When is a deck Tier 1,2 or 3 and why?

We will quickly explain our criteria to define which Tier an archetype or deck belongs to for each format. We will start with Tier 3 until we reach the best Tier 1.

Tier 3

Tier 3 deck refers to a deck that is considered to be less competitive compared to Tier 1 and Tier 2 decks. These decks generally have lower win rates and may struggle to consistently perform well in a competitive metagame.

Minimum Requirements for Tier 3

1. Have several Local 1st Places.
2. Have at least one Regional Won.
3. Regularly Top at Regionals.
4. Have some representation in Grander Events around the world (For example YCS, National or Continental) Top 32-64.
5. * Having been considered Tier 1 or 2, but by some banlist low level.

Features Tier 3 Decks

1. Inconsistency in drawing key cards and maintaining resources.
2. Weaker synergy between cards.
3. Limited adaptability to different situations and matchups.
4. Vulnerability to disruption and control from higher-tier decks.
5. Less favorable matchups against prevalent strategies.
6. Lower consensus on the deck's competitive viability.

Tier 2

Tier 2 deck refers to a deck that is considered to be moderately competitive. These decks are stronger than Tier 3 decks but are still slightly below the top-tier status of Tier 1.

Minimum Requirements for Tier 2

1. Meet Tier 3 requirements.
2. More than 2 or 3 1st Places in regional events.
3. Have Top's 8,16 or 32 in several big events (for example YCS).
4. Being a popular archetype (for the format).
5. * Having been considered Tier 1, but by some low level banlist.

Features Tier 2 Decks

1. Decent consistency in executing strategies.
2. Solid synergy between cards.
3. Moderate adaptability to different situations and matchups.
4. Resilience to recover from disruptions.
5. Mixed matchups against prevalent strategies.
6. Recognition and consideration by players as competitive options.

Tier 1

In Yu-Gi-Oh!, a "Tier 1" deck refers to a deck that is considered to be among the strongest and most competitive in the current metagame. These decks have consistently demonstrated their power and versatility by achieving high win rates in tournaments and competitive play.

Minimum Requirements for Tier 1

1. Meet Tier 2, 3 requirements.
2. Continuous presence in the Top 4-8-16 of big events.
3. In addition to having more than 2-3 victories (1st Place) in large official competitive tournaments this includes continental, regional, YCS (Yugioh Championship Series) and national.

Features Tier 1 Decks

1. Consistency in drawing key cards and maintaining resources.
2. Powerful and synergistic card interactions.
3. Adaptability to different situations and matchups.
4. Resilience to recover from disadvantageous positions.
5. Disruption and control over the game state.
6. Clear win conditions or game-ending strategies.
7. Favorable matchups against prevalent strategies.

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