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An UPDATED look into Gladiator Beasts

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This article will show how to run a Gladiator Beast Deck AND how to side deck against them, as well as tips in general. This is the UPDATED version, for March 2010, Post TSHD format, from what I've played this format. :P

 

Tl;dr warning: 5,422 words, 15 pages on Word 2007, have fun ;)

 

Let’s look at a Gladiator Beast Deck, knowing what is run will help you know how to run it, and what to expect to run into.

 

The GB deck I am going to show is Rescue Glads. I personally think this is the best GB deck out there. This is because it utilizes Rescue Cat to special summon Samnite/Test Tiger, to either get Two Tags, or to get any GB effect. This helps speed up the deck, gain control, or neutralize the opponent’s field. While other versions use Thunder King Rai-oh or Gladiator Beast Respite, this version relies on “core” gladiators, as they have the highest synergy/consistency.

 

Okay, so let’s break down some of the big cards you are going to see in Gladiator Beast Decks.

 

[spoiler=Monsters][spoiler=Laquari]Laquari – He is the beat stick of the deck, 1800 before the tag, and 2100 after the tag. It being a Beast Warrior and Fire doesn’t help outside of the deck, but key to this deck. Use him to run over stuff, as that is his main job. Really good opener too. Hard to play around him, especially with all the defense you can have. [/spoiler

 

[spoiler=Test Tiger]Test Tiger – Earth, Beast Type monster, 600 attack. Not that great, but it is a Rescue Cat Target. Its ability makes it amazing in this deck though. It can be Special Summoned from the hand, if you have a GB on the field AND when you can tribute it, and send back a GB to Special Summon ANY Gladiator Beast monster from your deck. That GB monster is treated like it was Special Summoned by a GB monster. THAT’S HUGE. Allowing you to get any GB effect before the battle phase is amazing, as you will see soon.

 

 

[spoiler= Equeste]Equeste – At 1600 attack, This GB allows you to bring back ANY “Gladiator Beast” card back to your hand. Yes, you can grab a Non-Monster. Equeste can bring back War Chariot- which makes it a pivotal card in current builds (as explained later). It allows you to also bring monsters back, so you can keep up the assault if it dies, as well as feed your Heraklinos with cards to negate with.

 

 

[spoiler= Darius]Darius – At 1700 attack, Darius revives a GB when he comes out. However, this GB’s effects are negated, and when Darius is removed from the field, the GB goes back to the deck. This is important, because it gives you another body to attack and allows you to reuse GB monsters like Retiari, Bestiari (for a quick contact fuse, as well as being able to get Gyzarus again) and murmillo, after your one copy goes to the grave.

 

 

[spoiler=Rescue Cat]Rescue Cat – A huge key to the success of the deck. It gets any level 3 or lower Beast monster in the deck. The deck runs 5 targets total, 3 Test Tiger, and 2 Samnite. It speeds up the deck, by providing 2 Samnites for attacking (and thus 2 more GBs) or any GB effect you need. Making Smart Rescue Cat plays are important to playing the deck correctly, because not maximizing a game breaking card is foolish.

 

 

[spoiler=Samnite]Samnite – A new addition to the GB family. His first role in this deck is a reliable Cat target. At 1600 attack, he is a little weak, but can push for some damage. However, alongside Test Tiger (after a Cat play), he can turn into any GB that you might need. His effect is going to be hard to pull off, but is game breaking. After being Special Summoned from a Gladiator Beast, he must destroy a monster. When this happens, you can grab ANY Gladiator Beast card from your deck. Tutoring any GB card to your hand is amazing. Grabbing a Chariot is deadly, along with Bestiari (set up for Gyzarus) AND after that, you get a tag. Pretty great stuff right there. He is also Earth attribute

 

 

[spoiler=Sangan]Sangan – This Critter (ucwutididthar?) grabs 1500 or less ATK point monsters, most notably, Rescue Cat and then Test Tiger, when he hits the grave. Dark, 1000 ATK. He can also grab Bestiari, Hoplomus, or if your desperate, Murmillo or Retiari. However you will probably want to grab Rescue Cat, Bestiari, or Tiger. These three are very good to pick, because you can use them to create big plays.

