Disadvantages to the deck includes it's relatively high price, 10k Vanguard and lack of a game-pusher in the late game. This leads to more damage faster, at a cost of having no beneficial damage checks, other than heals. The trigger line-up can play an important role too, as many players prefer the 12 Criticals approach to the deck. Advantage is created by using tutoring effects, and using Palamedes to quickly deplete your opponent's hand. The 'beat' part of the deck is supplied by none other than Swordsman of the Explosive Flames Palamedes due to it's ability to create 20k-22k columns instantly. The deck revolves around riding King of Knights Alfred, tutoring cards to the field with cards such as High Dog Breeder Akane and King of Knights Alfred himself. It has won it's fair amount of tournaments in Japan, including the Japanese National Tournament this year. Alfred Beat or Alfred Toolbox is one of the best decks in the game. There are currently 4 competitive builds that are, or will be in the near future, available to Royal Paladin players. With it's abundant support, it is only natural that multiple builds be available for Royal Paladin. Even so, Royal Paladin still remains to be relatively popular with new and old players alike - even more so with the upcoming release of Set 5, and their flagship Grade 3 - Majesty Lord Blaster. Unfortunately they have been overshadowed and overlooked by their golden counterparts - Gold Paladin, which had their fair share of strong support in their debut Set. Staples back from Set 1 & 2 are still staples today, which include Soul Saver Dragon. In it's current state, Royal Paladin are still known for their nearly unparalleled consistency and easy ability to create high powered rearguard columns due to Swordsman of the Explosive Flames Palamedes.

With cards such as King of Knights Alfred, Blaster Blade and Barcgal it quickly became one of the best decks in the game. With Set 1 being a good chunk of their current support, they were the most popular and competitive clan right from the start. Royal Paladin have been around since the game's inception. Note: I will be focussing my discussion around the current English meta. Now that I find myself with some free time, inspiration and motivation, let's begin! The builds, the cards, their state in the current meta, it's been something that I've been wanting to write for a while, but have been too busy due to school. Long overdue, I'm finally getting the chance to go over Royal Paladin as a whole.

Cardfight vanguard art