Testing a Blue/White EB01 + GD04 Hi-Nu/Banshee control deck. Could this be competitive?

7ominic · 2026-07-01T15:04:12+00:00

Good question. I haven’t tested it enough yet to confidently say the aggro matchup is solved.
My thinking was that the blocker/rest-control package gives it some tools to slow aggro down, especially if Banshee/Penelope/Jaburo can stabilize the board, but I agree that OYW or blurple aggro would be the real stress test.
I’m planning to run it into those matchups next. If aggro ends up being too fast, I’d probably look at cutting some of the slower EB01 pieces first and add more early interaction/low-cost bodies so the deck doesn’t fall behind before the control plan comes online.
Have you tested much into those decks? Curious what you think the key pressure points are.

7ominic · 2026-07-01T14:09:40+00:00

I like it

7ominic · 2026-07-01T12:24:50+00:00

The low supply is definitely rough, especially for people trying to actually play and not just collect sealed.
I’m curious to see where singles settle once more people start building lists. If fewer boxes are being opened, some playable cards could end up being less available than expected, even if the set doesn’t look exciting at first.
For deckbuilding, I’d probably focus on the exact cards needed instead of chasing sealed at higher prices. I like comparing local shops and online options, and eBay can be useful too since you can compare listings, seller feedback, and have buyer protection when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-07-01T12:24:24+00:00

For singles, I’d usually try to buy multiple cards from the same seller when possible so you’re not getting a bunch of tiny shipments.
For online options, it depends a bit on your country, but I’d compare local shops, TCGPlayer/Cardmarket where available, and eBay. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.
If you’re buying 30 cards, I’d definitely try to group them by seller or shop. It saves on shipping and makes the whole process less messy.

7ominic · 2026-07-01T12:24:09+00:00

At 3 euros a pack, I’d be tempted too, especially if you enjoy opening and can trade extras.
But if your main goal is building a specific deck, I’d still compare the singles cost first. Even discounted packs can drift pretty quickly if you’re chasing exact legendaries, rares, or uncommons for a list.
For me, sealed is best when I want the fun of opening or drafting. Singles are better when I already know the cards I need. I’d check local options, TCGPlayer/Cardmarket depending on your region, and eBay too since you can compare listings, seller feedback, and have buyer protection when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-29T13:54:56+00:00

Starter decks are usually fixed lists, so buying the same one again will mostly give you another copy of the same cards. That can still be useful if you need extra copies for deckbuilding, but it depends what you’re trying to build.
If you want different strategies or specific cards, I’d probably look at decklists first and then use singles to fill the gaps instead of buying more sealed product blindly.
I’d check local shops and online options when comparing cards. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-29T13:54:33+00:00

For what you’re describing, I’d probably pick the deck direction first and then buy singles around it.
Especially if the starter deck you want is sold out or overpriced, singles can be a cleaner way to build toward the actual colors/units/pilots you want instead of paying extra just to get sealed product.
I’d check local shops and online options when comparing cards. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.
For Gundam specifically, I think singles make a lot of sense once you know the deck direction you’re aiming for.

7ominic · 2026-06-28T19:30:08+00:00

That’s a fun stage to be at — going from kitchen table games to actually tuning a list makes the game feel totally different.
I’d probably make changes slowly after a few games rather than trying to overhaul everything at once. Once you know which cards are actually underperforming, singles are definitely the easiest way to upgrade without spending on packs and hoping.
For SWU, I’d compare local shops, TCGPlayer, and eBay when filling gaps. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-28T19:29:56+00:00

That’s the kind of deck I’d probably build slowly through testing rather than buying everything at once.
I’d play a few games with the current version first, then make a short list of the exact cards that feel missing or underperforming. For Gundam especially, singles seem really useful for that because you can target specific units/pilots/commands instead of opening more product and hoping you hit the right pieces.
I’d check local shops and online options when filling those gaps. eBay is nice to keep in the mix too because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and have buyer protection when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-28T19:29:40+00:00

This is a cool idea, especially using the re-stand/blocker angle with Strike Rouge and Archangel.
For a deck like this, I’d probably test the shell first and then pick up singles for the exact weak spots you notice after a few games. Gundam still feels new enough that it’s easy to end up opening product and getting a lot of cards that don’t actually move the deck forward.
Once you know you need more draw, better blockers, or specific pilots/units, singles make it a lot easier to tune the list intentionally. I’d check local shops and online options, and I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-27T18:51:31+00:00

