Frequently Asked Questions
New to YugiCombos or to competitive Yu-Gi-Oh!? Here are answers to the most common questions.
What is a Yu-Gi-Oh! archetype?
An archetype is a group of cards that share a common name or theme and are designed to work together as a cohesive strategy. For example, all 'Branded' cards belong to the Branded archetype, and their effects often reference or support one another. Archetypes are the primary way modern Yu-Gi-Oh! decks are built — most competitive decks are centered on one or two archetypes supplemented by generic support cards.
What is a combo in Yu-Gi-Oh!?
A combo is a specific sequence of card activations and summons that transforms your starting hand into a powerful end board — usually a set of monsters and/or Spell/Trap cards that protect your position and threaten the opponent. Combos typically start from one or a few 'starter' cards and involve a chain of effects that summon additional monsters, search key pieces, and finish in a strong defensive or offensive state.
What is an opening hand?
Your opening hand is the initial set of cards you draw at the start of the duel — five cards on your first turn, or six if you are going second. Combos on this site are labeled with which cards are required in the opening hand to execute them. A '1-card combo' means the combo can be completed with just one specific card in hand; a '2-card combo' requires two specific cards together.
How do I read the decklist?
Each archetype page displays the Main Deck, Extra Deck, and optionally a Side Deck in a table format. Each row shows the card name and quantity (how many copies are in the deck). The Main Deck contains the cards you draw from during the duel. The Extra Deck contains Fusion, Synchro, Xyz, and Link Monsters that are summoned through specific game mechanics rather than drawn from your hand. The Side Deck is used between games in a match to swap cards in and out of your Main or Extra Deck.
What is a banlist?
The Yu-Gi-Oh! banlist (officially called the Forbidden & Limited List) is a list published by Konami that restricts certain cards in official play. Cards can be Forbidden (0 copies allowed), Limited (1 copy only), or Semi-Limited (2 copies). The banlist is updated periodically — roughly every few months — and can dramatically change which combos are viable. Each version on this site is labeled with the banlist it was built for.
How often are guides updated?
We update guides after each major banlist update and when significant new cards are released that change the archetype's optimal strategy. You can check the Version History page for each archetype to see when it was last updated and what changed between versions. If you see a guide that looks outdated, please let us know at yugicombos@gmail.com.
What does the 'end board' mean?
The end board is the state of your field after completing your combo — the cards you have in play at the end of your Main Phase 1 (before entering the Battle Phase or ending your turn). A strong end board typically includes one or more monster negations, a way to recur resources, and protection from common removal cards. Combo guides on this site show the expected end board so you know what you are aiming for when practicing.
How do I report an error in a combo guide?
If you spot an incorrect step, an outdated card, or any other issue in a guide, please email us at yugicombos@gmail.com with the archetype name and a description of the problem. We update guides as quickly as possible after receiving a report. You can also see the contact info at the bottom of each archetype page.
Can I use the interactive simulator on mobile?
Yes — the combo simulator and all archetype pages are fully responsive and work on smartphones and tablets. The field layout adjusts to smaller screens, and the combo trigger button opens a full-screen view of the interactive board. If you experience any display issues on a specific device, please let us know.
Still have a question?
Reach out at yugicombos@gmail.com and we will get back to you.