The Broken Plays No. 1: Mermails

Okay, so everyone is well aware of what Mermails are capable of. In the last two YCS events (Seattle-Tacoma and Barcelona) they have placed 2nd in each case, and took a fine portion of the top 32 spots in both events (notably decreasing however, possibly due to how easy they are to side against).

Nevertheless, people consider Mermails to be Tier 1, and I wouldn't disagree. Here are some reasons why.

(1) They aren't burdened by back row: Not needing to have huge amounts of back row actually benefits a deck more than one might believe. There is quite simply more room for Effect-related strategies. And in my opinion, if a strategy is simple, then it is almost always more effective. Some would call Genex Undine a strategy in himself.

(2) They plus a LOT: From an objective point of view, a deck which keeps their hands close to their chest, and always gets more back than they dish out, is statistically more likely to succeed. The first turn Genex Undine play nets you a +2 (presuming you send Dragoons), and if you happen to have Allure of Darkness, a +3 (sick, really). Not to mention Abyssmegalo plays, Diva plays, and Abyss-Sphere plays (if MST'd), and Salvage!

People also seem to forget about the versatility of the Water Archetype per se, namely how well they combine with other archetypes, such as Elemental Heros:

Consider the following:

- Discard Dragoons and Elemental Hero Ocean to Special Summon Mermail Abyssmegalo
- Search stuff for lovely plusing (though currently a -1)
- Activate Miracle Fusion in hand for Absolute Zero
- You notice your opponent has 4 monsters, but no backrow. Still scary? Naaah
- Tribute the Absolute Zero with Abyssmegalo, blow up their monsters, and attack for Game. Good night.





What makes it sweeter? If they have a Zenmaines, you can take all his materials from him without minusing.


(3) They swarm, pure and simple: An obvious consequence of plusing is swarming. They're also particularly adept at baiting out back row (especially if, like me, you have a Miracle Fusion in hand :-p). Fearing back row isn't in their nature. They'll gladly normal summon an Abysspike to bait out any Solemn Warnings or Bottomless Trap Holes, and then go for Abyssmegalo.



So they're good, but are they broken? Yes, for one reason: MOULINGLACIA

The ability to search a Delinquent Duo from your deck is just ridiculous, also the fact that you can bring him out in a single turn:

CARDS NEEDED:

- Genex Undine, Atlantean Dragoons, any other water monster
- Normal Summon Genex Undine, send Dragoons, add Abyssmegalo and Controller
- Discard Dragoons and water monster to Special Summon Mermail Abyssmegalo, activate effect to search, then search for Moulinglacia with Dragoons (3 in grave).
- Activate the effect of Abyssmegalo to tribute Undine (4 in grave).
- Wait until Abyssmegalo dies (after playing mind games with your opponent) and Special Summon Moulinglacia.



I'd only do this is you had a Diva in hand, or some other option like an Abyss-Sphere. Otherwise I'd leave it be. Hope you enjoyed this. Be sure to show your support!