

 

OUTSIDE SUPPORT

[spoiler='Non-Yang Cards to Run/Ignore']

[spoiler='Masked Chameleon']

This one used to be run a lot, back when we didn't have Jiaotu and company, and don't get me wrong, it's not that bad. It's an instant Baxia/Yazi with Bi'an and Suanni respectively but its restriction hurts it and often you'd rather have your Normal Summon for something else. It looks better on paper.

Run 0 (Maaybe you could tech 1)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Junk Synchron']

Another one that used to be run a lot. I never really understood its appeal; you can make bigger Synchro plays without this. Can work in some variants of the Deck, however (e.g. T.G. Yang Zing, but those are inherently worse anyway).
 

Run 0[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Level Eater']

You can see from the posts below that I dislike this card, as it takes away from the consistency of the most competitive builds of the Deck. Consistency is far more important than more situational explosiveness - this card wins games, but it loses them in competitive play. As Robin has noted further down, the card can make some amazing Baxia and Formula plays. Running this is not advised if you want the Deck to be the most competitive it can be, but if explosiveness is for you, this card is definitely a great option. Against the meta it's terrible, though. If you want the explosive boards that this card provides, just run Zefra Yang Zing - far more consistent and powerful than this.

Run 0 (2-3 in casual builds if you really want to)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Nefarious Archfiend Eater of the Unnecessarily Long And Complicated Name']

This card triggers Zings and helps set up but unfortunately cannot be used as a Baxia material. If it was a Wyrm it would definitely be worth running in most, if not all, builds of the Deck, but as it is it only really shines when Creation is active. This card is too slow and inconsistent to run in the competitive build of the Deck, but it can make Level Eater and Foolish shine and go into some nasty combos in a casual build; and yet, again, if you want explosiveness, run Yang Zing Zefra.

 

Run 0[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Dark Hole']

Old and golden. Amazing card, especially in today's meta where nukes are pretty good. Triggers Zings and Creation, setting up for Synchro plays and setting up the Grave for Soul Charge and Path.

 

Run/side max in Pure (currently 2); it's optional in Yang Zing Zefra, but advisable still because of monster floodgates and Pepe[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Staple Spells (Dark Hole covered above)']

Twister is important in this Deck because of the vast variety of floodgates that hurt (Macro, D-Fissure, Soul Drain, Vanity's Emptiness...) Raigeki is great for clearing Pepe boards and removing floodgates monsters and Monarchs under Domain, so at least side it. You could even skip out on it altogether, but this is not advised. Book of Moon, while it used to be a staple of the main/side, is pretty much obsolete except in the Burning Abyss matchup, and there are better counters to that Deck anyway. You could side it, I suppose...

 

Run/side max.[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Supply Squad']

Looks great, right? Triggers when Zings float, lots of pluses off that... but it can clog the backrow, especially with Creations, Traps and floodgates (e.g. Mistake/Imperial Wall/Mind Drain) that are needed much more than this card is when fighting the meta. Can still work OK, however, more so when running Level Eater and Nefarious Archfiend.

Run 0 (2 in casual if you want to)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Torrential Tribute']

Torrential is an absolute must. It has everything going for it that Dark Hole has and it's a Trap; clearing the board in the opponent's turn is definitely better than in yours.

 

Run max in Pure, (currently 1), and 0 in Yang Zing Zefra[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Jar of Avarice']

It's great for grind games, but it's a bit slow and doesn't do all that much early-game.

 

Run 0

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Skill Drain']

This card is probably the best floodgate in the game (Lose 1 Turn may hold that title since it's at 3...) but I digress. Zings do not get hurt very much by this card because all of their effects bar Jiaotu trigger in the Graveyard and the Synchros made under this card will still gain their effects if you make them with Bixi, which is very likely; about 60-70% of your plays should be made with Bixi anyway. This card also slows down opponents enough to give you more time to access Bixi.

This should be the first side out against Qlis, however, and should probably be sided/avoided in casual builds running Level Eater, because you want to loop Baxia in those builds, and the second/third Baxias will not have Bixi protection. Otherwise, in competitive builds, main the one copy you'e allowed; if you're ever allowed more, main 2-3. Run 0 in Zefra Yang Zing.

