Summary:
Reasoning Gate Turbo (RGT) is an explosive combo deck that aims to win by overwhelming the opponent with a colossal push, usually by virtue of Dimension Fusion. There is no deck quite like it in the format. The deck existed in the Historic Era but it never topped an event, though it did place 11th at SJC Houston. In the Modern Era, the deck has become much more popular. New players seem to gravitate toward it, as it plays similarly to Advanced Format decks and it has a high ceiling.
Details:
The engines that drive RGT are its namesake cards, Reasoning and Monster Gate. Both of these powerful spells special summon the next monster in the deck that can be normal summoned, sending every card before that to the graveyard. Not only is this a fast way to summon strong monsters, but this also loads the graveyard with the needed resources for the deck’s signature bosses: Dark Magician of Chaos, Chaos Sorcerer, and Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning. To get the most out of Reasoning and Monster Gate the deck only plays a handful of monsters, allowing more cards to be milled off the deck and increasing the chances of seeing your best monster next. The deck usually employs a variety of different levels to make Reasoning more consistent. The optimal number of targets for Reasoning and Monster Gate usually falls in the range of 6 to 9, with 3-4 different levels and no more than 3 or 4 of any particular level.
Since this is a Chaos deck, the monsters in RGT are generally restricted to the Light and Dark attributes, notable exceptions being Sinister Serpent and side-deck cards like Spell Canceller. The deck also wants to play mostly high attack monsters that get their effects when special summoned. Dark Magician of Chaos is the most deadly monster in the deck, as it retrieves any spell in the graveyard and banishes itself when leaving the field, fueling Dimension Fusion. Sacred Crane is perhaps the second most important monster in the deck, as it draws a card and puts a 1600 ATK body on the field. Airknight Parshath is another solid pick due to its abilities to pierce and draw cards, and because it is a unique level. Jinzo is another solid pick, as its trap negation ability, Dark attribute, and unique level are strong assets for the deck.
Many other monsters can be played in RGT but there is not a strong consensus in the community. My favorite is Sinister Serpent, as it is a consistent enabler for Metamorphosis and Monster Gate, and it is yet another unique level that will never be called. Another popular pick is Byser Shock, a level 5 Dark monster that returns all face-down cards, including monsters, to their owner’s hand, which can be useful when going for a big push. However, Byser Shock has poor stats and a situational effect, making it undesirable to randomly see off the top in the early game. Another popular pick is Dark Ruler Ha Des, a level 6 Dark monster that negates the effect of any monster it destroys in battle. This is obviously strong when facing a set monster, but usually not very useful when facing face-up monsters or an empty field. Finally, there are even more fringe options like Terrorking Archfiend, Skull Archfiend of Lightning, Blowback Dragon, Guardian Angel Joan, Mystical Knight of Jackal, Cannon Soldier, Toon Cannon Soldier, and The Creator. I actually think The Creator’s effect is very powerful in Reasoning Gate Turbo, but being level 8 along with Dark Magician of Chaos, makes “8” the clear-cut optimal call for the opponent when you activate Reasoning.
Next, to support Monster Gate, standard versions of the deck almost always play 3 copies of Scapegoat. Scapegoat is one of the best opening cards in this deck, as it saves you life-points (which is very important because we usually have to pay 2000 for Dimension Fusion and the deck plays few other protection cards) and it enables Monster Gate. Metamorphosis is often included at 2-3 copies in the deck to get additional value out of Scapegoat and to out various threats. Metamorphosis is also a useful combo piece with Dark Magician of Chaos and an efficient way to get Light and Dark monsters into the graveyard.
Because RGT quickly fills the graveyard, Chaos monsters are a natural fit for the deck. Generally Chaos Sorcerer should be played at 3 copies in this deck because it is both an important graveyard resource for other Chaos monsters and an important combo piece to set up Dimension Fusion. Because RGT is efficient at summoning Dark Magician of Chaos, and because many of its monsters get their effects when they are special summoned (Sacred Crane, Jinzo, Chaos monsters), Dimension Fusion is more powerful in this deck than any other deck in the format. Dark Magician of Chaos has additional synergy with Dimension Fusion, too, because it is easily banished after it is summoned--whether that’s because it was destroyed by an opponent’s card or tributed to activate your own Monster Gate or Metamorphosis.