 

 

[spoiler=Bestiari]Bestiari – One of the Gladiator Players most important cards. Being the Mandatory Requirement for Gyzarus (explained later), he opens the deck up for big plays. He also provides reusable S/T destruction; however, he is vulnerable to the ever popular Bottomless trap hole. I will explain later how to maximize Bestiari, in order to protect him, so Gyzarus is an option. He is a 1500 Wing Beast, and wind, which can lead to some interesting plays.

 

 

[spoiler=Hoplomus]Hoplomus – Hoplomus is the Gladiator Beast Wall. Earth, 700 ATK, Beast-Warrior. EWWW HE SOUNDS BAD. However, his saving grace is a beefy 2100 defense. After he comes out from a Gladiator Beast effect, he goes up to 2400 defense. He can help you turtle (play defensively) while you build momentum to control the field. I have forgone using him in the main deck, as the format doesn’t need him that much

 

 

[spoiler=Murmillo]Murmillo – Murmillo is the Gladiator monster killer. Water, Fish, 800 ATK. Horrible, however, when he is brought out he kills a face up monster, on either side of the field. An important tool for Gladiator Players, being able to attack into a weaker, or defense position monster, and bringing out this Aquatic friend means taking out a bigger monster. Drawing Murmillo is painful, because of the lack of sets to get free attacks, and at 800 ATK, he won’t be killing much, however, he can be put back with Gladiator Beast’s Respite, which helps immensly

 

 

[spoiler=Retiari]Retiari – Let’s look at my last monster. Water, Aqua, 1200 attack. Not much better than our friend Murmillo. When he is special summoned from the deck by a Gladiator Beast effect, he can remove any card from your opponent’s Graveyard. This card is good against most decks this format, because it controls the graveyard amazingly. Keeping cards like “Infernity Necromancer”, “infernity Beetle” and “Infernity Archfiend” out of the graveyard is crucial, as “Infernity Launcher” or “Infernity Mirage” will turn those cards into game ending damage. Removing “Treeborn Frog” against Frog Monarchs makes the deck an easy win, as they won’t have reliable tribute fodder against your stream of +1’s. Stopping “Gottom’s Emergency Call” plays also is pretty good, by reducing the targets for it. Keeps Ragigura/Faultrol/Fullhelmknight from having options to revive. Like Murmillo, it hurts to draw him.

 

 

[spoiler=Prisma]Elemental Hero Prisma – 1700 ATK Light, Warrior, Elemental Hero. All pretty good to great stuff. Warrior means RoTA target, E-Hero means Stratos Target, Light = Honestable, 1700 is decent attack. Its effect lets you drop any fusion material monster and gain their name. In this deck, that means Laquari or Bestiari, mostly. This allows it to be used for Contacts/Test Tiger plays, and helps you push out Gyzarus easy, using either itself, or with Tiger(grabbing Darius to revive Besti). Some builds play 2 or 3 with a copy of Elemental hero Stratos, however, these builds are very Gyzarus-centric, and lose out ot bottomless trap hole and Starlight road easier, and have less defensive options.

 

 

[spoiler=Thunder King Rai-oh]Thunder King Rai-oh – 1900 ATK, Thunder, Light. Very nice stats right there. With great stats with that, his effect is also amazing. “Neither player can add cards from their Deck to their hand except by drawing them. You can send this face-up card to the Graveyard to negate the Special Summon of 1 of your opponent monsters, and destroy it.” The first effect is very good against most decks, as it allows you to stop them searching with many cards. Some of the things you shut down are “Black Whirlwind”, “XX-saber Dark Soul”, and “Infernity Archfiend.” These cards are important to the top decks accessing winning cards/combos. Each card helps your opponent speed up and outpace you, however, TKR stops this. It can also negate Inherent Special summons, like Synchro Summons, Cyber dragon, DaD, and JD.