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Mistake']

Great floodgate, should be mained/sided in multiples in Pure, since it doesn't hurt you at all. Zefra Yang Zings should avoid it, since they rely heavily on search cards, but Nordic Zings should still run it even though they rely on Fetters, since it slows the meta down so much, especially Nekroz, which is necessary because everything relevant is faster than Pure/Nordics.

 

[/spoiler='Lose 1 Turn']

It may seem comparable to Skill Drain, but it's really not because of its first effect, which makes it useless outside of pretty much Turn 1. Despite this it remains an incredibly strong floodgate, and you could test it in a really Stun-based build.

[/spoiler]

 

Main/side 0-2 in Pure, 0 in Zefra Yang Zing

[/spoiler]

 
EXTRA DECK SYNCHROS
[spoiler='Zingchros (See what I did there?)']

 

[spoiler='Chaofeng, Phantom of the Yang Zing']
This is your Djinnlock - though it is distinct from aforementioned play in a couple of ways. Firstly, it is harder to set up, and secondly, if you bring this out without protection, you're mad. You often have to expend all your resources into this thing, and it gives you no immediate pay-off on its Summon, but rather just sits there being a -2. Its value, of course, is that it completely locks your opponent out in a couple of ways. Since it is an inherent -2 on the first turn it is Summoned, it's pretty safe to say that if your opponent can out your Chaofeng on the same or next turn, they will win the Duel. Don't Chaofeng unless you either put heavy protection on it, or if you think they have little chance of outing it. Be careful with your Chaofeng! Never leave your Chaofeng exposed!

 

And yet after all that, it serves a completely different purpose in Yang Zing Zefra, where it is a toolbox monster that is rarely brought out to stun the opponent but to add a big body to the board and Summon some Zings from the Deck. Its destruction is also far easier to deal with here.

Run 1 (You will never need more than 1; it's an autowin that can turn into an autolose if played without protection)[/spoiler]
 
[spoiler='Baxia, Brightness of the Yang Zing']
Teh boass. And what a magnificent sight it is to behold. Its first effect is godly, often better than Triverr, especially with protection and ESPECIALLY when used on la turn d'opponent for total wipeout. People complain - e.g. waa! it hasn't got enough ATK! - but it will be mostly 2800/3100 due to Suanni's boost, and its amazing shuffle-up effect is hard to stop. (Think Bixi's protection and the fact that you can do it on your opponent's turn). Its second effect is very relevant too, mostly for Herald of the Arc Light (I know, that card again! And you thought it would only be used to search Ritual Spells! We'll get to it in a minute).
 
Run 2 (Baxia being Baxia, you will often win just by Summoning 1 + a Herald in Pure)

Run 2-3 in Zefra Yang Zing - they're far more expendable here and you will often drop 2 or even 3 in one turn)[/spoiler]
 
[spoiler='Yazi, Evil of the Yang Zing']

The second and less relevant of the Yang Zing Synchros. There is the fact that it auto-wins the Burning Abyss match-up, though... hmm. Its blow-up effect is nice to get rid of pesky... anythingies but Baxia is still better.

Run 1 in Pure (Clear Wing is the second copy)

Run 2 in Zefra Yang Zing (important for popping itself and getting to Tuners; like Baxia, more expendable in this version)[/spoiler]

[/spoiler]

[spoiler='Recommended Synchros - Xyzs are not advised']

Synchros you DEFINITELY should run include Trishula, Ignister (if only for Kozmo), Clear Wing, Armades and Herald. Moonlight Rose Dragon should not be skipped over either, but can be ignored in Zefra Yang Zing.

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Herald of the Arc Light']
 
 

This card has its little segment only because people may doubt that he is worth including in the Deck.

Read Herald. Now read him properly and take in the whole effect. This thing is what makes Bi'an shine, Chiwen shine, and Baxia's 2nd effect shine (though Baxia is, well, already pretty shiny). It's a (reusable by Baxia) Infernity Barrier + Constellarknight Diamond which, if made with Bi'an, cannot be destroyed by battle. Easy to Summon too. Need I say more?

