I read many articles when I play the game Duel Links, either introducing the official rules, or more of explaining the rule in the author’s own way. Japanese and Chinese use similar Kanjis (漢字, literally “Chinese Characters”), so how we Chinese understand the rules are closer to the Konami official way than non-Asian people.
However, I found in some cases, the words chosen by Konami are inaccurate, or the words’ meaning are far from common sense. So I became a “rule hacker”. I built my own paradigm on Yu-Gi-Oh rules, especially for Duel Links (I only play Duel Links, not OCG/TCG).
In this article I’ll talk about Trigger Type Effects.
Categories of Card Effects
Monster Effects activated are categorised by Konami in this way:
起動効果 (Ignition Effect)
誘発効果 (Trigger Effect)
And one more mystery 誘発即時効果,
which is usually called “Quick Effect” in English. The term 誘発即時効果 literally means “Immediate Trigger Effect”. (https://yugioh.fandom.com/wiki/Quick_Effect)
However, some of those effects needs a trigger (Like Harpie Lady SC bouncing a Monster), some do not need (Like the Darklords copying the Spell/Trap in the Graveyard). The latter may be called a Free Chain Quick Effect.
It could be misleading if we simply call all Speed Spell 2 Monster Effects in one term, either “誘発即時効果” (Immediate Trigger Effect) in OCG or “Quick Effect” in TCG.
For Spell/Trap Effects, Konami does not say they have 誘発効果 (Trigger Effect) or 誘発即時効果 (Immediate Trigger Effect). But actually those cards’ activation and resolve are like Monster Cards.
In my paradigm, I categorised Monster and Spell/Trap effects to (on when they can be activated):
Ignition Effect, Trigger Effect, Immediate Trigger Effect, Free Chain Effect
| Speed/Trigger | No | Yes |
| Slow | Ignition Effect | Trigger Effect |
| Quick | Free Chain Effect | Immediate Trigger Effect |
Both Monster and Spell/Trap cards can have all four effects. And we use the term “Trigger Type Effects” to refer both Trigger Effect and Immediate Trigger Effect. (The term Trigger Effect does not include Immediate Trigger Effect.)
Difference between Trigger Effects and Immediate Trigger Effects
Trigger Effects are activated after the resolve of the last chain/destruction of a card/Special Triggers . Trigger Effects CAN be activated in the later stage of a chain. The resolve of Trigger Effects are always after the triggers, except for Special Triggers
Immediate Trigger Effects must be activated in direct response to the trigger, OR if the trigger is a Special Trigger, activated anywhere in the Chain. The resolve of Immediate Trigger Effects are always before the triggers. (Mandatory Immediate Trigger Effects must be activated once the trigger is satisfied in the chain. Those not in direct response are activated in vain. If not specified, Immediate Trigger Effects discussed in this article are Selective ones.)
Special Triggers: Declaration of attacks, targeted for an attack, during damage calculation. The corresponding Trigger Type Effects could be Trigger Effects or Immediate Trigger Effects.
Michizure
Activate only when a monster is sent from the field to your Graveyard. Select and destroy 1 monster on the field. (You can activate this card during the Damage Step.)
Someone asked me “Why can’t I chain C2 Michizure to C1 Ballista Squad?” My answer is “Despite its Spell Speed 2, the effect of Michizure is a Trigger Effect, not an Immediate Trigger Effect. It cannot be activated in the same chain if the trigger happens during the activation stage of a chain.”
So how do we know whether an effect is a Trigger Effect or an Immediate Trigger Effect?
A Trigger Type Effect cannot be both a Trigger Effect and an Immediate Trigger Effect, it could only be one of them.
Usually you could tell it from its trigger.
If the trigger can only be at the activation stage, the corresponding effect is an Immediate Trigger Effect.
E.g., would be Summoned, is activated that targets, would be XXX, is activated that would, is activated by paying LP (anything would but not limited to).
If the trigger can only be at the resolve stage or as a result of a battle, the corresponding effect is a Trigger Effect.
E.g., destroyed, Summoned, took damage.
