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Deck Profile – Augustin Herrera’s Volcanic Cat
For weeks now, there hasn’t been a ton of variation between builds of Synchro Cat. I think the biggest debate that’s gone on is the discussion of “Gravekeeper’s Spy” versus “Gravekeeper’s Guard,” and how many copies of each people should run. Sure, there’ve been little changes like “Mystic Tomato,” or an extra “Mind Control,” or a “Cold Wave” here or there… it’s important stuff, but it’s not exactly a massive, awe-inspiring variation, is it?
Well get ready, because Augustin Herrera is ready to turn the Synchro Cat archetype on its ear. Take a peek!
| Monsters | Spells | Traps | Side Deck | Extra Deck |
3 Volcanic Rocket |
2 Pot of Avarice |
3 Solemn Judgment |
This Deck packs three copies of Volcanic Rocket! “Rocket gets me a free Spell card – Monk food,” explained Herrera. “It’s a 1900 beatstick that could run over any Blackwing except Sirocco, and it’s big enough to bring down any Gladiator Beast.” Herrera has recognized that 1900 ATK is a ways above the range of the expected cards here this weekend, making it a dominating force when it hits the field. “It’s also a free monster to Synchro Summon with.” Since “Volcanic Rocket” is a Level 4, Herrera can nab a free “Blaze Accelerator” with it to score a free card, run over a monster to get even further ahead, and then Synchro Summon “Dark Strike Fighter” via “X-Saber Airbellum” or Blackwing – Gale.
Aside from using it as discard fodder for “Summoner Monk,” Herrera’s one copy of “Blaze Accelerator” (remember, the Rocket can bring Accelerator back from the Graveyard as well as searching it from the Deck) can also be used with his one copy of “Wild Fire,” a field-clearing trick that can punish anyone looking to clear the field with “Arcanite Magician.” To someone expecting it, “Wild Fire” is going to be relatively easy to see coming – Herrera has to activate “Blaze Accelerator” before he can play “Wild Fire.” But let’s be honest: most people here don’t even remember that “Wild Fire” exists, and they’ll have little idea what’s going on (at least until Day 2). Herrera’s going to catch a ton of people unaware as a result. If an opponent does know about “Wild Fire,” he’s still in a good position – he’ll be able to bluff by activating Accelerator and discouraging over-extensions. “It’s definitely unexpected,” remarked Herrera.
“I run double “Mystic Tomato” to search for “Summoner Monk” faster. Triple “Cold Wave” baits out “Solemn Judgment.”” It’s a good plan: Herrera can force out those early Solemns, and then use that freedom to take advantage of his fast access to “Summoner Monk.” “Enemy Controller” techs against those early game copies of Gorz that might shut Herrera down otherwise, giving him control of the big hitter while moving it out of the way.
But of course, for all this innovation the question of Spy versus Guard still applied. “I preferred Guard over the Spies, just because when I tested the Deck I often drew two Spy at once. Also, Guard can stop OTK’s and it’s good to tribute for Crush Card Virus.” A pair of “Threatening Roars” also help guard against OTK’s. “If my opponent doesn’t bait out Roar before they over-extend I can capitalize next turn.” Solemns fill their normal role, providing defense as well as another piece of an OTK setup.
The rest of the Deck is “pretty much standard” in Herrera’s own words. “Rescue Cats,” “Neo-Spacian Dark Panthers,” a single copy of “Blackwing – Gale the Whirlwind” – pretty average stuff. He’s only running two “Mind Controls” and two “Pots of Avarice,” a popular trend this weekend as Duelists have come to fear the chance that they might draw multiple copies of Pot in their opening hand if they play three. That’s often an auto-loss as it means a third of your hand is dead in the early game, something no one can afford in an environment where everyone has had adequate time to learn their Decks and practice tight play.
