March 2013 Banlist Discussion

Before I delve into the discussion, I just have a couple of quick announcements:

1. I shall resume blogging for the next little while, since my life has started to slow down a little.
2. I would like to congratulate David Tuan Bui for earning a Top 8 finish in a previous Toronto Regionals, to add to his collection of Top 8 finishes.

Now, there have been two different variations of prediction lists flying around: The "What will probably happen" list, and the "What should happen" list. My list will outline what likely will happen, since there is no point wasting breathe on what should happen...

New Forbidden Cards:

Number 16: Shock Master - If this card didn't exist, the current Wind-Up loop wouldn't be as devastating as it is. The ability to lock down any type of card, at will, is too much of an extreme. If Shock Master calls spells, and you open mostly spells, you probably lose.

New Limited Cards:

Wind-Up Magician - The current Wind-Up loop requires multiple Magicians for maximum output. Limiting Magician will render the deck playable, not overpowered.

Atlantean Dragoons - This card enables a ridiculous amount of searching, and if anything gets hit in the Mermail/Atlantean deck, it should be this card. The deck will still a solid contended with 1 Dragoon.

Machine Gearframe - Since we are getting Tinplate Goldfish in the TCG in a couple months, Konami might put Gearframe to 1, so the deck isn't completely overpowered. It's also searchable by Gear Gigant X, so it doesn't need to be at 3.

Wind-Up Factory - This is an enhanced Black Whirlwind. If Whirlwind is at 1, Factory has no business at 3.

Rekindling - This card was overpowered before the most recent wave of released Fire monsters. Now the card is insane. The deck will definitely be playable, even with this card at 1, so it should be put to 1.

One Day of Peace - This card gives alternate win condition decks too much of a fighting chance.

Call of the Haunted - This card is an additional Monster Reborn. Also, should the monster not be destroyed, the card will remain on the field to enable the use of additional cards (Mist Valley Falcon, Scrap Dragon, Magic Planter). Konami put this card to 3 for their own reasons (likely to make XYZ summons easier, and too further sell their product), but now I think it's time for this card to go back to 1.

New Semi-Limited Cards:

Blackwing - Gale the Whirlwind - This card is a fine out to many stronger monsters. This card is quite weak, and not hard to get rid of. I believe this card will likely go to 2.

Tsukuyomi - At 1, this card did nothing special recently. There is no reason it shouldn't be at 2, or 3 for that matter.

Lonefire Blossom - Even though Spore was playable at 1, Plant Synchro hardly impacted any significant tournament results. I think putting this card to 2 will give the deck a small chance to improve.

Fire Formation - Tenki - Fire Fists have been performing phenomenally in the OCG since they were released, and when YCS Miami concludes, Fire Fists will top. Konami will still want this deck playable, since it is new to the TCG. Putting Tenki to 2 will just be fine.

New Unlimited Cards:

Hieratic Seal of Convocation - Hieratics haven't put in too much work this format, simply because of REDMD being a limited card. This card at 3 won't strengthen the deck too much.

Those are my predictions as of right now. I'm sure Konami's final list will include more cards on their list than I could produce. Any discussion is welcome!