(Analogy: A Monster would be Summoned is like a Card’s effect would be activated. A Monster is Summoned is like the resolve of an effect.)
However, there are several triggers which can happen at both stages, either as a cost in activation, or as a result of the resolve of an effect.
E.g., banished, Tributed (much more as a cost in activation than as a result in resolve), sent to the Graveyard…
How would they be categorised? In most cases, they are designed as Trigger Effects, not Immediate Trigger Effects. If the trigger happens at the activation stage, and even the Spell Speed of the effect wanted to be activated is larger than or equal to the current Speed, the Trigger Effect can only be activated after the resolve of the current chain. This is very important and is usually overlooked, which will be referred multiple times below.
This answers why we cannot chain Michizure to Ballista Squad. When Ballista Squad just sends a Monster from the Field to the Graveyard, Michizure cannot be activated during the activation stage. Of course, after the resolve of Ballista Squad, Michizure missed the “when” timing.
(Original file from Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A0%86%E6%A0%88#/media/File:Data_stack.svg)
“When” and “If”
Both Floodgate Trap Hole and Bad Aim say they could be activated when something happens. Yet their effect types are different.
Floodgate Trap Hole
When your opponent Summons a monster(s): Change that monster(s) to face-down Defense Position. …
Bad Aim
When you opponent’s card or effect is activated: Target 1 card on the field(other than that card); destroy it.
The effect of Floodgate Trap Hole is a Trigger Effect. Summons resolved in C2 and above in the last chain will make Floodgate Trap Hole miss the timing. However, if Floodgate Trap Hole is triggered, it can be activated in C2 and above, not necessarily in C1. (C1 Floodgate Trap Hole, C2 Forbidden Lance, C3 Floodgate Trap Hole.)
The effect of Bad Aim is an Immediate Trigger Effect. It could only be activated in direct response to its trigger. And there is no way to activate Bad Aim in C1 after something resolves.
(As Trap Cards, Konami does not categorise their effects to Trigger Effect and Immediate Trigger Effect. However, you can see they are like Monster effects and you can summarize them by yourselves.)
Immediate Trigger Effects always say “when” (時 in Japanese), while Trigger Effects may say “when” or “if” (場合 in Japanese).
Trigger: activates/is activated
If a trigger says “would“, its corresponding effect should be an Immediate Trigger Effect-counter-negate activation (including Summon). If it says “activates/is activated“, it may be an Immediate Trigger Effect-counter-negate effect, or Immediate Trigger Effect-interference, OR a Trigger Effect.
Examples:
Magician’s Rod
During your opponent’s turn, if you activate a Spell/Trap Card or effect while this card is in your GY (except during the Damage Step): You can Tribute 1 Spellcaster monster; add this card to your hand.
Magician of Chaos
Once per turn, when a Spell/Trap Card or effect is activated (Quick Effect): You can target 1 card on the field; destroy it.
If a trigger is “if … activate“, the effect must be a Trigger Effect.
If a trigger is “when … activate“, the effect must be an Immediate Trigger Effect.
Why?
Immediate Trigger Effects always say “when“, while Trigger Effects may say “when” or “if“. So Immediate Trigger Effect is eliminated if we see “if“. Such effect can only be a Trigger Effect.
What about “when … activate“?
Suppose there is a Trigger Effect triggered by “when something activates“. That “when something activates” can only be satisfied at the activation stage, and at the resolve stage, the “when something activates” timing is missed. However, a Trigger Effect can only be triggered by something before the chain where itself locates, it cannot be triggered by something at the same chain. If there is such an effect, it could never been actually triggered. Thus a Trigger Type Effect with “when something activates” can only be designed to be an Immediate Trigger Effect.
So we know
The effect of Magician’s Rod with “if you activate” is a Trigger Effect.
The effect of Magician of Chaos with “when something is activated” is an Immediate Trigger Effect.
Other texts like “Quick Effect” also helps.
For some time, I thought Magician’s Rod is trigger by Dark Magical Circle. Finally I know, it is actually triggered by Magician Navigation.
