If you have dueled Fire Fist before... then you know how annoying they are and can admit they are one of the main decks this format. If not... then read on.

Fire Fist were the 'has-potential' decks until Konami released Chicken and with some even newer (yes...) support coming up, it is definitely the deck to look out for. So what exactly are Fire Fist? They are are a set of Fire (surprise) Beast-Warrior monsters also known as Flame Star (would've been such a better name).

Quote :

In the OCG, every "Fire Fist" monster, except "Horse Prince", "Lion Emperor", and "Spirit", are named after the 108 heroes of Water Margin, the "108 Stars of Destiny". Only 36 "Heavenly Spirits" seem being released and the 72 "Earthly Fiends" not, and "Horse Prince", "Lion Emperor", and "Spirit" are characters from the novel while the "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Cards are named after celestial. - Wikipedia

There are 2 main types of Fire Fist but the main idea of the deck is to control the field with monsters that are powered up by Fire Formations. These monsters can sacrifice Fire Formation cards on the field to destroy monsters/spells/traps, special summon a monster from grave, search out other Fire Formation cards. Therefore, this deck is very combo-reliant and in the right hands, it is very powerful.


Main Cards

Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon (Lvl 4, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
Once per turn, if you activate a "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card (except during the Damage Step): You can Set 1 "Fire Formation" Trap Card directly from your Deck. Once per turn: You can send 2 face-up "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Cards you control to the Graveyard to target 1 "Fire Fist" monster in your Graveyard, except "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon"; Special Summon that target.

It is the main searcher of the deck: it may not automatically be the one that leaps out at you but it is a staple that is run in both the chicken and stun build. Can search out a Fire Formation (FF) trap each turn when a Fire Formation card is activated and by sending 2 FF cards to the grave you can special summon any Fire Fist monster from the grave. Run 1-3


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear (Lvl 4, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
Once per turn, when this card inflicts battle damage to your opponent: You can Set 1 "Fire Formation" Spell Card directly from your Deck. Once per turn: You can send 1 face-up "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card you control to the Graveyard to target 1 monster on the field; destroy that target.

Another staple in both builds: can destroy 1 monster on the field, then attack directly, search out another Fire Formation Spell card from the deck (which can be activated on that turn): what's not to love? Run 3


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Gorilla (Lvl 4, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
Once per turn, when this card destroys an opponent's monster by battle and sends it to the Graveyard: You can Set 1 "Fire Formation" Spell Card directly from your Deck. Once per turn: You can send 1 face-up "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card you control to the Graveyard to target 1 Spell/Trap Card on the field; destroy that target.

Quite straightforward, not as useful as the bear but still used in both decks non the less. Run 2-3


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Chicken (Lvl 3, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
When this card is Special Summoned by the effect of a "Fire Fist" monster: You can add 1 "Fire Fist" monster from your Deck to your hand. You can only use this effect of "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Chicken" once per turn. Once per turn: You can send 1 face-up "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card you control to the Graveyard; Set 1 "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card directly from your Deck.

MVP of the chicken build (which in my opinion is the most competitive). Combos amazingly well with Spirit and can recycle your FF cards: can get rid of Tenki for another Tenki (that's 2 free searches in 2 turns... amazing card). It gives you a massive advantage when combined with Spirit and Horse Prince. It's the main engine of the chicken build (as you can see by its name) but there are some debate on how many should be run. I personally find 2 is enough but some prefer going for 3 copies. Run 2-3


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit (Lvl 3, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
Cannot be used as a Synchro Material Monster, except for the Synchro Summon of a Beast-Warrior-Type monster. When this card is Normal Summoned: You can target 1 Level 3 FIRE monster with 200 or less DEF in your Graveyard; Special Summon that target in face-up Defense Position. If you do, you can only attack with Beast-Warrior-Type monsters for the rest of this turn. You can only use the effect of "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit" once per turn.

Since we're talking about the chicken build, it's impossible not to mention this guy. Before chicken was released this had very little use to the archetype but with its faithful... bird (?), it wrecks havoc. Combos well with chicken (can go to either XYZ or Synchro) or a panther. Run 3 in a chicken build.


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panther (Lvl 3, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
During your Main Phase, if this card was Normal or Special Summoned this turn: You can Tribute 1 face-up "Fire Fist" monster; Set 1 "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card directly from your Deck. You can only use the effect of "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panther" once per turn.

Combos well with Spirit and is a great searcher: note you can tribute any Fire Fist for it, not just itself. Run 2-3


Fire Formation - Tenki (Spell, Continous)
When this card is activated: You can add 1 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior-Type monster from your Deck to your hand. All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 100 ATK. You can only activate 1 "Fire Formation - Tenki" per turn.

