First or Second?

[Xoned]

When playing elements do you prefer to go first or second? Why?

I prefer to go first when using my rustler-dragon deck or a supernova ranbow.

[Retribution]

First, because besides the fact your opponent starts with a full hand, you have the full advantage.

[Wisemage]

agree First, i really dont see going second as an advantage as in other games like Yu GI Oh (when i palyed like 5 years ago i always went second)

[Malduk]

First one gets all the advantage for quanta generation, deck setup, rushes, AND he decks out later as first one doesnt draw a card.

[Selenbrant]

Sometimes if I get just 2 towers instead of 3 I would prefer to be the second... so I could use at least my Quicksand.
Too if you start with much creature control and without creatures it could be better to be the second.

[finkel]

if you have a deck-out deck, you definitely want to go second.

[Anothebrother]

if you have a deck-out deck, you definitely want to go second.

I disagree...please explain.

[Anothebrother]

I would say that generally 1st has three advantages, while 2nd has one:


1st:
1. First to establish quanta (Pillars, Towers, Novas, Immos etc.)
2. Your opponent draws a card and therefore starts with a full hand and may have to discard, you won't have to your first turn no matter what.
3. If the same amount of cards and no RT's, you win the deckout.

2nd:
1. You know what kind of deck your opponent is playing before you lay cards...usually.

The only other time I can think if first being a disadvantage is if you go first, play 3 pillars/towers and then your opponent goes next plays 3 stone towers and quicksands...but other than that, seems better to go first

[Malduk]

if you have a deck-out deck, you definitely want to go second.

I said it two posts above yours - first player does not draw a card. Second player is the first that draws the card from his deck. Meaning, if you have 2 decks with same number of cards, second player will deck out first.

So if you have a deck-out deck, you still want to go first. If nothing else, to draw shields one turn faster.

[icybraker]

And another advantage of going second:

You can psychologically traumatize your opponent by playing the 3-turn win Golem deck that only works on a perfect draw and going 2nd.

But these 3 reasons are very minimal compared to the advantage of going first. In a mirror battle, going first is a huge factor.

[Tea is good]

Second, you get to see what the opponent is playing and draw an extra card. You don't know if that time mark means shrieker rush with EQs and RTs or a Speed Rainbow with no control.

[ddevans96]

Sometimes one deck can have multiple strategies. Going second lets you see the opponents deck and decide which deck to use.