Cards that Protect Specific Cards
* Spell/Trap Protection:
* Solemn Judgment/Solemn Strike/Solemn Warning: These staples can negate almost any spell/trap card, including MST and Heavy Storm.
* Torrential Tribute: This trap card can be activated when your opponent activates a spell/trap, and you banish a monster from your hand to negate the activation and destroy all monsters on the field. This can be especially helpful if you have a valuable monster on the field.
* Magic Cylinder: This trap card can be activated in response to your opponent activating a spell/trap, and you can inflict damage equal to that spell/trap's activation cost to your opponent.
* Imperial Order: This continuous spell card prevents the activation of spell and trap cards, which will completely shut down MST and Heavy Storm. However, it does affect your own spell and trap cards as well, so make sure you are prepared to play without them.
* Monster Protection:
* Skill Drain: This continuous spell card negates all monster effects, including the effects of MST and Heavy Storm. However, it also affects your own monster effects, so make sure you are prepared to play without them.
* Maxx "C" : This monster's effect can be used in response to your opponent activating a spell/trap, and it will force them to draw cards until they have a hand size of 6. This can put your opponent in a difficult situation, but it does not protect your own cards.
* Vanity's Emptiness: This continuous spell card prevents your opponent from activating monster effects. This will stop the effects of most powerful monsters, but it does not affect spell/trap cards.
Strategies to Counter MST and Heavy Storm
* Set Up Early: Aim to establish a strong field presence early in the duel, before your opponent can play MST or Heavy Storm.
* Use Hand Traps: Utilize hand traps like Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring or Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit to negate the activation of MST or Heavy Storm.
* Field Spell Protection: Some field spells provide protection against spells and traps. For example, Dramaturgy of the Dead prevents the activation of spell and trap cards when a monster is summoned.
* Counter Trap Cards: Counter traps like Vanity's Emptiness and Skill Drain are great against spells and traps.
* Playing "Around" Them: If your opponent is known to run MST and Heavy Storm, consider playing cards that are less vulnerable to those cards. For example, rely more on monster effects instead of spell and trap cards.
Important Considerations
* Deck Building: Building your deck with a variety of cards that protect your field will make it more difficult for your opponent to clear your monsters.
* Read Your Opponent: Pay attention to your opponent's deck and their tendencies to predict when they might use MST or Heavy Storm.
* Don't Be Afraid to Counter: Be prepared to counter MST and Heavy Storm. Don't be afraid to activate traps or use hand traps to negate their effects.
Remember, the best way to counter MST and Heavy Storm is to be prepared for them. Building a strong field presence and having a few protection cards in your hand will give you a good chance of outplaying your opponent.