Introduction
The Yu-Gi-Oh! playing field, also known as the Duel Field, is where the game is played. It consists of several zones and areas, each with its own purpose.
Here is an image of how a Yu-Gi-Oh! Filed looks like:
How the Field is divided?
The field is prepared for two players to play on it. As shown in the following image, it is divided in half, one for each player.
The above field has been marked with three colors:
- Blue → Zones which can only be uses by Player A
- Red → Zones that can only be used by Player B
- Purple → Zones which can be used by both players
The Field’s Zones
We have already seen that the Field is formed by a set of Zones, which can be used by one or both Players. Now, depending on the position of the Zone, it has a certain function.
The horizontal, lighter Zones are not real Zones. They are only there to clarify the positions of the cards while needed, as well as representing extra locations on the Field.
Below, the different Zones of the Field are shown with a brief indication of their functionality in the game. Remember that the zones are marked with colors, indicating who can use them.
Main Deck Zone
The Main Deck is placed in this Zone. It must remain in this Zone during the entire Duel.
Extra Deck Zone
The Extra Deck is placed in this Zone. It must remain in this Zone during the entire Duel.
Field Zone
This is the only Zone in which Field Spell cards must be placed.
Graveyard
This is the Zone to which the cards are sent once they have been used or discarded.
Main Monster Zones
These are the Zones where the Players can Summon their Monster cards.
Extra Monster Zones
There are the Zones where the Players can Summon Monster cards from their Extra Deck. Certain types of this Monsters have to be Summoned only in these Zones.
Spell & Trap Zones
These are the Zones where Spell & Trap cards are placed (except Field Spell cards)
Pendulum Zones
These are four Spells and Traps Zones dedicated to Pendulum Mechanics.
Banish Zone
This is the Zone to which the cards are sent once they are Banished. Is not a Zone in the real Field, that is why is lighter than the other Zones.
Here’s a brief overview of the main zones on a Yu-Gi-Oh! playing field:
- Main Deck: This is where players keep their main deck of cards, which includes monster cards, spell cards, and trap cards. The main deck is used to draw cards and perform various actions during the game.
- Extra Deck: This is where players keep their extra deck of cards, which includes fusion, synchro, xyz, and link monsters. These powerful monsters are summoned using specific requirements and can be a key part of advanced strategies in the game.
- Field Zone: This is a designated zone where players can place field spell cards that affect the entire playing field and can provide various bonuses or effects to the players.
- Monster Zones: These are where players summon their monster cards to the playing field. There are typically five monster zones on each player’s side of the field, and these are used to place face-up or face-down monster cards for battle or defense.
- Spell & Trap Zones: These are where players place their spell and trap cards, which are used to activate various effects during the game. There are typically five spell and trap zones on each player’s side of the field, and these are used to place face-up or face-down spell and trap cards.
- Graveyard: This is where cards that have been sent to the graveyard due to being destroyed or discarded are placed. Some cards have effects that can be activated from the graveyard, making it an important zone to keep track of during gameplay.
- Extra Monster Zone (EMZ): This is a special zone introduced with the introduction of Link Monsters, and it is used to summon Link Monsters. The Extra Monster Zone has specific rules and limitations on how it can be used, and its placement can affect the flow of the game.
These are the main zones on a Yu-Gi-Oh! playing field, and understanding how they work and how to effectively utilize them is crucial to mastering the game.