Do you even Mind Game?

Greetings and salutations. Recently, I've composed numerous posts regarding deck lists, Nekroz theory (which indirectly helps other decks anyway) and tournament reports. Today, I'm not going to preach about "how to play card games": Rather, I'm going to provide some insight on "how to play mind games". The ability to master mind games is a crucial aspect of becoming a better player, achieving an invite at Regionals, and more. I believe that in order to be the very best, that no one ever was, you'll have to master deck building, Yu-Gi-Oh theory and mind games.

Personally, I've started seeing more success in tournament results once I've started incorporating mind games into my matches. I'm going to list and explain some of these "mind games" I've played on my opponent, that I've proven to be successful (at least a few times). Hopefully this article will provide you with some out-of-the-box strategies to increase your overall skill in Yu-Gi-Oh!

Keep in mind that some people with certain morals might find "mind games" to be dirty, low, disrespectful, etc. In all honesty, it's none of my business. Any legitimate advantage you can utilize to outplay your opponent is something you should consider. If you want to be a winner, it doesn't hurt to have a few tricks up your sleeve. After all, Batman wouldn't be such a powerful force without his utility belt.

The Set 5 Bluff

This is usually relevant during your first turn of the game. This weekend, I lost a die roll and was forced to start first ( I believe this was my match against Yosenjus). I didn't open a playable hand, and there was really nothing productive to do. My turn consisted of setting the 5 cards in the spell/trap zone, while holding them so I didn't commit to the play. I made it look I debated setting all 5 cards, but really, I only ended up setting 2. I used my body language to help strengthen this bluff, and I really made it appear like I wanted to set all 5 cards. On my next turn, I drew a Manju, and OTKed the opponent. My opponent took the time to tell me after the match he didn't think I was playing Nekroz, and didn't think I opened multiple monsters. This forced him to make a sub-optimal play due to the "fake" knowledge I leaked.

This wasn't the first time I've demonstrated this particular performance. More often than not, this tricks the opponent into making a different play that's not the best play. The reason this is so powerful is because it's simple to capitalize on a less-than-optimal play. To the opponent, they would have no immediate reason to think they are misplaying, and then you deal the critical hit that either wins you the game, or severely dismantles their advantage. In that instance, the Manju was the icing on the cake. I had a powerful play just waiting to be unleased, but there was no point doing it first turn.

The next time you open a terrible hand, or open a hand that doesn't provide solid options at the time, give this trick a try. There's absolutely no harm in making the opponent believe you have less, or more, then what you actually have.

Bluffing in General

The concept behind this is really basic: "I'm going to set Dark Hole to attempt to trick my opponent into believing I have a trap". Sometimes this works, and sometimes it doesn't. Personally, I wouldn't rely on this trick often, but it's a neat little mind game that could force the opponent to be too cautious, and then you can take advantage of this when you flip that face-down Dark Hole on your turn.

Facial Expressions

Almost all the "pro" players in Yu-Gi-Oh have written an article, or have done something similar, indicating how powerful facial expressions are. If you draw an opening hand that is terrible, and you let loose a facial expression, that's free information for the opponent. A good player will be able to identify multiple options that their hand can provide, and sometimes, they'll make a distinctive play based on a read that their opponent let "slip out".

PRO TIP: This section isn't limited to facial expressions, as any bodily expression can reveal information, but facial expressions are the easiest to break down.

Ever since the Montreal Regional occurred where I piloted Satellarknights, I've started to adopt a permanent "I'm just really pissed off" look during game 1. I might throw in a head-shake, some sounds of complete disapproval, and occasionally slam the table (lightly enough to not make a scene, of course). The number of people that have taken the time to tell me that they believed my hand was terrible is quite astounding. As I just mentioned, those looks of anger and disapproval telegraph a terrible hand. Therefore, outplaying the opponent based on the "fake" read I supplied is a successful trick.

Of course, something like this is strongest during game 1, when the opponent doesn't know your tendencies. Game 2, I usually revert back to a somewhat-regular face, but still display a salty face (like when you go to McDonalds and eat some fries, then realize there's just way too much salt on them...). If the game goes to game 3, I'll revert back to "pissed-off Mario form", and this will force the opponent into a state of minor confusion: The opponent doesn't really know what's going on with your hand, at this point, and can no longer make any plays based on facial expressions.

Someone that's extremely skilled at facial interpretation might see through this trick, but the majority of duelists won't. This is definitely one of my favorite strategies, since it almost always provides such positive results. Don't forget, there's nothing better than setting 5 spells/traps angrily, then watching your opponent walk right into Torrential Tribute or Mirror Force (assuming they don't have Denko Sekka).

Creating Distractions

I legitimately won a Nekroz mirror match this past weekend where this trick was probably the factor that sealed the deal. My opponent was working out a play (since he had a lot of options, Nekroz typically have this advantage) and he seemed really concentrated. While he was debating his play, I just simply asked "How much time is left in the round" and my opponent told me, since he was facing the clock. Afterward, the expression on his face was priceless: It looked like I completely ruined his train of thought. Once his turn ended, I evaluated the resources he went through, and determined there were stronger plays he could've made. Obviously I took advantage of this opportunity and he ended up losing the match shortly after.

There are smaller things you can do to distract an opponent. I've found that an average player can become distracted if you ask to look through his graveyard, or ask how many cards in hand. Clearly you cannot pull out a trumpet and start making noise; that would definitely get you a game loss. However, these little distractions can prove useful if you believe your opponent can defeat you on their current turn.

Asking the Opponent to side out a card, then side the same card back in...

I don't really need to go into this one, but I'm sure you all get it... *cough* Djinn *cough*

I feel I have provided you with enough tricks to try. I do have other mind games I utilize from time-to-time to assist me in winning games. However, if I unveil all of these, I'm not really putting myself at any advantage...

When should you use Mind Games?

Honestly, I'd hardly use any mind games at my Locals. I use Locals as an opportunity to practice with my deck, and observe how I can pilot the deck to overcome an obstacle. I want my opponent to be at their strongest, so it forces me to play stronger, and mind games would only diminish this. I need Locals and playtesting to build my general knowledge that will help me at a higher-tier event.

I'm pretty sure I incorporate mind games into every match I play at a higher-tier event; the more the merrier. There's no reason why you shouldn't try to provide yourself with free advantages.

Sometimes, I'll play someone at a Regional who tries a certain mind game with me. What becomes humorous is when I copy exactly what the opponent is doing. Not only will it aggravate the opponent (and could force the opponent to make mistakes), but now the opponent knows their mind games will be less effective, thus removing their free advantages. I've done this before, and I've oddly never lost a match where this activity has taken place...

Here's the point: Knowing how to play Yu-Gi-Oh isn't enough to win at Yu-Gi-Oh, and I've learned this the hard way. You could be the best deck-builder in the entire world, but go X-3 at Regionals because you lost to a mind game, or because you don't play any mind games. After all, Yu-Gi-Oh is a game. If you are 100% serious and are aiming for perfection, utilize every advantage that's available.

Let me know your opinions on this subject, and any tricks of your own you have. Of course, thanks for reading!