 

 

There are more tech choices for Gladiator Beasts, like Cyber Dragon, D.D. Crow, and Gorz, Emissary of Darkness. These cards are useful, but many people have many varying opinions on these cards. I personally think these cards are great, but not enough room for them. I personally use Gorz, and Crow, as they help out enough.

 

 

 

Now that you have taken a look at what the main group of monsters do, its time to take a focus on the spell and trap cards. These give you the protection/defense/offense in order to keep your effects working as well as taking away plays from your opponent.

 

[spoiler=Spells][spoiler=Book of Moon]Book of Moon – Such a great card for the Gladiator Player. It is a multipurpose card, and is both offensive and defensive in nature. It turns any monster, face down in defense. This means keeping Honest and Kalut at bay, while still killing their monster and keeping control. Stops Synchro Monsters from being played, as the tuner goes face down. Another tool is to ensure the tag. Can’t get over their monster? Bam, you got the tag now, as well as an answer. Is a GB going to get bottomless’d? Not anymore. Skill Drain keeping Bestiari a sad panda? Use this, put Bestiari facedown, and pop Skill Drain. This card will also be explained later on.

 

 

[spoiler=Gladiator Proving Grounds]Gladiator Proving Grounds – Makes any Gladiator Beast Monster card available to you. You are most likely going to grab Bestiari with this card. However, it allows you to grab anyone, so you can combo this card with an In Hand Test Tiger for tagging shenanigans, or get a GB to run over their monster and gain control that way. Saving this card is important, until you need it, or until you can solidify your game position.

 

 

[spoiler=Gladiator Beast’s Respite] Gladiator Beast’s Respite – A normal spell card that can be considered their draw engine. You return 2 Gladiator Beast Cards to your deck(you reveal them) to draw 3 cards. While this is helpful by returning stuff like Secutor, Murmillo and Retiari, the cost of having 2 other Gladiator Cards in your hand when you activate this means that it wont be played often, and can be a dead draw easily. Some people love 3 in their deck, others play 1 or none. Currently, I am testing 1 in my deck, as it helps.

 

 

[spoiler=Enemy Controller]Enemy Controller – Another multipurpose card for the GB player. This allows you to get a free tag(s) like with Book of Moon. Another trick is to tribute a Gladiator Beast to gain control of a monster after they chain Bottomless. This allows your GB to be in your grave, as well as take control of a bigger monster.

 

 

[spoiler=Heavy Storm]Heavy Storm – Kills Backrow, allowing you to make important Pre-Battle Phase plays, like contacting for Gyzarus or playing Cat. However, can be cause problems, as it can set off Starlight Road.

 

 

[spoiler=Mystical Space Typhoon]Mystical Space Typhoon – See Heavy Storm

 

 

[spoiler=Cold Wave]Cold Wave – A great card for GB users, however since X-Saber decks decks have taken off, Cold Wave has become less useful. This allows you to control the field, without worrying about cards like Bottomless Trap Hole, Torrential, etc, for two turns. This card also can do major damage against Infernities, as they can’t access their OTKs.

 

 

 

 

These spell cards are the commonly found ones. Most people are shying away from spell heavy decks with Glads, as most protection/defense comes from the TRAP line up.

 

Now onto the trap cards of the deck. Each trap helps you solidify your control, or take away answers your opponent has.

 

[spoiler=Traps][spoiler=Bottomless Trap Hole]Bottomless Trap Hole – Removes from play Monster(s) with 1500 attack or more when they are summoned. This is an important card. Keeping big monsters off the field is obviously a good thing. In other top deck match ups it’s even better. Synchros not named Stardust BAWWWW . BW players will cry after you stop them from getting their Normal Summon. X-Sabers lose some of their most powerful cards. Infernities lose either Archfiend or Grepher, both crucial parts of the deck. In the Mirror Match, this card goes “Pew Pew” against Rescue Cat Plays, and Bestiari. Hurts all around most decks.