The effect of Magician’s Rod can only be a Trigger Effect, not an Immediate Trigger Effect, otherwise the priority would be already passed, and the opponent would have the chance to activate Crystron Impact to counter Dark Magical Circle.
And the Trigger Effect activates is not trigger by C1 Dark Magical Circle‘s activation, it could only be some effect in the last chain.
Trigger Type Effects with Battles and During Damage Calculation (Special Triggers)
When an attacked is declared, when some monster battles (including target for attack) and during damage calculation are special triggers. Entering and exiting the stages are like activation and resolve of effects. for when an attacked is declared, when some monster battles (including target for attack), the resolve is actual battle of Monsters. For during damage calculation, the resolve is actual damage calculation.
For these special triggers, Trigger Type Effects may be categorised as Trigger Effects OR Immediate Trigger Effects. As special cases, Immediate Trigger Effects may activate after C1. The activation of Immediate Trigger Effects are like Trigger Effects. They are different only in Spell Speeds.
Trigger Effects is to special triggers what Immediate Trigger Effects is to other triggers.
A Trigger Effect after a special trigger, is like C0 Spell Speed 0 special trigger, then C1 Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effect.
The resolve is LIFO (Last In First Out). The Trigger Type Effect interferes (or strengthens) the trigger:
trigger happens (activates) -> Trigger Type Effect activates -> Trigger Type Effect resolves -> trigger resolves
Examples:
Declaration of an attack -> Wall of Disruption activates -> Wall of Disruption resolves -> battle resolves (Trigger Effects to special trigger)
A Monster would be Summoned -> Solemn Scolding activates -> Solemn Scolding resolves, negating the Summon. (Immediate Trigger Effects to general trigger)
For general triggers, triggers and Trigger Type Effects are “activated” and resolved separately. The Trigger Type Effects do not interfere or strengthen the triggers:
trigger happens (activates) -> trigger resolves -> Trigger Type Effect activates -> Trigger Type Effect resolves
Example:
Aloof Lupine is Summoned and banishes Thunder Dragonroar (activates) -> banishes Thunder Dragondark (resolves) –>
Banished Thunder Dragonroar Trigger Type Effect activates -> Banished Thunder Dragondark Trigger Type Effect activates ->
Thunder Dragondark resolves -> Thunder Dragonroar resolves
Summary
Special triggers to Trigger Effects and all Immediate Trigger Effects are LIFO.
Other Trigger Effects are separated from the triggers.
| Effect/Trigger Type | Special Trigger | Other Trigger |
| Trigger Effect | LIFO | separate |
| Immediate Trigger Effect | LIFO | LIFO |
Effects changing ATK/DEF may be activated before or during damage calculation. If an effect can be activated during the damage calculation, usually it could only be activated at that time. An effect can be activated before the damage calculation are usually Free Chain effects. Activating them before damage calculation is usually better than in other timings.
What are Triggers
Not all texts with “if” “when” are triggers. If the text is a situation, it is not a trigger; if it is an event, it is a trigger.
Treacherous Trap Hole can only be activated if you have no Trap Cards in the Graveyard. If you have a Magician Navigation in the Graveyard, you can banish it, then chain Treacherous Trap Hole. But the effect of Treacherous Trap Hole is not Trigger Type, it is a Free Chain Effect.
Summary of Card Effects by Timing of Activations
Ignition Effect: Normal Summon, Synchro/Xyz Summon, Monster Effects which can only be activated in the Main Phases when you have the priority, Normal, Ritual, Equip, Continuous, Field Spells. (Card activation of the last three.)
Trigger Effect: Floodgate Trap Hole, Michizure, Monster Effects when/if they are destroyed/sent to the GY/banished, various Kuriboh effects in hand.
