vs. Masked Heroes

Of all the matchups, Masked Heroes present a major learning curve to the Vampire play. Their signature “Mask Change, Masked Hero Anki” combo allows them to: 1) clear board efficiently 2) inflict massive amounts of LP damage, and 3) evade major spell/trap cards. As their OTK option, Mask Change has seen plays complemented by Forbidden Chalice (to negate Anki’s attacking being halved during a direct attack) and the skill, Titan Showdown.

The Artwork for Mask Change

Q: Any tips for playing against HEROs? They’re really the only matchup that consistently gives me trouble outside of Yubel. I find that a lot of HERO games come down to drawing into tech cards/backrow.

I was originally running Sealed Tombs to beat Blue-eyes/Spellbooks and the mirror but switched to Bandit, but they just OTK me anyway.

A: Because of the Masked Hero Anki threat, I chose to tech in Enemy Controller (over Hey, Trunade!) and Mirror Wall to stop them from getting off the first hit. Enemy Controller is also great against Gladiator Beasts and is generally a flexible/value-laden card that put you ahead in most matchups.

Against Masked Heroes, I never set my monsters or put them into defense position. They become targets for D. HERO Drilldark to inflict piercing damage, which is too much LP damage as most zombie-type monsters have 0 defense.

To supplement this, I always try to get my Vampire Kingdom out before I end my turn. Even if you don’t draw that sweet sweet ECon or Mirror Wall, you end up taking significantly less damage from Anki’s attacks. With a Vampire Kingdom frontline, you end up with around 2300 LP from Anki attacking into a Samurai Skull/Gozuki and then a Vampire Retainer.

Finally, Mirror Wall ties in the last bit of damage, a possible removal during the damage step, and coverage against more unexpected matchups.

The Pillarmen from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure as Masked Heroes

Other tips:

• Due to the array of trap cards that complement Masked Hero decks, it is advised that you let them come to you rather than attack first.
• Mask Change can override Enemy Controller if it is activated first to gain possession of Anki or its material heroes. Wait to change its position after the first mask change to interrupt the chain.

Some cards to be cautious of when calling which type of card to discard with Vampire Grace:

Monster Card:

• D. Hero Celestial — can be used to set up a 2-card draw if they have a Destiny Hero in their graveyard and are expecting to use up their hand.

Magic Card:

• Galaxy Cyclone — can be banished from the graveyard to destroy your spell/trap cards. Mostly used against Vampire Kingdom.

Trap Card:

• Paleozoic Canadia — can be activated from the graveyard as part of a chain to sneak in board momentum.