How to Play

A single game is called a "Duel," and a Duel ends when one player wins or the game ends in a draw. In the playoffs, Duels are played in sets of 3 called a "Match," and the winner of best 2-out-of-3 wins the Match.

Each player starts a Duel with 8000 Life Points. You win a Duel if: you reduce your opponent's Life Points to 0; if your opponent is unable to draw a card; or if a card's special effect says you win. If a player wins during a Chain, resolve the Chain and any triggered effects that may start new Chains. If you and your opponent both win at the same time (including during the same Chain), the Duel is declared a DRAW.

Before starting a Duel, follow these 4 steps. Also, make sure you have all your extra items that your Deck might need, like a coin or counters.

1. After greeting your opponent, shuffle your Deck thoroughly. Then you may cut your opponent's Deck (be careful when touching your opponent's cards).
   
   
2. After cutting, place the Decks face-down in the proper Deck Zones on the field. If using Fusion Monster Cards, place them face-down on the Fusion Deck Zone.
   
   
3. Both players show each other that their Side Decks, if they have them, contain exactly 15 cards (the cards should be counted face-down). If you exchange cards between your Side and Main Decks, count the cards of your Side Deck for your opponent again to show that there are still 15 cards in it.
   
   
4. Play rock-paper-scissors or flip a coin. The winner decides to go first or second in the Duel. In the Playoffs, the loser of the previous Duel decides who goes first. If the previous Duel ended in a tie, determine who starts first in the next Duel with another coin toss, etc.
   
   Finally, draw 5 cards from the top of your Deck; this is your starting hand.

A Duel progresses in a series of "turns" which are divided into "phases." During a Duel, players alternate taking turns. Each player's turn normally consists of six phases.