 

 

[spoiler=Solemn Judgment]Solemn Judgment – One of the best tools a GB player can have. Stopping a game breaking card for half your life points is amazing. THIS CARD SHOULD ONLY BE USED TO STOP GAME BREAKING CARDS, and by that, I mean, if the card is going to cost you too much control or will end the game. It is really hard to describe WHEN to use Solemn, but a good GB player (or player in General) will know when to use Solemn. It’s not really something you can teach.

 

 

[spoiler=Waboku]Waboku – Great card, as it (like Book of Moon and E-Con) is an offensive and defensive tool. While its uses are limited, it provides you with easy tags, while keeping your monsters safe. Provides the player safety to a big attack, so next turn he can come back and gain momentum. Also, this can be used to protect LP if you are down. However, many have forgone using this card, as its usefulness has decreased, as most decks can shrink this cards benefit.

 

 

[spoiler=Gladiator Beast War Chariot]Gladiator Beast War Chariot –“Activate only if you control a "Gladiator Beast" monster. Negate the activation of an Effect Monster's effect, and destroy it.” Wow. Pretty amazing, no? Keeping Monster effects from ruining your fun is important. It stops all LS milling at the end phase, JD goes FFFFFUUUUU stops Honest and Kalut, stops Sirocco from making a huge BW, stops Gale from halving your monster, Bora doesn’t get trample, Other GB players don’t get their tag effects like Murmillo/Bestiari/Gyzarus. Rescue Cat cries as you deny it its cheezburgur. This makes Stardust less scary. It also can cripple the Frog Monarch matchup. Stopping them from searching Swap/Treeborn Frog with Substitoad means no easy tribute fodder. Stops stuff like LaDD from killing your advantage, stops all the monarchs, etc. Stops many key cards in X-Sabers as well, giving you a better hold of the match. It’s trickier to use against Infernities, but can wreck there as well. Very important card.

 

 

[spoiler= Mirror Force]Mirror Force – Kills attacking monsters. This is a little situational, because it’s a not a trigger effect, but still amazing. You may want to remove this, as it activates Starlight Road though. Just gotta be careful when you use this.

 

 

[spoiler=Compulsorary Evacuation Device] Compulsorary Evacuation Device – This trap helps against the format a lot. Putting back Tuners to stop Synchroing, Infernity Monsters to kill their effects, X-Sabers to stop Faultrol, Mirror Match Hate. So much usefulness. Can really hamper strategies and clear your field. An amazing answer to Stardust as well.

 

 

[spoiler=Dust Tornado]Dust Tornado – Amazing card this format. Kills Backrows and allows you to set up your field. Messes with Royal Opression, and can stop Infernity shenanigans/Black Whirlwind on their turn. You can use this card to hit cards they just set, so it kills their chainabilitly :D

 

.

 

Now let’s take a look at the Mandatory Extra Deck Participants

 

[spoiler=Extra Deck][spoiler=Gyzarus]Gyzarus – Dark, 2400, Winged Beast. All Great stuff. Gyzarus has to be fused by returning 1 Gladiator Beast Bestiari and any other Gladiator Beast to the deck. When it gets Special Summoned (no matter how it gets special summoned), you can destroy up to 2 cards. Pretty amazing, right? When it attacks or is attacked, and survives, it brings out 2 Gladiator Beasts, other than Bestiari.

 

 

[spoiler=Herakilinos]Herakalinos - Fire, 3000 Attack, Beast Warrior. Awesome sauce. Herakalinos has to be fused by returning 1 Gladiator Beast Laquari and 2 other Gladiator Beasts. His effect? You can discard one card from your hand to negate the activation of a Spell or a Trap Card. Helps lock down your opponent and controls what they can do. He, however, cannot Tag out.