Run 1-2 in any variant (2 isn't needed very often but the 2nd can be clutch)[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Goyo vs Nothung']Nothung is better. Goyo's main usage is as an instant beater anyway, since often the monsters you Summon from his effect won't be of much merit, and at least the turn it's Summoned Nothung is "bigger" than Goyo due to its effect. It's also a Cowboy, and Cowboy wins games. [/spoiler]

[spoiler='Other Synchros I Like/Can Be Considered']

NOTES: If you want to run a Level 6 besides Nothung, run Psyhemuth. Formula should definitely be used in Level Eater builds, but it's pretty subpar in others; instead of the Pulao+Chiwen needed to make it, you could simply bring out another, higher Level Zing, for bigger plays. In Zefra Yang Zing, Metaphys Horus is an absolute MUST. [/spoiler]

SAMPLE BUILDS
[spoiler=' "Competitive" Yang Zing']

My build. You could also check out a number of builds that have topped - less in recent times.

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Yang Zing Zefra - July 16th List 2015']

 

I recently found out about this Deck and its potential, which is astounding. Previously I thought that Yang Zing Zefra were simply an inferior build of Yang Zing, but it's nearly a different Deck altogether, though it focuses on the same Synchros. This Deck is far more explosive and powerful than regular Zings, but it is far more vulnerable to backrow and floodgates; it cannot run or even function under Skill Drain or Mistake. Zefraniu and Baxia are key cards in this variant; often you will loop through 2-3 Baxia in a turn, and I was even running Felgrand for a while because of this. Herald of the Arc Light is even more valuable in this variant because it searches Brionac, which searches Nekrozefra cards to use as Pendulum scales or Synchro fodder with Zefraxi.

This Deck plays differently from Pure; Pure Sets its monsters and plays a grind game until it amasses enough resources to make a heavily-protected Synchro, uses Path, rinse and repeat. This Deck amasses combo pieces with Brionac, RoTA, and first and foremost Oracle, then gets off a Pendulum Summon and goes into multiple Baxias, but with little to no protection under them. Uninterrupted, it can put 5000+ damage on board and clear the opponent's field with a simple setup of Jiatou+Zefraniu+another monster to Pendulum Summon.

Creation is not such a key card here because of the Pendulums and because it prevents you from Pendulum Summoning from the Extra, but you can turn it off easily with Baxia. Royal Decree is similar; if/when you search Divine Strike, you can pop it with Baxia, but it is key against Trap-heavy Decks (BA, Tellars...) to make sure plays can happen in the first place.

With Jiaotu+fodder+Scales you can make Divine Strike+3 Baxia (2 of which you might want to turn into a Felgrand) or 2 Baxia+Herald+Divine Strike, essentially acting as double Infernity Barrier.

You can even make Nekroz of Brionac in this Deck, which is a godsend against BA, and (however rarely) Nekroz of Trishula, if you run that, though it's not recommended unless it's alongside a full Nekroz engine. But that's a different Deck for another day...

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Nordic Yang Zing']

 

This is probably the weakest of the 3 builds here because I haven't playtested it much and don't know as much about this variant as the others. Nordic Zings are more of a fun Deck - you should probably take Pure or Zefra to a competitive event, but this has the potential to win a locals or something. Anyway, the main play here is Summoning Tanngnjostr from hand off a Yang Zing destruction; it can be searched with Fetters of Fenrir chained to an attack. You can then use it to bring out Guldfaxe for easy Thors, a Towers out and great when heavily protected. It also makes Trishula faster than other builds.

[/spoiler]

 

[spoiler='Things you should know when playing this Deck']

1) THEY MISS TIMING.

FUFUFUFU

Unlike everything else in DUEA, these have "when" effects and not "if" effects... why Konami?? This makes them far easier for an experienced player (or just a Volcanic player) to play around. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read Zaziuma's excellent gameplay and rulings guide. Fortunately you can still trigger multiple Zings off of 1 destruction card.

2) This may seem kinda obvious, but you're playing with fire when you Summon Chaofeng or use Jiaotu's effect. Make sure that these things will go through!

3) Use common sense - remember that you can Synchro during your opponent's turn, trigger Creation as much as possible, remember that you have a multitude of options and don't throw Synchros out there like it's Quickdraw or something! Often, recovering from a lost big Synchro is hard. This deck is naturally slow and patient, and so must you be. It is a combo Deck, and thrives in complicated gamestates where both players have a lot of monsters. Equally, though, with a big Synchro out, you can survive of of that one monster. [/spoiler]

 
 - yamiegg

[Spinny]

Some things aren't too clear like 1-3 bi'an which is based on whether you like the card, should be made a bit more clear IMO.
Other than that, I'm no yang zing expert bearing in mind, I think it looks solid.