Immediate Trigger Effect
Immediate Trigger Effect-Counter
Immediate Trigger Effect-Counter-Negate Activation (including Summon): Steelswarm Roach, Black Bird Close, Legendary Six Samurai – Shi En (negating Spell/Trap Card activation), Head Judging
Immediate Trigger Effect-Counter-Negate Effect: Starlight Road, Photon Strike Bounzer
Immediate Trigger Effect-Interference: Magician of Chaos (destroying a card in response to an effect’s activation), Bad Aim
Free Chain Effect: Treacherous Trap Hole, Artifact Lancea (Tributing itself), D.D. Crow, Abyss Dweller (detaching 1 Xyz Material)
An effect Negating Activation (including Summon) must be an Immediate Trigger Effect. An effect Negating Effect can be an Immediate Trigger Effect or a Free Chain Effect.
Some Examples of Similar but Different Effects
The Equipment (activation) of Power of the Guardians: Ignition Effect, placing 1 Spell Counter on it when an attack is declared: Mandatory Trigger Effect.
The Equipment of Gravity Blaster: Ignition Effect, gaining 400 ATK for the equipped Monster: Ignition Effect.
Crystron Sulfefnir Special Summon a Monster after its destruction: Trigger Effect
Stardust Dragon negating and destroying when Black Rose Dragon would destroy all Cards: Immediate Trigger Effect
Maiden with Eyes of Blue targeted by an attack: Trigger Effect
Maiden with Eyes of Blue targeted by an effect: Immediate Trigger Effect
(They are two separate effects.)
Berry Magician Girl and Blackwing Tamer – Obsidian Hawk Joe target by an attack OR an effect: Immediate Trigger Effect
(They are summarised as one effect. When targeted by an effect, the effect must chain in response to the targeting effect, when target by an attack, it can be activated later in the chain.)
From the perspective of game design:
Only an attack can trigger: Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effect
Both an attack and an effect can trigger: Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effect
Spell Speeds
Only Counter Traps has Spell Speed 3. Most of them are Immediate Trigger Effects-Counter-Negate Activation (including Summon), a few are Immediate Trigger Effects-Counter-Negate Effect. And there are cards like Negate Attack, triggered by attacks. It does not matter if you call it Trigger Effect or Immediate Trigger Effect.
Effects with other cards can have a Spell Speed of 2 in maximum.
Ignition Effect: Spell Speed 1
Immediate Trigger Effect: Spell Speed 2
Free Chain Effect: Spell Speed 2
Trigger Effect: could be Spell Speed 1 OR Spell Speed 2
Ignition Effects and (most) Trigger Effects have the same Spell Speed 1 does not matter much. Ignition Effects and Trigger Effects cannot appear in the same chain. (Triggers in the cost of activation, the Trigger Effects are activated in the next chain.)
There is a “quick timing” after a Summon/resolve of the last chain. In this timing, Trigger Effects and Quick Effects (Spell Speed 2 and above) can be activated. Only if both players no longer activate such effects, the turn player can activate Ignition Effects. So someone may say Trigger Effect has Spell Speed 1.5. (Difference between Gozuki and Samurai Skull)
Monsters may have Trigger Effects with Spell Speed 2.
Traps may have Trigger Effects with Spell Speed 1.
To illustrate this, please take a look at below two groups of images:
Group 1
Group 2
- We have two Number 39: Utopias on the Field. The opponent has an Ultimate Providence in the backrow. After we activate the first Utopia, chain it to another one. The Ultimate Providence can only response to the second one.
- We have Wall of Disruption, Beacon Saver (GY) and Sphere Kuriboh (hand). Beacon Saver can be chained to Wall of Disruption, then Sphere Kuriboh can chain.
This is because of two reasons:
- The Spell Speed of Trigger Effects of face-up Monsters is 1.
The Spell Speed of Trigger Effects of Monsters in hand is 2 (non-public information).
(Some article said the ruling of OCG and TCG differ. In TCG, Trigger Effects always has Spell Speed 1. So the stick-chair combo is different. I do not know the details, but DL use OCG ruling after all.) - Only after the activations of a series of Trigger Type Effects, can the players take turns on the priority.