 

Stuff like Stardust Dragon, Black Rose Dragon, etc will obviously go in here, in case you can take control/are given a tuner

 

 

 

 

Now, these are just some of the main cards I think are important to Gladiator Beasts. There are many techs, many different ways to play the deck. Some people use Dimensional Fissure, and some don’t. Some Main Rai-oh, others side it. You have to learn to be completely happy with your build. Getting a solid list in hand is important, as this allows you to play smarter, and understand every nuance of the deck. Although this is important for every deck, it is even more crucial as so many tech choices in GBs can really change the decks play style

 

Most of our core monsters have an effect that activates when they attacked or are attacked. This is the key to running your deck. Each monster provides us a different option, and with that option, we get a toolbox of effects to use to control. However, these monsters have to survive battle. By doing so, you create Control, Pressure, and Momentum. Another important factor to consider is “Layering.”

 

The main strength of a GB deck is the aspect of control. It doesn’t have any cool OTK tricks with Synchros or a big easy to summon Game Ender. Instead, it relies on the ability of the player to keep control and punish the opposition. The use of trap cards like “Gladiator Beast War Chariot”, “Solemn Judgment” , and “Bottomless Trap Hole” controls what the opponent can and cannot do, while the monster effects provide Pressure, and card advantage.

 

Pressure comes from your ability to control. Putting pressure on an opponent forces them to make moves in order to play out of their bad field position. To successfully control, you must apply the right amount of pressure, and then back it up with your control cards, creating advantages, be it card advantage, field position, or psychological advantage. Putting too much pressure can force both players into a bad position, however. Chariot Looping (explained later) is a great way to put pressure on your opponent. To put pressure on your opponent, your side of the field must create problems for your opponent. For example Cold Wave + Gyzarus tagging into 2 Laquari is a great pressure play. They must deal with 2 2100 attack monsters, without any S/T back up. After creating pressure, a GB player begins to build momentum.

 

Momentum to a Gladiator Player is very important. A Gladiator Player needs to be able to attack and control from there. Without Momentum, random, sporadic attacks mean that they can’t do that as well. With Momentum, you can flawlessly get anything you need. Momentum is hard to maintain, but a veteran player will be able to maximize their momentum and reduce momentum robbing plays.

 

“Layering” is something I discovered at the beginning of the March 2010 format. This helped me win more. What “Layering” is, simply put, is making the best future play, in the present. Pro Players do this all the time, by making plays that will seem random to novices, but leave themselves open to play against possible outs.

To show this, I will use a quick example:

 

I have “Gladiator Beast Laquari(1800)” on the field. I attack directly against their field of 2 backrows. Now I can tag him out for any different GB. Should I grab Bestiari to get a +1 and a card off their field? Do I grab Equeste to set up for next turn? Darius could grab another body…Retiari can remove a good card…These are the choices we must consider. While there is obviously a “best” immediate play, you must consider what other cards they might draw into. This is where layering comes into effect.

 

After you tag out, they can respond by activating their spell/traps, and on their turn. You obviously want to maximize your advantages here. You can do this by Reducing the number of playable outs to your set up OR strengthen your field position, to force certain plays to be made. Both things are needed to be considered, as they help you win games. Thinking about this, and maximizing BOTH effects will make a huge difference in this deck, and in Yu-gi-oh generally.

 

Now I will explain some important plays a GB deck can make, which is obviously needed, as they are keys to your success

 

[spoiler=Chariot Looping]Chariot Looping: This play is when you can seamlessly reuse War Chariot,

via Equeste. The Gladiator Beast Player usually has 2 or more monsters, usually one being Equeste. After the Battle Phase, they make sure to return Equeste(if it is on the field) and brings out GB, then the other GB brings out an Equeste, which returns Chariot. This greatly reduces your opponent’s ability to use Monster Effects, which puts pressure on your opponent.

 

An Example of Chariot Looping:

 

Player A has “Gladiator Beast Equeste”, “Gladiator Beast Laquari (2100)” on the field and “Gladiator Beast War Chariot” in the grave.