[Blake]

Why the hell would you reccomend not running Pulao with your sample build? It's always been good for Level Eater/Formula plays, it's better than ever with Chaofeng .-.

 

Same for Taotie. These aren't player preference, they're just good cards.

 

It's a definite 1-of.

 

Why would you nto go over Chaofeng, Unfairness of the Yang Zing? And why would you run mist wurm at all? ._.

 

Both of the sample decklists look just... bad. The EDs are suboptimal, the monster ratios are wrong, and so forth. And the second build is running TG Hyper Librarian...

 

I mean, really, neither build is running BoM or Raigeki, and the latter isn't even running Dark Hole which is an automatic "max this out" card for YZ.

 

Anyone who thinks Goyo is better than Nothung is stuck in nostalgia.

 

You mention Synchros to be run, but you don't make sure to emphasise Armades or Clear Wing?

 

This just doesn't feel right at all. I'm not mater of the deck, but I've definitely abbled and collabberated with dem, and this just does not look right at all.

[Sir Yamiegg]

Why the hell would you reccomend not running Pulao with your sample build? It's always been good for Level Eater/Formula plays, it's better than ever with Chaofeng .-. 

RANT

Level Eater and Formula plays do not, ever, come into the Deck unless you are playing the YGO4Realmen build, which is definitely NOT the best version. Level Eater is good when it gets going, but it slows the Deck down to a snail's pace if drawn and is a pain to mill (you have to run Mathman/Foolish, take up too many slots, etc...) It was OK in the preliminary build of the Deck back when Jiaotu and company weren't around, but now? It's a fun build, but it won't perform consistently like Pure. The Deck doesn't NEED Formula either as it cannot abuse its draw effect like other Decks - the cards you draw will most likely not be immediately useful like in Plant Synchro or Quickdraw. And instead of Summoning the Chiwen + Pulao needed for Formula you could extend your play into a Baxia/Yazi/something more relevant. IF you are playing the casual build with Level Eaters and things, or a Plant variant, Formula is more relevant, but in most builds of the Deck it doesn't help to make plays at all.

 

Same for Taotie. These aren't player preference, they're just good cards.

 

It's a definite 1-of. I've met plenty of players who hate/don't run Taotie but I agree that it is a 1-of. Will update.

 

Why would you nto go over Chaofeng, Unfairness of the Yang Zing? And why would you run mist wurm at all? ._.

Chaofeng: Read the end of the OP. Haven't done the OCG cards yet, and so Mist Wurm is filler in my Deck until we get Chaofeng. 

 

Both of the sample decklists look just... bad. The EDs are suboptimal, the monster ratios are wrong, and so forth. And the second build is running TG Hyper Librarian...

On the Zefra Yang Zing build, I can't really vouch for that one. I have little experience in that area, but I couldn't find another build. And I consistently beat the Big 5 of the meta with mine; 

 

I mean, really, neither build is running BoM or Raigeki, and the latter isn't even running Dark Hole which is an automatic "max this out" card for YZ. 

Uh... I side Raigeki, run Book and side Pulao. Wut. 

 

Anyone who thinks Goyo is better than Nothung is stuck in nostalgia. True. I'll update that.

 

You mention Synchros to be run, but you don't make sure to emphasise Armades or Clear Wing? Why would I emphasise Armades or Clear Wing anyway?

They are not the key plays of the Deck. They are not the best Synchros to go into most of time time. Why would I give them special mentions? Sure, they have to be played around, but as I said the guide is not finished. 

 

This just doesn't feel right at all. I'm not mater of the deck, but I've definitely abbled and collabberated with dem, and this just does not look right at all.

[Dementuo]

"guide is not finished lol" then why did you post it in the first place

 

OKAY KIDS LISTEN UP BECAUSE DEM HAS SOME CHOICE WORDS FOR YOU ALL

 

First, let's start with the main deck monsters.

Jiaotu should ALWAYS be run at 3. No exceptions. It can pitch itself and having more copies of what is literally your only non-responsive play is never a bad thing when your limit is 3.