The final element of this deck is somewhat controversial because there are two different directions one could theoretically take the deck. Naturally, many players look at the deck as an OTK deck, and are drawn to cards that support one-turn pushes and combo extensions, like Giant Trunade, Lightning Vortex, Card Destruction, Monster Reincarnation, etc. Other players simply want to include one copy of every decent spell in the format to add utility to Dark Magician of Chaos, including cards that are unnatural fits in the deck like Nobleman of Crossout. However, I think this is the wrong approach, as it is pretty difficult for the deck to OTK through Scapegoat without the use of Lightning Vortex. Additionally, Thousand-Eyes Restrict is a problematic floodgate that usually requires a resource to push through. In practice, I believe RGT is really a “two-turn push” deck, not an OTK deck. When we activate Dimension Fusion in the end game, it provides loads of resources and an unbelievably strong field. This is usually enough resources and field presence to win the game on its own, even if it takes multiple turns to actually reduce our opponent’s life points to zero. Thus, I much prefer to play cards like Book of Moon and Dust Tornado, which can be set after summoning our boss monsters to protect them. This play theory is similar to how control decks win in the late game in this format, even though the means of getting there couldn’t be more different.
In practice, cards like Book of Moon and Dust Tornado are also much more useful early game, as they can answer cards like Thousand-Eyes Restrict, floodgates, and various backrow when making early pushes with an Airknight Parshath. Additionally, I think Giant Trunade is a bit unnecessary when making a push in RGT, as the only commonly played mass removal card that might interfere with the combo is Torrential Tribute, which is limited to one, and even Torrential Tribute does not stop Dark Magician of Chaos and Sacred Crane from giving us resources. Playing around Solemn Judgment is another issue altogether, one that can be handled via the side deck with a cards like Royal Decree and, yes, Giant Trunade.
While it is not the most consistent deck, Reasoning Gate Turbo probably has a higher ceiling than any deck in the format, and many players do not come to tournaments prepared to combat it. Additionally, some players think RGT is one of Goat Control’s most difficult matchups. This makes the deck a great tournament pick if you’re trying to go for first place or bust.
Reasoning Gate Turbo (RGT) is an explosive combo deck that aims to win by overwhelming the opponent with a colossal push, usually by virtue of Dimension Fusion. There is no deck quite like it in the format. The deck existed in the Historic Era but it never topped an event, though it did place 11th at SJC Houston. In the Modern Era, the deck has become much more popular. New players seem to gravitate toward it, as it plays similarly to Advanced Format decks and it has a high ceiling.
Details:
The engines that drive RGT are its namesake cards, Reasoning and Monster Gate. Both of these powerful spells special summon the next monster in the deck that can be normal summoned, sending every card before that to the graveyard. Not only is this a fast way to summon strong monsters, but this also loads the graveyard with the needed resources for the deck’s signature bosses: Dark Magician of Chaos, Chaos Sorcerer, and Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning. To get the most out of Reasoning and Monster Gate the deck only plays a handful of monsters, allowing more cards to be milled off the deck and increasing the chances of seeing your best monster next. The deck usually employs a variety of different levels to make Reasoning more consistent. The optimal number of targets for Reasoning and Monster Gate usually falls in the range of 6 to 9, with 3-4 different levels and no more than 3 or 4 of any particular level.
Since this is a Chaos deck, the monsters in RGT are generally restricted to the Light and Dark attributes, notable exceptions being Sinister Serpent and side-deck cards like Spell Canceller. The deck also wants to play mostly high attack monsters that get their effects when special summoned. Dark Magician of Chaos is the most deadly monster in the deck, as it retrieves any spell in the graveyard and banishes itself when leaving the field, fueling Dimension Fusion. Sacred Crane is perhaps the second most important monster in the deck, as it draws a card and puts a 1600 ATK body on the field. Airknight Parshath is another solid pick due to its abilities to pierce and draw cards, and because it is a unique level. Jinzo is another solid pick, as its trap negation ability, Dark attribute, and unique level are strong assets for the deck.
Many other monsters can be played in RGT but there is not a strong consensus in the community. My favorite is Sinister Serpent, as it is a consistent enabler for Metamorphosis and Monster Gate, and it is yet another unique level that will never be called. Another popular pick is Byser Shock, a level 5 Dark monster that returns all face-down cards, including monsters, to their owner’s hand, which can be useful when going for a big push. However, Byser Shock has poor stats and a situational effect, making it undesirable to randomly see off the top in the early game. Another popular pick is Dark Ruler Ha Des, a level 6 Dark monster that negates the effect of any monster it destroys in battle. This is obviously strong when facing a set monster, but usually not very useful when facing face-up monsters or an empty field. Finally, there are even more fringe options like Terrorking Archfiend, Skull Archfiend of Lightning, Blowback Dragon, Guardian Angel Joan, Mystical Knight of Jackal, Cannon Soldier, Toon Cannon Soldier, and The Creator. I actually think The Creator’s effect is very powerful in Reasoning Gate Turbo, but being level 8 along with Dark Magician of Chaos, makes “8” the clear-cut optimal call for the opponent when you activate Reasoning.