 

Player A attacks with both GB’s(assuming he can do it seamlessly), returning Equeste back to the deck first, bring out a “Gladatior Beast Laqauri.” Then, the other “Gladiator Beast Laquari”(the one that attacked) returns to the deck, bringing out “Gladiator Beast Equeste, returning that Chariot. This play keeps the GB’s on the field the same, yet you gain Card Advantage and pressure.

 

 

[spoiler=Cold Wave -> Gyzarus]Cold Wave -> Gyzarus: This play helps clear backrow and gain advantage. The Gladiator Beast Player activates Cold Wave, and then using Cold Wave’s protection, they summon Gyzarus to destroy the backrow. This keeps any counter moves from your opponent off the board, and gives you two GB effects after Gyzarus’ attack. You can also Destroy monster, if you fear an Honest/Kalut.

 

 

[spoiler= Darius -> Book of Moon]Darius -> Book of Moon:

 

Okay, to explain this, I will show you an example first.

 

Player A has “Gladiator Beast Equeste” in ATK position on the field, “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” in the grave, and “Book of Moon” in his/her hand.

 

Player B has “Sangan” in ATK position and “Colossal Fighter” in ATK position.

 

Player A attacks Player B’s “Sangan”, destroying it. Player B takes 600 damage.

 

Player A then returns “Gladiator Beast Equeste” to the deckm and Special Summons “Gladiator Beast Darius.”

 

“Gladiator Beast Darius’” effect activates, Targeting “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” that was in the grave. No cards were added to the chain.

“Gladiator Beast Murmillo’s” effect activates, making it Chain Link 1, and targeting Player B’s “Colossal Fighter”. Player A chains “Book of Moon” from their hand, targeting “Gladiator Beast Murmillo.” No other cards were added to the chain.

 

So, the Chain Looks like this:

 

Chain Link 1: “Gladiator Beast Murmillo’s” effect

Chain Link 2: “Book of Moon”

 

Then the chain begins to resolve, in reverse order.

 

So, “Book of Moon” resolves, putting “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” in face down DEF position. Gladiator Beast Murmillo resolves, killing “Colossal Fighter.”

 

WAIT WHAT? DARIUS NEGATES THE GLADIATOR BEAST’S EFFECT!

 

Normally, this would be the case. “Gladiator Beast Darius” however, can be manipulated. His effect that negates the Gladiator Beast Monster is a continuous targeting, as long as the monster remains face-up. You “break the link” between “Gladiator Beast Darius” and that monster with “Book of Moon.” When “Gladiator Beast Murmillo” begins to resolve, “Gladiator Beast Darius’” negating effect no longer applies to “Gladiator Beast Murmillo”, and therefore, the monster targeted Dies.

 

This would also apply to any trigger effect from Gladiator Beast Monsters(i.e. you want to grab Chariot back with a revived Equeste, or destroy a S/T with Bestiari.)

 

Gladiator Beast Darius also interacts differently with Bottomless Trap Hole.

“When your opponent activates Bottomless Trap Hole with the intent of removing Darius from play, they will be activating it in a chain to the activation of Darius' effect.

 

When these effects resolve in reverse order, Darius will be destroyed and removed from play, followed by the other monster being special summoned with it's effect negated (as long as that effect activates or is applied on the field).” Taken from this post:

http://forums.yugiohetc.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=57888&view=findpost&p=1287073

 

 

[spoiler= Book of Moon Interactions]Book of Moon -> Gyzarus/Bestiari/Murmillo

Okay, this one is important when facing a Skill Drain build. When any of the mentioned is summoned, and you want to bypass Skill Drain, chain Book of Moon to their effect, and Skill Drain won’t negate it.

 

For example:

 

Player A has “Gladiator Beast Laquari” in ATK position, and “Book of Moon” in their hand.

 

Player B has a Face Up “Skill Drain”.

 

Player A attacks with “Gladiator Beast Laquari” dealing 1800 damage to

 

Player B. Player A then returns “Gladiator Beast Laquari” to the deck(as a cost to activate the effect), bringing out “Gladiator Beast Bestiari” (targeting “Skill Drain”, and then chains “Book of Moon.”

