Episode 7 - Pharaonic Guardian

## Pharaonic Guardian

Pharaonic Guardian is the seventh episode of Yu-Gi-Oh! Progression Playoff. It debuted on MBT Yu-Gi-Oh's YouTube channel on Jan 10, 2021. Underdogs prevail as the two players who have yet to win an episode, Danny and MBT, emerge to face each other in finals. Danny's Zombie-splashed deck prevails over MBT's P.A.C.M.A.N. to get his first win, leaving MBT as the only player yet to win an episode. This episode is also notable as the first appearance of the "Gavin, are ya playin bullshit?" bit that would persist for many episodes to come. This episode marks the first appearance of Sadie, MBT's dog.

## Background

Pharaonic Guardian was released in the TCG on July 18, 2003. This set includes the Gravekeeper's archetype, as well as cards to support the Zombie type. It also includes a group of monsters that can flip themselves face-down and gain effects when Flip Summoned, notably Swarm of Scarabs, Swarm of Locusts, and Des Lacooda.

Gavin comes in looking to continue his dominance, but this set does change quite a bit, as it has much more Spell/Trap removal than was previously available. Danny notably has not won a game since Episode 2 and is hoping to end his losing streak. MBT, the host, still has not won an episode, and wants to change that.

## Matches

### Play-in: Brent vs. Danny

Brent comes in with a Spirit-themed Deck including Last Turn, while Danny is playing Zombies. Brent Sets a Cat of Ill Omen to get his Last Turn combo started, but Danny thwarts it with a Nobleman of Crossout. Brent begins attempting to use Ordeal of a Traveler to defend against Danny's attackers, but Danny is able to out it with a Dust Tornado and get in some damage. Brent sets some more backrow to try to survive, but Danny draws Heavy Storm to seal his first game win in 5 weeks.

Winner: Danny

### Semifinal 1: MBT vs. Leah

Leah is playing a good stuff list with a small Zombie package, with MBT going in on P.A.C.M.A.N. Each player, scared of letting the other get the flip engine or recruiters off, destroys each others' Set monsters with Raigeki Breaks and Tribute to the Doomed. MBT is able to establish Swarm of Scarabs with Vengeful Bog Spirit, with King Tiger Wanghu as an attacker, effectively preventing Leah from sticking a monster on the field. Leah is able to stall for a couple of turns but effectively has no answer, and MBT wins.

Winner: MBT

### Semifinal 2: Gavin vs. Danny

Gavin is also playing Zombies. Danny is able to use Giant Rat and Pyramid Turtle to get into a Patrician of Darkness, but Gavin counters by using Pyramid Turtle to Summon a slightly stronger Shadow Ghoul. Danny outs the Shadow Ghoul with Newdoria, then uses Spirit Reaper to discard the last attacker from Gavin's hand. With no monsters to protect Gavin, Danny closes out the game on the next turn.

Winner: Danny

### Finals: MBT vs. Danny

MBT establishes a very strong field with both Swarms, Vengeful Bog Spirit, and Ordeal of a Traveler, but Danny is able to systematically break it using 2 Ring of Destruction and a Heavy Storm. Once Danny is able to get monsters to stay on the field, MBT is unable to catch up. Danny eventually finishes MBT off for his first win.

Winner: Danny

## Banned Cards

* Leah bans Call of the Haunted
* Brent bans Heavy Storm

## Full Banlist

### Monsters

* Cyber Jar
* Magician of Faith
* Spear Cretin
* Witch of the Black Forest

### Spells

* Chain Energy
* Fissure
* Heavy Storm
* Raigeki

### Traps

* Call of the Haunted
* DNA Surgery
* Fairy Box
* Gravity Bind
* Imperial Order
* Trap Hole

## Stats to date

Character win rate
 Leah
 Danny
 MBT
 Brent

## Notable bits

* In Last Turn's art, are Hino-Kagu-Tsuchi and Yamata Dragon fighting or fucking?
* The 2 genders are Swarm of Scarabs and Swarm of Locusts
* "Gavin, are ya playin bullshit?"
* In the art of Pyramid Turtle, is the turtle pyramid-sized or is the pyramid turtle-sized?

## Video Links

PROGRESSION PLAYOFF #7 - Pharaonic Guardian

## Other Pages

Episodes