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"Spellbook" ( () (どう) (しょ) Madōsho) is an archetype of Spell and Trap Cards that supports Spellcaster monsters. The archetype, prior to Return of the Duelist, had two cards that merely contained "Spellbook" in their names. Also, "Spellbook" cards from Return of the Duelist, except "Spellbook of Wisdom", all share the restriction that only 1 copy can be activated per turn. This archetype is a sub-archetype of, and is supported by, the "Prophecy" archetype.

Members[]

Several "Spellbook" cards are based on mystical tomes and books from history:

Spellbook Origin
English Japanese
Eternity Alma Almanac
Fate Goethe Goetia
Knowledge Rudra Shri Rudram Chamakam
Life Necro Necronomicon
Power Hygro Hygromanteia
Secrets Grimo Grimoire
The Master Sefer Sefer Yetzirah
Wisdom Torah Torah

Playing style[]

Most of the cards in this archetype are Spell Cards. The exceptions are "Hidden Spellbook" and "Spellbook Magician of Prophecy". As such, numerous support cards like "Spellbook of Life" cannot use them for their effects, nor can they help you get or use them. "Prophecy" cards usually specify a "Spellbook" Spell Card in which they are also excluded. However "Spellbook of Secrets" is an exception, as it does not specify a Spell Card specifically, so it can still search them out.

Due to these cards searching each other out, they can be useful in Deck Thinning. Additionally, due to their effects benefiting Spellcaster monsters, these cards can easily be used in a Spell Counter-based Deck for massive amounts of Spell Counters to be created. "Hidden Spellbook" can be used in this case to recycle those cards for future use. Also cards such as "Spellbook of Judgment" (Traditional Format only) can be used to replenish your hand of "Spellbook" cards.

Weaknesses[]

"Spellbooks" aren't without flaws, as there are many ways to shut a "Spellbook" deck down.

  • Almost all of the "Spellbook" , (except for "Spellbook of Wisdom") can only be activated once per turn, so if you activate any Spellbook spell, except for Wisdom, and it is negated, you cannot activate any more copies of that said Spellbook spell again in the same turn, rendering all other copies of the said Spellbook card in your hand useless during that same turn.
  • "Mind Crush" can also be used to counter this deck to an extent, and can send a newly added Spellbook in your hand to the grave.
  • "Skull Invitation" and “Curse of Darkness” can rack up damage on a Spellbook deck, due to the amount of spells being activated per turn and sent to the graveyard, though it will take away a good 1200LP to 1500LP if the player doesn't care about the loss of LP.
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