11-02-2008, 02:10 PM
As the title explains, this particular guide will tell you what to write, when to write it, and where to write it. The WWW of OCG, If I can say it myself. In other words,
SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION
The most important part of the WWW is the time factor. The effects on a card should be written in the order they are triggered. Let's have a look at Black Rose Dragon's effect for a minute.
Take a closer look at points one, two, and three. First, there are the Synchro Materials, which shall always be written first. This might seem obvious, but it's only there because it follows the above trigger order rule. That part of the effect triggers while in the Extra Deck: The initial position for a Synchro Monster.
The second point triggers when the monster is Synchro Summoned, just after the Material has been sent to the Graveyard. Obviously, it comes next.
The third effect maintains while the monster is face-up on the field, which obviously is after the monster has been Synchro Summoned.
So, then you've learned the basics of the Trigger Order. But what about destruction? Monsters are destroyed all the time, when and where are we supposed to write that?
Well, the answer to that lies in the Trigger Order as well. Let's say we were upgrading the effect of Black Rose Dragon to better suit our needs. We'll add an effect when it destroys a monster by battle, and when it is destroyed itself.
As you can see now, the fourth and fifth effects place themselves at the end, all thanks to the Trigger Order. The monster is obviously face-up on the field - which is needed for the third effect - before it destroys a monster by battle. So, the fourth is placed after the third.
IMPORTANT!The fifth, on the other hand, does not place itself after the fourth. It places itself at the end, which might not seem like much of a difference. But if you are going to add other effects, always add them before any effect that activates when the monster is destroyed. The destruction marks the end of the monster's lifespan, and therefore shouldn't have anything placed after it.
Notebook:
Whens and Ifs: There is a difference.
The above effects belong to Pyramid Turtle and Apprentice Magician, two very similar monsters in their effects. However, one of the uses “When” and the other uses “If.” Why, you might ask. I'll tell you why in a minute.
First I will explain the difference between Whens and Ifs. Whens are usually more specific than Ifs, as can be seen above. Pyramid Turtle won't summon another Zombie once it has been destroyed by battle AND sent to the Graveyard, whereas the Apprentice Magician only needs itself to be destroyed by battle. However, a few selected monsters use very specific Ifs, such as Destiny Hero-Fear Monger. But in general, Ifs only need one specific thing to happen, while the Whens need more than one. Take a second look at the upgraded Black Rose Dragon we made above.
That's all for now.
SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION
The most important part of the WWW is the time factor. The effects on a card should be written in the order they are triggered. Let's have a look at Black Rose Dragon's effect for a minute.
Spoiler (Click to View)
(1)1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned,(2) you can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn,(3) you can remove from play 1 Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard from play to change 1 monster your opponent controls to Attack Position, and make its ATK 0 until the End Phase.
When this card is Synchro Summoned,(2) you can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn,(3) you can remove from play 1 Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard from play to change 1 monster your opponent controls to Attack Position, and make its ATK 0 until the End Phase.
Take a closer look at points one, two, and three. First, there are the Synchro Materials, which shall always be written first. This might seem obvious, but it's only there because it follows the above trigger order rule. That part of the effect triggers while in the Extra Deck: The initial position for a Synchro Monster.
The second point triggers when the monster is Synchro Summoned, just after the Material has been sent to the Graveyard. Obviously, it comes next.
The third effect maintains while the monster is face-up on the field, which obviously is after the monster has been Synchro Summoned.
So, then you've learned the basics of the Trigger Order. But what about destruction? Monsters are destroyed all the time, when and where are we supposed to write that?
Well, the answer to that lies in the Trigger Order as well. Let's say we were upgrading the effect of Black Rose Dragon to better suit our needs. We'll add an effect when it destroys a monster by battle, and when it is destroyed itself.
Spoiler (Click to View)
(1)1 Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned,(2) you can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn,(3) you can remove from play 1 Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard from play to change 1 monster your opponent controls to Attack Position, and make its ATK 0 until the End Phase. If this card destroys a monster by battle,(4) you can remove 1 Plant-type monster in your Graveyard from play to draw 1 card. When this card is destroyed(5) and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 Plant-type monster from your Graveyard.
When this card is Synchro Summoned,(2) you can destroy all cards on the field. Once per turn,(3) you can remove from play 1 Plant-Type monster from your Graveyard from play to change 1 monster your opponent controls to Attack Position, and make its ATK 0 until the End Phase. If this card destroys a monster by battle,(4) you can remove 1 Plant-type monster in your Graveyard from play to draw 1 card. When this card is destroyed(5) and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 Plant-type monster from your Graveyard.
As you can see now, the fourth and fifth effects place themselves at the end, all thanks to the Trigger Order. The monster is obviously face-up on the field - which is needed for the third effect - before it destroys a monster by battle. So, the fourth is placed after the third.
IMPORTANT!The fifth, on the other hand, does not place itself after the fourth. It places itself at the end, which might not seem like much of a difference. But if you are going to add other effects, always add them before any effect that activates when the monster is destroyed. The destruction marks the end of the monster's lifespan, and therefore shouldn't have anything placed after it.
Notebook:
Whens and Ifs: There is a difference.
Spoiler (Click to View)
When this card is destroyed by battle and sent to the Graveyard, you can Special Summon 1 Zombie-Type monster with 2000 or less DEF from your Deck.
When this card is Summoned, put 1 Spell Counter on a face-up card that you can put a Spell Counter on. If this card is destroyed by battle, you can select 1 Level 2 or lower Spellcaster-Type monster from your Deck and Special Summon it in face-down Defense Position.
The above effects belong to Pyramid Turtle and Apprentice Magician, two very similar monsters in their effects. However, one of the uses “When” and the other uses “If.” Why, you might ask. I'll tell you why in a minute.
First I will explain the difference between Whens and Ifs. Whens are usually more specific than Ifs, as can be seen above. Pyramid Turtle won't summon another Zombie once it has been destroyed by battle AND sent to the Graveyard, whereas the Apprentice Magician only needs itself to be destroyed by battle. However, a few selected monsters use very specific Ifs, such as Destiny Hero-Fear Monger. But in general, Ifs only need one specific thing to happen, while the Whens need more than one. Take a second look at the upgraded Black Rose Dragon we made above.
That's all for now.