- The turn player’s Spell Speed 1 Mandatory Trigger Effects
- The non-turn player’s Spell Speed 1 Mandatory Trigger Effects
- The turn player’s Spell Speed 1 Selective Trigger Effects
- The non-turn player’s Spell Speed 1 Selective Trigger Effects
- The turn player’s Spell Speed 2 Mandatory Immediate Trigger Effects
- The non-turn player’s Spell Speed 2 Mandatory Immediate Trigger Effects
(Mandatory Immediate Trigger Effects are rare. Doomcaliber Knight is an example in DL.)
After these effect, Free Chain Effects, Spell Speed 2 Trigger Effects and Immediate Trigger Effects can be chained to each other.
Both Number 39: Utopia and Sphere Kuriboh are triggered by declaration of an attack.
Utopias are a face-up Monsters. In Group 1, both Utopias must be asked before the Ultimate Providence, making the latter missed the timing of negating the first one.
Sphere Kuriboh in hand is non-public information. So its Trigger Effect is Spell Speed 2 and can be chained to Trap Cards. On the contrary, you cannot make Ultimate Providence missed the timing if you have two Sphere Kuribohs. After the activation of the first one, the priority is passed to the opponent.
Let’s take another careful look at the zoomed screenshots. Did you notice something?
In DL, multiple Trigger Effects in the same level are sorted by the system (while in OCG and TCG, by the players in their desired sequence). If you see a large pop-up screen to ask Yes/No, that Trigger Type Effect is Spell Speed 1. If the effect is selectable in a list of cards, that Trigger Type Effect is Spell Speed 2, and now the players take turns on the priority.
For pop-up screen Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effects, you’ll have only one chance to activate it (for the current trigger).
For card selection Spell Speed 2 Trigger Type Effects, you have multiple chances to activate it in a same chain as long as the priority is passed to you and the trigger satisfies (all Spell Speed 2 Trigger Effects and Immediate Trigger Effects for battle and during damage calculation).
Next, let’s take a look at this card: Metaphys Dimension. It has two Trigger Effects.
Metaphys Dimension:
① If you opponent Special Summons a monster (except during the Damage Step): You can target 1 of your banished “Metaphys” monsters; Special Summon it, but banish it during the End Phase of the next turn.
② If your other “Metaphys” card in its owner’s possession is banished while this card is already face-up in your Spell & Trap Zone: You can target 1 card your opponent controls, banish it.
You can only use each effect of “Metaphys Dimension” once per turn.
From the screenshots, we can tell the Trigger Effect by opponent’s Special Summon is Spell Speed 2 (①), while the Trigger Effect by banishment of Metaphys Card is Spell Speed 1 (②). Why the difference? I think
② can only be activated when this card is already face-up on the Field, it must be public information, so it is Spell Speed 1.
① can be activated either when this card is already face-up on the Field OR immediately when it is flipped face-up. Such Trigger Effect able to be activated with either public or non-public information, is treated as Spell Speed 2 in DL (I’m not sure the rulings in OCG/TCG).
There are limited possible types of Spell Cards‘ effects when already face-up on the fields and in the Graveyard: Spell Speed 1 Ignition Effects, Trigger Effects, or Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effects (very rare).
Face-up Spell Speed 1 Ignition Effects: Aroma Garden gaining 500 LP.
Face-up Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effects: Aroma Garden gaining 1000 LP at Aroma Monster destruction.
Graveyard Spell Speed 1 Ignition Effects: Galaxy Cyclone banishes itself to destroy face-up a Spell/Trap.
Graveyard Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effects: Witchcrafter Unveiling adding itself to hand at the End Phase (Quick-Play Spells’ effect in the GY is also Spell Speed 1).
Face-up Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effects: Ancient City – Rainbow Ruin with 3+ Crystal Beasts negating the activation of a Spell/Trap Card.
Possible types of Trap Cards‘ effects when already face-up on the fields and in the Graveyard are more: Spell Speed 1 OR 2 Trigger Effects, Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effects, Spell Speed 2 Free Chain Effects.
Face-up Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effects: Metaphys Dimension effect ②.
Graveyard Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effects: Cybernetic Overflow destroyed and search for another card.
Face-up Spell Speed 2 Trigger Effects: Metaphys Dimension effect ①.
Face-up Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effects: Head Judging.
