Executive Summary

The Tenpai Dragon archetype is a hyper-aggressive, "blind-second" OTK (One-Turn Kill) strategy centered around FIRE Dragon monsters. Thematically inspired by the Dragon tiles of Mahjong, the deck's defining feature is its ability to Synchro Summon during the Battle Phase, turning every attack into a potential combo extension. With remarkable consistency and a compact engine, Tenpai Dragon dedicates significant deck space to board-breaking cards, aiming to dismantle an opponent's established field and secure a swift victory on Turn 2.

The Sangenpai Dragons: Core Monsters

Tenpai Dragon Paidra

The premier starter and searcher. On summon, it adds a "Sangen" Spell/Trap from the deck, typically the crucial Field Spell, Sangen Summoning.

Tenpai Dragon Fadra

The primary recursion tool. It revives a Level 4 or lower FIRE Dragon from the Graveyard, extending plays and recycling key resources.

Tenpai Dragon Chundra

The main Tuner and extender. It can Special Summon itself from the hand and, critically, summons another FIRE Dragon directly from the deck during the Damage Step.

The Art of War: Key Spells & Traps

Sangen Summoning (Field Spell)

The heart of the deck. It provides effect immunity in Main Phase 1, searches for a "Tenpai Dragon," and doubles a Synchro's ATK if destroyed during the Battle Phase'?the key to the OTK.

Sangen Kaimen (Quick-Play Spell)

A versatile starter and extender. It can search or Special Summon a FIRE Dragon, and does both if activated during the Battle Phase, enabling explosive mid-combat plays.

Blueprint for Victory

The deck's power lies in its simple, efficient combos. A single starter card can quickly escalate into a full board, leveraging the Battle Phase to Synchro climb into its devastating bosses. This core sequence showcases how to assemble the fiery draconic arsenal for an OTK.

Tenpai Dragon Paidra
Missing: 39931513
1

Initiate & Search

Normal Summon Paidra to search Sangen Summoning. Activate the Field Spell and use its effect to search Chundra.

Sangenpai Bident Dragion
Missing: 82570174
2

Battle Phase Synchro

Special Summon Chundra. Enter Battle Phase, attack with a monster, and use its Quick Effect to Synchro Summon Sangenpai Bident Dragion.

Sangenpai Transcendent Dragion
Missing: 18969888
3

Lock & Finish

Use Chundra's effect to summon another Dragon from deck. Continue climbing into Sangenpai Transcendent Dragion to lock your opponent out of the Battle Phase, and finally into Trident Dragion to deal massive damage.

The Inevitable Endboard

Sangenpai Transcendent Dragion

Sangenpai Transcendent Dragion
Missing: 18969888
  • Battle Phase Lock: Prevents the opponent from activating any cards or effects during the Battle Phase.
  • Recursion: Can revive itself from the Graveyard once per duel after three attacks have been declared.

Trident Dragion

Trident Dragion
Missing: 39402797
  • Multiple Attacks: Gains extra attacks by destroying your own cards.
  • OTK Enabler: Synergizes with Sangen Summoning to become a 6000 ATK triple-attacker, usually ending the game on the spot.

Competitive Analysis

Strengths

  • Unmatched Consistency: High number of one-card starters makes the OTK highly probable.
  • Explosive Power: Capable of generating astronomical damage in a single turn.
  • Built-in Protection: Key combo pieces activate in the Damage Step, dodging common handtraps like Ash Blossom.

Weaknesses

  • Specific Choke Points: Highly vulnerable to handtraps like Droll & Lock Bird or negation on the initial starter monster.
  • Reliance on Battle Phase: Cards that skip or prevent the Battle Phase (e.g., Threatening Roar) completely stop the deck.
  • Fragile to Board Wipes: Vulnerable to non-targeting board clears like Dark Ruler No More before the Battle Phase.

Key Tech Choices

  • Pot of Prosperity: Helps find starters or board breakers. The half-damage drawback is negligible for a deck that can deal over 30,000 damage.
  • Generic Board Breakers: Raigeki, Lightning Storm, and Dark Hole are essential for clearing the opponent's board to enable the OTK.

Current TCG Banlist Status

MODERATE IMPACT: Key cards in the Tenpai Dragon archetype have been placed on the Forbidden & Limited list, impacting the deck's consistency and ceiling.

Limited (1 Copy)

  • Tenpai Dragon Chundra
  • Sangen Summoning
  • Sangen Kaimen

Semi-Limited (2 Copies)

None

Forbidden (0 Copies)

None

Meta Implications: With its primary Tuner, Field Spell, and a key extender all at one copy, the deck's consistency is significantly reduced. While the one-card combos are still possible, the deck is now more fragile and susceptible to disruption as it has fewer ways to access its core engine pieces. The power level is still high, but the reliability has taken a major hit.

Banlist Impact

LOW IMPACT: The Tenpai Dragon archetype has been moderately restricted by the TCG banlist, with Tenpai Dragon Chundra limited.

Archetype Cards

Limited

  • • Tenpai Dragon Chundra

Banlist Status Summary

+ analyzed • 1 total restriction found • 1 archetype card

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