Does Avramax Activate in the Damage Step? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, Accesscode Talker’s effect, often referred to as Avramax’s effect, does activate at the end of the Damage Step when it is sent to the Graveyard by an opponent’s card effect or by battle. This makes it a powerful and versatile card in the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Its ability to trigger when destroyed or used as material by an opponent’s action makes it a constant threat and a valuable asset. Understanding the nuances of when and how Avramax’s effect triggers within the Damage Step is crucial for effective gameplay.
Understanding the Damage Step
The Damage Step is a specific segment within the Battle Phase where battles are resolved. It’s a critical part of the game, but it has strict rules regarding which card effects can be activated. This is where many players can make crucial errors. The Damage Step is not a free-for-all; only a specific selection of cards and effects can be activated here.
What Can Activate During the Damage Step?
In general, only the following types of effects can be activated during the Damage Step:
- Counter Trap Cards: These are the fastest effects in the game (Spell Speed 3) and can be activated during any phase, including the Damage Step, which includes cards like “Solemn Judgment” or “Dark Bribe”.
- Mandatory Trigger Effects: Effects that automatically activate when a certain condition is met. The activation of these effects happens before a player can make any voluntary decisions.
- Effects That Directly Modify ATK/DEF: These effects that change attack and defense points can be activated before Damage Calculation occurs during the Damage Step. It’s important to note that effects that change attack points but don’t directly change them, for example, cards that “gains attack points” will NOT activate.
Avramax and the Damage Step Trigger
As mentioned, Avramax’s effect activates at the end of the Damage Step, if it is sent to the GY by an opponent’s card or battle, which makes it very versatile. When Avramax is destroyed, either through battle by an opponent’s monster or through being tributed or discarded by an opponent’s card effect, its effect will activate at the end of the Damage Step. Its effect states “If this card is sent to the GY by an opponent’s card: You can Special Summon 1 Link Monster from your GY, except “Accesscode Talker”, but negate its effects.”
This distinction is crucial: Avramax’s effect is a mandatory trigger effect. It doesn’t activate during the Damage Calculation substep. It waits until the resolution of the battle or card effect and then activates after the damage substep is completely finished. This means that its effect cannot be negated by cards that negate effects activated during damage calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the rules surrounding Avramax and the Damage Step:
1. Can Counter Traps Be Activated in the Damage Step?
Yes, Counter Trap Cards like “Solemn Judgment” and “Dark Bribe” can be activated during the Damage Step. They are the fastest effects in the game (Spell Speed 3) and can be used to negate actions that occur during this phase.
2. Can Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring Be Activated in the Damage Step?
No, Ash Blossom & Joyous Spring cannot be activated during the Damage Step. Its effect does not meet any of the criteria for activation during this specific phase.
3. What’s the Difference Between the Battle Phase and the Damage Step?
The Battle Phase is a phase where attacks are declared, and the Damage Step is a specific substep within the Battle Phase where battles are resolved. The Damage Step happens immediately after a battle is declared and will continue until the resolution of the battle is determined, i.e. Damage Calculation has occurred, and any cards that will resolve post-Damage Calculation have resolved.
4. Can Effects Be Activated During the Battle Phase?
Yes, many card effects can be activated during the Battle Phase but only effects that are Spell Speed 2 and above. This would include cards such as Normal Traps, Counter Traps, Continuous Traps, Quick-Play spells and Monster Effects that are speed 2.
5. Can Forbidden Lance Be Activated in the Damage Step?
Yes, Forbidden Lance can be activated during the Damage Step before the Damage Calculation. It’s a Quick-Play Spell Card that can modify ATK values, fitting the criteria for activation at this specific substep.
6. Can Infinite Impermanence Be Activated in the Damage Step?
No, Infinite Impermanence cannot be activated during the Damage Step. It doesn’t meet the criteria of directly changing ATK/DEF, being a mandatory effect, or being a Counter Trap.
7. Can Stardust Dragon’s Effect Be Activated in the Damage Step?
Yes, Stardust Dragon’s effect that special summons it from the GY can be activated during the Damage Step. Its effect targets a Stardust Dragon and is a Trigger Effect, meaning it can activate during this phase.
8. Does D.D. Warrior Lady’s Effect Stop Flip Effects?
Yes, D.D. Warrior Lady does not stop flip effects from activating if they are mandatory. However, D.D. Warrior Lady would only activate as Chain Link 1, whereas a mandatory flip effect would activate as Chain Link 2. D.D. Warrior Lady cannot stop optional Flip Effects.
9. Can Forbidden Droplet Be Activated During the Damage Step?
Yes, Forbidden Droplet can be activated during the Damage Step, but only before Damage Calculation occurs. Since it modifies the attack power of a card and it is a quick-play spell, it qualifies for activation.
10. Can Bottomless Trap Hole Be Activated at the End of the Damage Step?
No, Bottomless Trap Hole cannot be activated at the end of the Damage Step. It’s a Normal Trap Card and not a Counter Trap card.
11. Can Quick Effects Be Activated on an Opponent’s Turn?
Yes, fast effects (Spell Speed 2+) can be activated by either player on either player’s turn, as long as the activation conditions are met. These include monster quick effects, quick-play spells, and traps.
12. Can You Tribute Unaffected Cards?
Yes, a monster that is unaffected by Spell or Trap effects can still be tributed as tributes are not considered to be an effect.
13. Does Card Destruction Trigger Dark World Effects?
Yes, Card Destruction is one of several cards that can trigger the effect of Dark World monsters. It is considered a card that “discards” card.
14. Can Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion Be Activated in the Damage Step?
Yes, Ghost Belle & Haunted Mansion can be activated during the Damage Step if its activation requirements are met as its an effect that negates a card effect.
15. Can Infinite Impermanence Be Activated From the Hand?
Yes, Infinite Impermanence can be activated from the hand if you control no cards on your field. This is an additional condition on the card, allowing you to activate the effect from the hand.
Conclusion
Understanding the intricacies of the Damage Step and how different card effects interact with it is vital for strategic Yu-Gi-Oh! gameplay. Avramax is a prime example of a powerful card that benefits from this interaction, triggering at the end of the Damage Step. By understanding when and how it activates, players can better utilize its disruptive power.