Pulao and Taotie should both ALWAYS be run at 1, though Pulao could POSSIBLY be run @2 but I'm of the mindset that that's a bad idea. Having level 1 and 5 synchro materials is vital to the toolboxy style o f YZ, and you'd be a fool to ignore the options they provide.

 

Then we come to the Extra Deck stuff.

Mist Wurm is awful in this format and isn't even worth running. Just wait for Chaofeng to have a level 9, or play Giganticastle if you must.

Black is right in saying you should give credit to Armades and Clear Wing, as they are by far two of the most important Synchros that you can make. No, you will NOT always make Yazi and it IS important to go over what your other options are if you're making a guide, seeing as trying the strategy of "throw yazis at it till it dies" does not work on most things.

Your extra deck choices in BOTH decklists are suboptimal at best. In the first one, HRDA is winmoar, Thought Ruler is overall less important than other Synchros like Stardust Spark, and running 2 Herald of Arc is unnecessary. In the second one, you're running even worse cards, like Beelzeus (completely winmoar and otherwise pointless) and the floating castle (which will almost never see use), not to mention completely pointless cards like Librarian (too slow to be of real use) and the original RDA (never worth it). You have plenty of level 8s to choose from that are better than either RDA or Thought Ruler, and if you want a level 10, you play Leo. Level 5s should be limited to Armades and Samsara, and POSSIBLY Catastor as the meta changes. Chaofeng should be the ONLY level 9 that you play, as level 9 is a rarity in YZ when you aren't specifically trying for it, and any combination you have to make level 9 will also be capable of making at least a level 5 or 6, if not a 7 or 8.

I would also like to make note that while Level Eater is not as good as it once was, it is still very much worth maining and is definitely not a hassle to pull off in most cases. And as a final note, I'll remind you that Formula does fit into YZ quite well and does actually hit the board more than one might think.

[Blake]

Make Baxia

Revive Level Eater (Baxia: 8 -> 7)

Sack eater wiyh Baxia, revive Chiwen

Revive Eater (Baia: 7 -> 6)

Eater + Chiwen = Formula

Draw 1

 

So now, you either immediately baxia for another spin/more abuse, or a quickplay spin later. That's abuse. And the fact you think Formula isn't worth it unless you can "abuse the draw" is plain wrong. Formula's still a generic draw.

 

Thinking that chiwen + Pulao = formula isn't good just tells me you really never played formula at all.

 

And Level Eater has Foolish. Oh no, you dump Level Eater or Chiwen otherwise... and you run One for One as well. It's only really dead if you draw it T1, and it's a 1-of, so it's not that bad.

 

I know nothing about YGO4RealMen's build, and I'm insulted that you think I'm talking based on someone else's findings alone.

 

Siding Raigeki and (the only) Pulao just increases my points. You should be maining them. End-of.

 

Oh, and if you won't run Level Eater, you're supposed to run Archfiend Eater. Sure, it's slow, but it lets you explode when it does resolve. I think LE is better, but... you're writing a guide. Even if you think a choice is subpar, if it is a legitimate choice, it is your duty to cover it. Don't just leave them out, that's not helpful.

[Sir Yamiegg]

Make Baxia

Revive Level Eater (Baxia: 8 -> 7)

Sack eater wiyh Baxia, revive Chiwen

Revive Eater (Baia: 7 -> 6)

Eater + Chiwen = Formula

Draw 1

 

So now, you either immediately baxia for another spin/more abuse, or a quickplay spin later. That's abuse. And the fact you think Formula isn't worth it unless you can "abuse the draw" is plain wrong. Formula's still a generic draw.

 

Thinking that chiwen + Pulao = formula isn't good just tells me you really never played formula at all.

 

And Level Eater has Foolish. Oh no, you dump Level Eater or Chiwen otherwise... and you run One for One as well. It's only really dead if you draw it T1, and it's a 1-of, so it's not that bad.

 

I know nothing about YGO4RealMen's build, and I'm insulted that you think I'm talking based on someone else's findings alone.

 

Siding Raigeki and (the only) Pulao just increases my points. You should be maining them. End-of.

 

Oh, and if you won't run Level Eater, you're supposed to run Archfiend Eater. Sure, it's slow, but it lets you explode when it does resolve. I think LE is better, but... you're writing a guide. Even if you think a choice is subpar, if it is a legitimate choice, it is your duty to cover it. Don't just leave them out, that's not helpful.