Next, to support Monster Gate, standard versions of the deck almost always play 3 copies of Scapegoat. Scapegoat is one of the best opening cards in this deck, as it saves you life-points (which is very important because we usually have to pay 2000 for Dimension Fusion and the deck plays few other protection cards) and it enables Monster Gate. Metamorphosis is often included at 2-3 copies in the deck to get additional value out of Scapegoat and to out various threats. Metamorphosis is also a useful combo piece with Dark Magician of Chaos and an efficient way to get Light and Dark monsters into the graveyard.
Because RGT quickly fills the graveyard, Chaos monsters are a natural fit for the deck. Generally Chaos Sorcerer should be played at 3 copies in this deck because it is both an important graveyard resource for other Chaos monsters and an important combo piece to set up Dimension Fusion. Because RGT is efficient at summoning Dark Magician of Chaos, and because many of its monsters get their effects when they are special summoned (Sacred Crane, Jinzo, Chaos monsters), Dimension Fusion is more powerful in this deck than any other deck in the format. Dark Magician of Chaos has additional synergy with Dimension Fusion, too, because it is easily banished after it is summoned--whether that’s because it was destroyed by an opponent’s card or tributed to activate your own Monster Gate or Metamorphosis.
The final element of this deck is somewhat controversial because there are two different directions one could theoretically take the deck. Naturally, many players look at the deck as an OTK deck, and are drawn to cards that support one-turn pushes and combo extensions, like Giant Trunade, Lightning Vortex, Card Destruction, Monster Reincarnation, etc. Other players simply want to include one copy of every decent spell in the format to add utility to Dark Magician of Chaos, including cards that are unnatural fits in the deck like Nobleman of Crossout. However, I think this is the wrong approach, as it is pretty difficult for the deck to OTK through Scapegoat without the use of Lightning Vortex. Additionally, Thousand-Eyes Restrict is a problematic floodgate that usually requires a resource to push through. In practice, I believe RGT is really a “two-turn push” deck, not an OTK deck. When we activate Dimension Fusion in the end game, it provides loads of resources and an unbelievably strong field. This is usually enough resources and field presence to win the game on its own, even if it takes multiple turns to actually reduce our opponent’s life points to zero. Thus, I much prefer to play cards like Book of Moon and Dust Tornado, which can be set after summoning our boss monsters to protect them. This play theory is similar to how control decks win in the late game in this format, even though the means of getting there couldn’t be more different.
In practice, cards like Book of Moon and Dust Tornado are also much more useful early game, as they can answer cards like Thousand-Eyes Restrict, floodgates, and various backrow when making early pushes with an Airknight Parshath. Additionally, I think Giant Trunade is a bit unnecessary when making a push in RGT, as the only commonly played mass removal card that might interfere with the combo is Torrential Tribute, which is limited to one, and even Torrential Tribute does not stop Dark Magician of Chaos and Sacred Crane from giving us resources. Playing around Solemn Judgment is another issue altogether, one that can be handled via the side deck with a cards like Royal Decree and, yes, Giant Trunade.
While it is not the most consistent deck, Reasoning Gate Turbo probably has a higher ceiling than any deck in the format, and many players do not come to tournaments prepared to combat it. Additionally, some players think RGT is one of Goat Control’s most difficult matchups. This makes the deck a great tournament pick if you’re trying to go for first place or bust.
Modern Era Deck Lists (2017 - present):
The Modern Era of Goat Format coincides with the release of DuelingBook.com, which offers a Goat Format dueling lobby. These lists are a collection of personal, contributor, and tournament winning decks.
The Modern Era of Goat Format coincides with the release of DuelingBook.com, which offers a Goat Format dueling lobby. These lists are a collection of personal, contributor, and tournament winning decks.
REASONING GATE TURBO - JAZZ
Jazz's Reasoning Gate Turbo deck.
REASONING GATE TURBO - NOXJJA
Noxjja's Reasoning Gate Turbo deck.
REASONING GATE TURBO - NOELLE
Noelle's Reasoning Gate Turbo deck.
Exarion Era Deck Lists (2012 - 2016):
The Exarion Era of Goat Format coincided with the reign of DuelingNetwork.com, which sparked the revival of Goat Format. Contrary to mistaken popular belief, Exarion Universe was not included in the Historic Era of Goat Format.
The Exarion Era of Goat Format coincided with the reign of DuelingNetwork.com, which sparked the revival of Goat Format. Contrary to mistaken popular belief, Exarion Universe was not included in the Historic Era of Goat Format.
REASONING GATE TURBO - DUBKDAD1
Dubkdad1's Reasoning Gate Turbo deck.