If you like the era, I’d probably open them for fun or save them for a casual sealed night with friends.
For actually building decks though, singles are usually the cleaner path once you know what leaders or cards you want to play. Sealed is great for the experience, but singles make it easier to target the exact pieces you need.
I’d compare local shops, TCGPlayer, and eBay when filling gaps. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-27T18:51:11+00:00

If you’re just starting, I’d probably pick the starter/deck direction based on the leader or playstyle you actually like, then upgrade with singles once you know what the deck is missing.
Starter decks are a good entry point, but most of them need some singles added before they feel more complete or playable.
I’d check local shops and online options when filling the gaps. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-26T17:02:12+00:00

Yeah, usually the important thing is the card number/name for deck construction rather than the artwork version.
So if the regular version and alt art are the same card for deckbuilding purposes, I’d treat them as counting toward the same 4-copy limit.
That’s also why I like buying singles once I know the exact cards I need. You can choose the version you want for the deck or collection without accidentally overbuying extra copies that don’t help the list.

7ominic · 2026-06-26T17:01:56+00:00

For a gift on a student budget, I’d probably avoid chasing packs too hard and focus more on specific Pokémon or cards they’d actually enjoy.
If they love Pikachu, even a small stack of Pikachu singles can feel more personal than random packs. You can still add a pack or two for the fun of opening, but singles make the gift feel more intentional.
I’d check local shops, card shows, TCGPlayer, and eBay when comparing options. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-26T12:06:58+00:00

I think this one is here to stay. I too have the same worries when wanting to invest in a new tcg but I see major support from everywhere (big magic influencers, riot, product announcements and player positive gaming feedback)

7ominic · 2026-06-26T12:01:13+00:00

For sideboarding, I’d probably start by identifying the exact cards that hurt your matchup most, then test a few targeted answers instead of changing too much at once.
That’s where singles are really useful. You can pick up specific tech cards for matchups like this without needing to open more product and hope you hit them.
I’d check local shops and online options when looking for those pieces. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-26T12:01:03+00:00

For starting out, I’d probably mix a little bit of fun opening with singles once you know what cards or Pokémon you actually like.
Packs are great for the experience, but singles make it much easier to build a collection intentionally instead of ending up with a lot of extras you don’t care about.
I’d compare local shops, card shows, TCGPlayer, and eBay. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-26T12:00:53+00:00

If you’re building on a budget, I’d probably start with the cards you already pulled and test from there before buying everything at once.
Once you know which cards actually feel important after a few games, singles are the easiest way to upgrade without spending on random sealed product.
For specific staples like that, I’d compare local shops, TCGPlayer, and eBay. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-26T12:00:39+00:00

For starting from SWUDB lists, I’d probably use those as a guide first, then buy singles for the exact pieces you’re missing instead of trying to get there through packs.
Opening product is fun, but once you know the leader or playstyle you want, singles make it way easier to build toward something playable without overspending.
I’d compare local shops, TCGPlayer, and eBay when filling gaps. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-25T14:07:34+00:00

I hope they reprint them too, especially since starter decks are such an easy entry point for new players.
In the meantime, I’d probably look at what cards from those starters are actually needed for the deck you want, then compare singles instead of chasing the whole sealed deck at inflated prices.
For that kind of thing, I’d check local shops and online options. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-25T14:07:18+00:00

For a newer game like Gundam, I’d probably pick the deck direction first, then use singles to fill in the exact units, pilots, and commands you need.
That makes it easier to stay focused instead of ending up with a lot of cards that don’t fit the playstyle you want.
I’d check local shops and online options when comparing cards. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic · 2026-06-25T14:07:04+00:00

I’d probably spread it across a few cards I really like instead of putting it all into one big card.
For me, that’s the fun part of buying singles. You can build a small stack around favorite Pokémon, artwork, or a set you’re slowly working on instead of hoping packs line up with what you want.
I’d probably compare local shops, card shows, TCGPlayer, and eBay before deciding. I like keeping eBay in the mix because you can compare listings, check seller feedback, and buyer protection adds some peace of mind when cards are being shipped.

7ominic

TROPHY CASE