 

The Chain is this: Effect of “Gladiator Beast Bestiari”(Chain Link 1) -> Book of Moon (Chain Link 2).

 

Thus it resolves like this: Book of Moon -> Effect of “Gladiator Beast Bestiari”.

 

Since Skill Drain only negates Face up Monster effects, it cannot negate “Gladiator Beast Bestiari’s” effect.

 

 

[spoiler=Secutor-Killer of Stardust Dragon?]Okay, so Secutor has come to be a huge MVP when taking out Stardust Dragon. Let’s take for example you have a Secutor who’s effect is activated, and your opponent has a Stardust Dragon and a Facedown defense position monster. You attack into a defense monster, and you get his effect. Now, you can bring out Murmillo and either Equeste/Darius/Retairi to the field. Putting Murmillo Chain Link 1, and the other Chain Link 2 will mean that Stardust Dragon cannot activate his effect, because the last thing on the chain was the other monster’s effect. This means good bye to Stardust Dragon.

 

 

 

So, you learned how to make a few plays, but these are some tools to help you. Now, let’s take a look at how to play AGAINST a Gladiator Beast Player. Knowing this is the first step in winning against them, but it will take Skill, a good deck choice, and a good side deck.

 

Okay, so we know how a GB player will run his deck. So how do we stop it?

 

Well, Game 1, you have to keep the monsters off the field, using cards like “Bottomless Trap Hole”, and “Torrential Tribute.” This disrupts their tagging, and their ability to use War Chariot. Doing this will keep them from controlling the field, and you will be able to push for big damage and win. Depending on your deck you are running, making a big swarm will hurt them. A Gladiator Beast Player can’t handle a big swarm, because they can’t attack over bigger monsters, they will destroy the biggest one with Murmillo, but be exposed to the rest of your swarm. If you are using X-Sabers or Infernities, swarming and putting pressure on them will easily hurt them, as well as the easy access to Stardust Dragon. However, be wary of Chariot, as they can really hurt your plays. Trunade/Cold Wave can make sure they will not be able to play that. BWs also have an easier time. Kalut, the decks natural ability to synchro easy, and have a lot of free +1s make the deck hard to combat 1-on-1 with the deck, however, be careful of the toolbox nature of Gladiator Beasts.

 

Frog Monarchs have an extremely hard match-up against this deck. Chariot and Retiari can spell quick defeat, as they will stop every out to their deck fast. You need to draw Soul Exchange Early, along with Vanity’s fiend and LaDD to shut them down. Gorz and Trago help too, along with water art’s. Quickdraw also has a touch match-up. Chariot hits this deck hard naturally, and Fluff Tokens create free tags, so be wary. Tytannial and company will be needed to employ a quick beatdown

 

Startdust Dragon is also a huge threat to GB players. At 2500 attack, this card can’t be killed by most Gladiator cards, except by Herakilinos. Getting this out early stops GB’s from using Gyzarus’ effect and Murmillo’s, however Secutor can cause trouble. Chariot can also mess up this card badly. However the anti-destruction effect and the big body makes hard work for a GB player to get over it.

Royal Oppression slows the deck down, however with the rise of Dust Tornado, this card can often be a self inflicted Ookazi against yourself. It is up to you, if you want to play it. I personally would, as it hurts many decks this format, including GBs.

 

Now let’s take a look at what you can side deck against this deck:

 

[spoiler=Side Deck Choices][spoiler=Legendary Jujitsu Master]Legendary Jujitsu Master – 1300 ATK/1800 DEF, Rock, Earth Monster. Its effect returns to the top of the deck a monster that attacks him in DEF mode. 1800 attack means that outside of a 2100 Laquari or Gyzarus, this card won’t be destroyed by battle. Its effect can still be negated by Chariot, but if you can get’s effect off once, you wall off the Gladiator Toolbox, forcing them to slow down until they get Gyzarus.

