Predictions for YCS Toronto 2011

This may be a bit early but I want my predictions out of the way before everyone else. This is the first major tournament of the format meaning that the current strongest decks of the TCG will be identified. Players will either take popular decks and attempt to top or create innovative decks and attempt to top. Anyway these are my deck predictions for this tournament. I believe these decks will see the most play and achieve the highest results:

Agents: This deck won Worlds and wasn't touched by the ban list in a negative way. 3 Hyperions and 2 Kristyas are enough to destroy most other decks. If players choose to implement Tour Guides, Sangan, Gorz, Tragoedia and BLS then the deck has more options and more destructive plays. Personally I think the chaos version of this deck will see more play simply because BLS, Gorz and Tragoedia are extremely good this format.

Lightsworn: People will play this deck because Judgment Dragon is at 3 and is therefore easier to summon. Including BLS, DAD, 2 Necro Gardnas, 2 Tragoedias, Gorz, Tour Guides and Sangan shifts the deck to a more explosive build but reduces the consistency of the deck. People will play this because of all the powerhouses the deck can summon. It is an extremely luck-based deck though.

Six Samurai: The deck wasn't hit too hard by the ban list. The deck can still summon first turn Shi En, Naturia Beast or Barkion. Gateway and United are still around to gather advantage. I believe this deck will see as much play as last format.

Frog Monarchs: Pure Frog Monarchs existed a while ago before Fishborg and Formula were implemented. I believe this deck will see some play simply because it is unaffected by 3 MST and Heavy Storm.

Tech Genus: This deck has seen some decent play in the OCG currently this format and I believe this pattern will stretch into the TCG. Oppression is banned but the rest of the deck is viable. Players can just tech in Starlight Road and Dark Bribe if they are concerned about Heavy Storm.

Gravekeepers: First turn Royal Tribute still exists and this deck is the most auto-pilot deck of them all. It will continue to see play regardless of Heavy Storm's existence.

Gladiator Beasts: This deck always (without exception) sees play at the beginning of every format. It is a good deck and at least 1 person will top with it at YCS Toronto.

Blackwings: Just re-read the explanation for Gladiator Beasts. Don't forget Icarus Attack is at 3 now.

X-Sabers: This deck wasn't negatively hit by the ban list so it will thrive. The deck has lots of searching power and explosive plays.

Machina Gadgets (Xyz): This deck is capable of swarming rank 4 Exceed monsters as well as 3 Machina Fortress. Even though MST is at 3 the deck will still be played.

Plants: This is my final deck predictions. Plants may have gotten hurt by the ban list but were not injured. The deck can still explode like mad with one Librarian, one Avarice, one Lonefire and one Debris Dragon. Plant players have to be more conservative and less reckless because of one Avarice. The deck is still a definite option.

These are my deck predictions. Personally I am unsure if I am attending because of university. However if I do attend I will play Plants, Fairies, Six Samurais or Frog Monarchs.

Mario