Clairvoyance and High Level Play

Many people make the mistake of playing in that robotic "auto-pilot" fashion. In fact some players get so big into that style of play that they condition their decks to a "this makes sense" kind of build rather than consciously examining the game and conditions that surround them. Many of us even make this mistake in side boarding by adding in cards that just seem to meet the needs of the situation regardless of actual synergy. Well today I'm going to speak on some of the things that help me stay on top of the opponent regardless of the strength of my hand or whats on the field. The key is knowledge.

Information and gathering information is key to success in card games and the one thing unique to Yu-Gi-Oh! is that all of the threats and disruption are laid out on board face-down. This immediately gives us information. We know automatically what cards on the board can disrupt us and how much possible negation/removal the opponent may have at his disposal. The key here is finding out what they are in order to remove or play around them correctly. Well luckily we have a few nifty cards that have been seeing both side and mainboard play recently that deserve a second look.

The first of which is my old favorite from the tomato control days Nobleman of extermination.

What makes nobleman really special is the ability to banish all copies of the trap it removed. Anyone who knows the current meta knows that virtually no traps in the average line-up are chainable so this WILL hit if it targets a trap. Secondly you get to check the opponents deck to verify which is all you really needed in the first place.

Just think of it this way your opponent has two sets and your NoE hits solemn warning, not only will you not have to worry about Warning during the rest of the duel you now get to check the deck to find out what set #2 is, along with an outline of the opponents removal suite. Making these mental notes along with observing the game can provide you with information of what cards are also in the hand, making Mind Crush a dangerous card.

The next card seeing some main board play is a particularly dangerous piece of tech.
Chain disappearance has begun to see some main board play. The functionality is similar to NoE but this one disrupts the opponent on their turn and once again lets you peer into the opponents deck to figure out whats on the board or in their hand.

Taking mental notes of these things can help you play around traps with precision as well as discern the proper time to use your precious MSTs.

Also make these checks when making plays gain more information.

Normal Summon Clear?
Synchro Summon Clear?
Direct Attack Clear?
Trap Activation Clear?
Monster Reborn Activation Clear?

If your deck poses any threat these will be occasions when the opponent will activate a trap if available. Keep in mind whats been used as well as whats remaining in the deck to determine whats on the board. I've been known by my friends to be able to call what s/t's were on the back row and now so can you.