 

 

[spoiler=G.B. Hunter]G.B. Hunter – This card is overhyped. It stops cards from returning to the deck, so it stops GB’s from even activating their effects. It’s good against GB’s; however, a competent GB player will play around this card, through use of Book of Moon. Its 2000 defense is beefy; however, if a GB player has a 2100 Laquari, this card is useless.

 

 

[spoiler=Jowls of Dark Demise]Jowls of Dark Demise – This card is useful IN THE MIRROR MATCH ONLY. It steals a GB, and then allows you to tag out for your own! If they don’t attack it, then you can flip it, and use it for your Gyzarus, or to get an attack off.

 

 

[spoiler=Compulsorary Evacuation Device]Compulsorary Evacuation Device – This card returns any monster to their owner’s hand. Keeping a GB off the field keeps them from attacking. This helps you clear the field, and slows down a possible Gyzarus play. Hurts other main decks this format, as explained earlier, in its section. :P

 

 

[spoiler=Bottomless Trap Hole]Bottomless Trap Hole – Hurts so many decks, and can permantely get rid of Gyzarus(through Bestiari). If you don’t main this card, side it.

 

 

[spoiler=Mirror of Oaths]Mirror of Oaths - Although GB decks have decreased in popularity, it still hurts the special summoning capabilities of this deck, AND you get to draw a card. This card also hits RescueSynchro/SynchroCat as well. Swallow Flip is the better option, to be honest.

 

 

[spoiler=Royal Oppression]Royal Oppression - Since Gladiator Beasts special summon to work, stopping them with this trap card is deadly. Paying 800 life points to stop them is worth it, as they will have trouble making any type of offense. Beware, however, because Cold Wave will stop this and it will be destroyed(through Bestiari. Also, this card will also hurt your special summoning as well, so take note of that.

 

 

 

 

Now, games 2 and 3 use the same strategy as game 1. With the help of your side decked cards, you should be able to control the game.

 

Watch out for their side decked cards. They can side in so many different cards. Thunder King Rai-Oh is a near staple main deck, and a staple side deck card. This hurts many decks this format, as it is very powerful. Cyber Dragon can also come in against the Machina Matchup. Consecrated Light can come in, along with Rai-oh Cydra, and Honest to make for a powerful Light Stun side against BWs and Inferns. Crevice hurts Sabers, Inferns, BWs, and Frogs a lot, and can cause huge disruption.

 

So, that’s what I have to say about Gladiator Beast decks this format. I hope this UPDATED guide can help you understand GBs a little more.

 

Hope you enjoyed this, if you are looking for a build, I have my main build posted in the deck section, and I can discuss over PM/AIM/MSN it more indepth. Mainly differeent builds can be found online, and your own personal preference should influence how you build/play this deck.

 

I will appreciate any comments, questions or concerns. PM me any questions :D

 

Thanks for reading :D

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BehindTheMask Newbie

BehindTheMask

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I thought someone necrobumped this topic 'cause the info is so old and outdated.

 

Touche.

 

I mostly added a few more cards, and added a few more things to the cards I previously had. Added another play about Secutor.

 

I seriously need to play more, so I can write more about this deck.

 

lol

 

Thanks for that :)

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BehindTheMask Newbie

BehindTheMask

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Just because it's Word 2007 doesn't mean you only have access to information from before 2007.

 

:'(

 

I know, except, not much has changed in the Gladiator Beast deck that I know about.

 

I'm going to add(when I get the chance on Sunday), about Light Glads, as well as more indepth look into other builds, side decks for and against, as well as matchups. I edited this mostly after work today, so I'm tired, but thats no excuse. ONLY THE BEST FOR PIKAPERSON01"

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Great Unclean One: VK Newbie

Great Unclean One: VK

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Just because it's Word 2007 doesn't mean you only have access to information from before 2007.

 

*claps while seated in a plush armchair while drinking brandy*

 

Funny Pika.

 

Though I found this piece of info helpful.

 

I never really knew how to play Glads, this guide only helped me slightly understand it.

 

Thank you Behindthemask.

 

*takes a sip of brandy*

 

Would you two like some?

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