I'm sorry I haven't covered Level Eater + Archfiend Eater yet. Will do so; I did not intentionally miss them out. In the beginning, I did play Level Eater and Archfiend eater + One For One and Foolish, but I cut them after a while and the Deck actually ran smoother. I'm not saying that that you can't produce some great combos with Level Eater/Archfiend Eater, since I know what those cards can do, but however much you attack me for not maining either the fact is that they don't make the most competitive build there is, which is what I am trying to do with my Deck. And why should I main Raigeki/Pulao? Spell protection is not that important now, Level 1 is bad for the important Synchro plays, and I run 2 Dark Hole anyway... Raigeki mained is overkill. Have you tried running Zings with no Level Eater of Archfiend? I assure you they do NOT help the Deck compete and that is the goal of my build.

[Sir Yamiegg]

"guide is not finished lol" then why did you post it in the first place

 

OKAY KIDS LISTEN UP BECAUSE DEM HAS SOME CHOICE WORDS FOR YOU ALL

 

First, let's start with the main deck monsters.

Jiaotu should ALWAYS be run at 3. No exceptions. It can pitch itself and having more copies of what is literally your only non-responsive play is never a bad thing when your limit is 3.

Pulao and Taotie should both ALWAYS be run at 1, though Pulao could POSSIBLY be run @2 but I'm of the mindset that that's a bad idea. Having level 1 and 5 synchro materials is vital to the toolboxy style o f YZ, and you'd be a fool to ignore the options they provide.

 

Then we come to the Extra Deck stuff.

Mist Wurm is awful in this format and isn't even worth running. Just wait for Chaofeng to have a level 9, or play Giganticastle if you must.

Black is right in saying you should give credit to Armades and Clear Wing, as they are by far two of the most important Synchros that you can make. No, you will NOT always make Yazi and it IS important to go over what your other options are if you're making a guide, seeing as trying the strategy of "throw yazis at it till it dies" does not work on most things.

Your extra deck choices in BOTH decklists are suboptimal at best. In the first one, HRDA is winmoar, Thought Ruler is overall less important than other Synchros like Stardust Spark, and running 2 Herald of Arc is unnecessary. In the second one, you're running even worse cards, like Beelzeus (completely winmoar and otherwise pointless) and the floating castle (which will almost never see use), not to mention completely pointless cards like Librarian (too slow to be of real use) and the original RDA (never worth it). You have plenty of level 8s to choose from that are better than either RDA or Thought Ruler, and if you want a level 10, you play Leo. Level 5s should be limited to Armades and Samsara, and POSSIBLY Catastor as the meta changes. Chaofeng should be the ONLY level 9 that you play, as level 9 is a rarity in YZ when you aren't specifically trying for it, and any combination you have to make level 9 will also be capable of making at least a level 5 or 6, if not a 7 or 8.

I would also like to make note that while Level Eater is not as good as it once was, it is still very much worth maining and is definitely not a hassle to pull off in most cases. And as a final note, I'll remind you that Formula does fit into YZ quite well and does actually hit the board more than one might think.

"guide is not finished lol" then why did you post it in the first place

 

Because I didn't have the time at the time to clear enough space to save it anywhere.

 

I agree that Jiao is a 3-of, just seen many playing it @2 in non-Pure. Will update. Giganticastle is even worse than Wurm; at least Wurm helps against BA and Shaddolls, and as you said Yang Zing is a toolbox Deck - 1 Level 9, however inferior to other Synchros, is better than no Level 9. I will test Pulao and Formula again. 2 Herald is NOT overkill at all; most of my Soul Charge plays or Dark Hole + Creation plays involve both of them - often on subsequent turns, but that's besides the point. HRDA won me quite a few games in the past by simply attacking for 3000 after clearing a field, but that hasn't happened in a while so I'll drop it for a Stardust Spark or Formula. The Yangzefra build is not mine, but it is the best one I could find. I will remove it and do some testing on my own to try and formulate something for that. If anyone has a suggested build for Yangzefra that will be put up; I'm not much acquainted with that variant. 

[Dementuo]

how can your computer not handle saving a single word document

[Sir Yamiegg]

Guide is nearly finished. I would appreciate a good Zefra-Zing build to post in the Sample Decks section. Anything I missed?