Introduction to Goat Format Power Cards: Part 1

Something that makes the Yu-Gi-Oh! Goat Format unique is its diverse array of powerful cards that are limited to one per deck. On the surface, this might seem unappealing. Is it the case that whoever gets luckier and draws more power cards wins? It turns out that this is rarely the case. Like in poker, having good cards helps, but it’s more about how you use them. Knowing how to use power cards is a key step to transitioning from a beginner into a more knowledgeable Goat Format player.

​The purpose of this article is to introduce you to some of the power cards in the format, show you how to use them properly, and also show you how to play around your opponent’s power cards. In part 1 of this series, we’re going to introduce you to six of the most powerful and game-changing cards in the format: Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning, Morphing Jar, Heavy Storm, Snatch Steal, Mirror Force, and Torrential Tribute. These aren’t the only power cards in the format, however. We’ll cover some more in the next installment of the series.

Goat Format Power Card #1: Black Luster Soldier

Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning is so powerful that some would argue that it’s the best card in the entire Goat Format. Decks that aren’t considered “chaos” will usually make sure to throw in a few lights and darks just to play it. Why? It has two effects, both of which are potentially game-winning. With Black Luster Soldier, you should be looking to use it to win the game first and foremost. It can double-attack over nearly any monster in the format (but watch out for D.D. Warrior Lady) and be used in combination with Ring of Destruction to deal an additional 3000 damage. You can even summon it, use its effect to banish a monster, Metamorphosis it for Gatling Dragon, and then use Premature Burial or Call of the Haunted to bring it back and attack for game. Otherwise, if your opponent has a problematic monster that you can’t deal with, using it to just banish that monster is fine as well, especially if you can protect your Black Luster Soldier with a Book of Moon. Black Luster’s Soldier’s 3000 attack can also be its greatest weakness. If your opponent controls a Black Luster Soldier, try to take control of it with a Snatch Steal or Thousand-Eyes Restrict and start beating them down. Otherwise, try to banish it with a D.D. Warrior Lady, your own chaos monster, or a Tsukuyomi+Nobleman of Crossout combo. You want to make sure its gone for good. ​

Goat Format Power Card #2: Morphing Jar

Morphing Jar is a very difficult card to play and play around. In fact, a whole article could be written on just it alone. It’s one of the most swingy cards in the format; Morphing Jar is the kind of card that can win or lose a game all by itself. There are a few tricks for mitigating its damage. The best kind of Morphing Jar is one your opponent doesn’t expect. Don’t set a bunch of spells/traps at once and then set a Morphing Jar; that’s usually too obvious to work. Instead, try setting them over the course of many turns so that you don’t arouse your opponent’s suspicions. One cool trick is that you can set Morphing Jar alongside a Dust Tornado, and then when your opponent attacks into it, activate Dust Tornado, destroy a spell/trap, and then use its second effect to set a card from your hand so that you don’t lose it to Morphing Jar. The best way to play around Morphing Jar is to always keep it in the back of your mind. Do you have way more cards in hand than your opponent? Maybe set one or two or them before you attack into your opponent’s facedown monster; better to be safe than sorry. If your opponent does manage get off a really good Morphing Jar, don’t panic! You can often simply use it against them by flipping it down with Book of Moon or Tsukuyomi and attacking into it. You can set your whole hand first, draw a new 5 cards, and tip the scales back in your favor. ​