DUAL MASTERS

As in Magic: The Gathering, Duel Masters players summon creatures and cast spells using mana. Key differences include the fact that all creatures and spells can act as mana producers, creatures cannot block attacking creatures without having the "blocker" ability, and that creatures only have one "power" statistic. Furthermore, duelists have shields in the form of cards that go to their hand when "broken" as opposed to Magic's "life points".

In Duel Masters, two players play the role of duelists, using the 'art' of "kaijudo" to bring their creatures to life to do battle. Each player has 5 shields that protect them from damage; once these are gone, it takes one successful attack to win the duel. Also, if a player runs out of cards to draw from their deck when required, then that player loses.

Card types

Players battle each other by playing mana cards, and then using that mana to summon creatures or cast spells, described below:

• Creatures: Creatures are summoned to attack the opposing player's creatures and shields, and then the opponent themselves, for the win. There are many types of creatures, with different powers and abilities.
• Spells: When cast, spells do something for the player, then go to the graveyard (discard pile). Spells can do a variety of things, like give the player more shields, power up their creatures, etc.
• Crossgears: These are like equipment. You put them into the battle zone by tapping its mana cost, then tap that cost again to equip, or "cross" it, to a creature.