Graveyard Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effects: Crystron Impact.
Face-up Spell Speed 2 Free Chain Effects: Triamid Pulse.
Graveyard Spell Speed 2 Free Chain Effects: Magician Navigation, Burgeoning Whirlflame banishing FIRE Monsters to add itself back (Counter Traps’ effect in the GY is also Spell Speed 2).
The Spell Speeds of Spell/Trap Effects are not explicitly on the text with “either player’s turn” or “Quick Effect”. We can determined them from their types.
For Effects without a trigger:
Quick-Play Spell’s Card activation: Spell Speed 2 Free Chain Effects.
Other Spell Card Effects: Spell Speed 1 Ignition Effects.
Trap Card Effects: Spell Speed 2 Free Chain Effects. For the Graveyard Effect of Breakthrough Skill, though only applicable in its owner’s turn, is still Spell Speed 2.
For Effects with a trigger:
Quick-Play Spell’s Card activation: Could be Spell Speed 2 Trigger Effects (Inferno Tempest), Spell Speed 2 Immediate Trigger Effects (Jar Robber), or like Forbidden Scripture with special trigger and does not matter if you call it a Trigger Effect or Immediate Trigger Effect.
Other Spell Card Effects: Spell Speed 1 Trigger Effects.
Trap Card Effects: Spell Speed 1 OR 2 Trigger Effects, Spell Speed 2 OR 3 Immediate Trigger Effects.
I wondered why some Summoning Cards are designed to be Trap Cards, not Quick-Play Spell Cards before. One reason may be: If Crystron Impact or Magician Navigation were Quick-Play Spell Cards, they would not have such Spell Speed 2 effects in the Graveyard.
Another Comprehensive Example
Someone may ask: Why Thunder Dragondark can prevent Ultimate Providence from negating Levianeer, but it cannot block Steelswarm Roach? Here is the illurstration.
Can Trigger Type Effects be activated during the Damage Step?
Most Free Chain Effects CANNOT be activated during the Damage Step, unless directly changing ATK/DEF (which can be activated before damage calculation at the latest) or with specific text/rulings.
If the trigger is satisfied literally
For Immediate Trigger Effects, only Counter-Negate Activation (including Summon) type OR Counter Traps CAN be activated. Other Immediate Trigger Effects CANNOT.
Most Trigger Effects CAN be activated. Below is a summary of most cases with a few exceptions:
- Fusion, Ritual, Synchro, Xyz, Pendulum or Link Summon CANNOT be conducted. “Treated as XX Summon” is not limited to this rule. (e.g., Fusion Parasite cannot conduct a Fusion Summon by its own effect if Special Summoned in the Damage Step. After the resolve of Magic Arm Shield, Damage Step is entered. It will prohibited those Summons after it in the same chain.) Check 1 for other cases.
- An effect triggered by the status change of the card itself (e.g., moved to another location, including Summoned) CAN be activated (Free Chain Shiranui Samurai banishes Shiranui Solitaire in Damage Step. Banished Solitaire Special Summons Sunsaga. Then Sunsaga returns cards to EX deck and destroy cards. The consecutive last two effects are both this case). Check 3 for other cases.
- An effect triggered by other cards, if not including Monster Summoning (including trigger by other card to Special Summon the card, or trigger by other card’s Summoning), CAN be activated (banishment of cards triggers Soul Absorption). Check 4 for other cases.
- An effect triggered by other cards and including Monster Summoning, if the effect is Summoning the card itself and the trigger includes other cards being destroyed by battle, CAN be activated (Keeper of the Shrine Special Summons itself if a Dragon Monster is sent to the Graveyard by an effect or destroyed by battle). Check 5 for other cases.
- An effect triggered by other cards and including Monster Summoning, and the effect not “Summoning the card itself and the trigger includes other cards being destroyed by battle” (none of the above), CANNOT be activated (Dark Magician Summoning triggers Dark Magic Circle to banish a card).
A few exceptions: Gladiator Beast Vespasius (case 5 but can be activated).
Indefinite in Heart 
