This is effectively a yearly reoccurence, just like the summer lull in football when everyone focuses on transfers. Still, there are several options to occupy one's time while waiting for the new dueling season to start.
1. Buy Staples and Other Cards You Want
With events other than locals finally over, not many players are actively buying product. Therefore, now might be a good time to pick up some cards you have been looking for. If you're in the market for some older cards or want to complete certain decks, the price of these should be somewhat lower off-season due to reduced demand. (You could also get your perfect summer playmat, illustration pictured above.)
On the other hand, it's also time to trade or sell your own cards and decks that you know you won't be using anymore, and replace them with cards you might need for a deck you want to build in the future—maybe something from Duelist Nexus, which is bound to hit the TCG soon? The set drops on July 27, giving you ample time to
2. Learn Some New Decks
Everyone confines themselves to certain decks at a time, possibly even just one. However, it's always a good idea to learn about other decks, not just those currently in the TCG, but also those waiting just around the corner. The OCG is full of new strategies, or older ones that received new support, and decks from sets we're still waiting for. You can explore these strategies and decide if you would be interested in playing any of them, be it casually or competitively. We don't know when or how the next ban list will affect the meta, so just to be prepared, studying current as well as upcoming decks will be worth your time.
There is a lot of online content in the form of deck tutorials, profiles, or matches that you can watch. You don't have to be an
3. Organize Your Collection
Many of us, myself included, are guilty of not keeping our collections in order. With playtime down during summer vacation, take a day or two to organize your cards. Which system you use should depend entirely on what you feel comfortable with. For example, I recently sorted my collection by deck cores, side deck cards, and extra deck monster types as well as generic monster types, while spells and trap cards are each stored together. Going through your entire collection will help you identify any bulk cards you were considering to
4. Become a Casual or Explore Alternative Formats
Who knows, maybe while organizing your collection, you will come across a
Of course, you may choose to do nothing and just take a break from the game, as it's summer after all, and most people are on holiday. What are you planning to do this year? What do you usually do at the end of the competitive season? If you have more to add, please share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below!
Opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, not of Cardmarket.