The ROTA of our archetype: which can also be teched into many other decks. Also gives all of your monsters a 100 attack boost. Not running 3 is unforgivable. Run 3


Fire Formation - Tensu (Spell, Continous)
During your Main Phase, you can Normal Summon 1 Beast-Warrior-Type monster in addition to your Normal Summon/Set. (You can only gain this effect once per turn.) All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 100 ATK.

It's a double summon that can be used every turn! Especially with the combos Fire Fist has... this card is great. Gives access to XYZ plays or just plain beatdown: whichever you prefer: also gives a 100 attack boost. Don't forget both Tenki and Tensu are used for the effects of the Fire Fist monsters. Run 2-3


Fire Formation - Tenken (Trap, Continous)
Activate only during Main Phase 1. When this card is activated: Target 1 Beast-Warrior-Type monster you control; during this phase, its effects are negated, also it is unaffected by the effects of cards other than this card. (This applies even if this card leaves the field.) All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 300 ATK.

This is Forbidden Lance on drugs... in a way. During any Main Phase 1 you can use this to make your monster unaffected by all effects: this includes things like BRD, Mind Control etc. All beast-warriors can 300 attack points which is nothing to laugh at, but be careful when using this: it can only be used on Main Phase 1 so if cards in Battle Phase or Main Phase 2 will go through. It's one of those cards that you wish you had, but when you do have it... you know any smart opponent will play around. Run 1-2


Fire Formation - Tensen (Trap, Continous)
When this card is activated: Target 1 Beast-Warrior-Type monster you control; it gains 700 ATK until the End Phase. (This ATK gain remains even if this card leaves the field.) All Beast-Warrior-Type monsters you control gain 300 ATK.

Gives an instant 1000 attack boost to your monster and a 300 boost to all your beast-warrior monsters: quite devastating if you are facing an opponent and you know they have Tensen face down. Run 2-3


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King (Rank 4, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
2 Level 4 Beast-Warrior-Type monsters
When this card is Xyz Summoned: You can Set 1 "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Card directly from your Deck. Once per turn: You can detach 1 Xyz Material from this card; negate the effects of all face-up Effect Monster currently on the field, except Beast-Warrior-Type, until the end of your opponent's turn. When this card is sent from the field to the Graveyard: You can send 3 face-up "Fire Formation" Spell/Trap Cards you control to the Graveyard; Special Summon 2 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior-Type monsters with the same ATK from your Deck, in face-up Defense Position.

The out to Zenmaines, Catatsor... etc. When summoned you can search any Fire Formation card and if you have 3 face-up and this card is destroyed... you can summon 2 Level 4 or lower Beast-Warrior-Type monsters with the same ATK from your Deck, in face-up Defense Position. Great card which is easily made with Wolfberk. Run 2-3.


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Cardinal Commander (Rank 4, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
2 Level 4 "Fire Fist" monsters
You can detach 2 Xyz Materials from this card to target 2 "Fire Fist" and/or "Fire Formation" cards you control or in your Graveyard, and 2 face-up cards your opponent controls or in their Graveyard; shuffle them into the Deck. You can only use the effect of "Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Cardinal Commander" once per turn.

A bit trickier to get out than Tiger King but seriously... look at the effect... you get to re-use your spell/trap cards which you would've probably recycled with Chicken... and bounce opponent's cards in the process? Well done Konami, you've done it again. Run 2


Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Horse Prince (Lvl 6, Fire, Beast-Warrior)
1 FIRE Tuner + 1 or more non-Tuner monsters
When this card is Synchro Summoned: You can Special Summon 1 Level 3 FIRE monster from your Deck. After you Synchro Summon this card, you cannot Special Summon Level 5 or higher monsters for the rest of this turn.

Note that this card only prevents you from summoning a Level 5 or higher monster after its Synchro Summon, you can still summon high Level monsters before. Other than that the card is quite straightforward. Run 2-3 in a Chicken Build.


Other Cards

Now there are a lot of cards that deserve to be in the main (Wolfberk just to name one) but then the list gets too big. I'll post some of the cards that are used which aren't staples.

Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Raven
Enthusiastic Beast Wolfberk
Reborn Tengu
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Rhino
Onslaught of the Fire Kings
Starlight Road
Horn of the Phantom Beast
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Lion Emperor
Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Snake
Neo-Spacian Grand Mole
Diamond Dire Wolf
Vorse Raider/Rescue Rabbit/Deck Devastation Virus (another route to go with the deck)


Deck Skeleton

Chicken Build

Monsters
2x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon
3x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear
2x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Gorilla
2x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Chicken
2x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Panther
3x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Spirit
2x Enthusiastic Beast Wolfberk

Spells
3x Fire Formation - Tensu
3x Fire Formation - Tenki

Traps
2x Fire Formation - Tenken
2x Fire Formation - Tensen


Stun Build

Monsters
3x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon
3x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear
3x Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Gorilla
3x Thunder King Rai-Oh
2x Effect Veiler

Spells
2x Fire Formation - Tensu
3x Fire Formation - Tenki

Traps
2x Fire Formation - Tenken
2x Fire Formation - Tensen
3x Horn of the Phantom Beast
2x Starlight Road


Weakness

Now weaknesses of Fire Fists... I'm not going to lie, there aren't many pointers I can give here. First off, Fire Fists isn't an auto pilot deck: without the right ratios and plays it is not easy for a beginner to be able to play it like someone experienced would.

The second main weakness is the case of running out of Fire Formations: this was a big issue but then Konami released Cardinal Commander... but the issue is still there. If you duel a Fire Fist deck you'll realize that as the duel progresses, the plays the opponent can do becomes limited.

The third and probably the most useful advice is that while Fire Fists are very good at attacking, their defense isn't as good. What I mean by this is once the opponent gets rid of your Fire Formations and you have lost control of the board, it is very hard to come back.


Side cards

As it is at the moment, Fire Fists doesn't have a specific side card (as most builds run Starlight Road) but Forbidden Lance is a great choice as it stops them from gaining all the attack boost. I'll add some more once more are released.

Forbidden Lance
Macro Cosmos
Fairy Wind
Overworked
Wisel
Royal Decree
Effect Veiler
Fiendish Chain
Dust Tornado
Malevolent Catastophe

First off, good article for beginner and immediate players. Now then...

Some points:

Dragon at 3 isn't a must. Builds that don't use Tenken in the TCG, which happen to be a lot of them, use 1 or 2. In order to make running more Dragons worth it you'd have to run more FF traps which means you'd making the deck more combo orientated, which is bad if you're playing competitive. Many people have taken to using Forbidden Lance because it's faster and is a more versatile card. Chicken builds don't need to run any since opening Panther/Chicken/Tenki/Tensu/Spirit is far better, Dragon isn't great mid-late game and again adding more FF traps is bad.

Purple with a dark background is not good.

It's worth mentioning that if you Synchro Summon Horse Prince using Raven and Spirit and then proceed to summon Chicken with Horse, Chicken's effect to add an FF monster from the deck to the hand will miss timing. (I think this is the case, at least).

It might be worth mentioning Rescue Rabbit, Gene-Warped Warwolf, Vorse Raider and Deck Devastation Virus (cute tech) in "other cards".

A big weakness in the TCG Fire Fist builds is monster removal; they pack 12-14 monsters and without them their chances of topping something dead is increased and the deck turns a trap fest.

Side cards - Royal Decree, Veiler, Fiendish Chain, Dust Tornado, Malevolent Catastophe.

lol, sided Wisel.

An example of a TCG "stun" FF build is in order:

YCS Miami Top8 Nicky Reardon (Fire Fist)

Monsters: 12
2 Rescue Rabbit
3 Vorse Raider
3 Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Bear
3 Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Gorilla
1 Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Dragon

Spells: 15
3 Mystical Space Typhoon
3 Fire Formation - Tenki
2 Fire Formation - Tensu
2 Pot of Duality
2 Forbidden Lance
1 Dark Hole
1 Heavy Storm
1 Monster Reborn

Traps: 13
2 Mirror Force
2 Torrential Tribute
2 Bottomless Trap Hole
2 Compulsory Evacuation Device
2 Solemn Warning
1 Solemn Judgment
1 Starlight Road
1 Fire Formation - Tensen

Extra Deck: 15
2 Brotherhood of the Fire Fist - Tiger King
2 Abyss Dweller
1 Diamond Dire Wolf
1 Maestroke the Synphony Djinn
1 Number 16: Shock Master
1 Number 39: Utopia
1 Number 50: Blackship of Corn
1 Gagaga Cowboy
1 Gem-Knight Pearl
1 Steelswarm Roach
1 Photon Papilloperative
1 Ally of Justice Catastor
1 Stardust Dragon


sick picture tho

Nice, expected as much from you.

Hmm but most of the builds I saw run 3 Dragon: and in this case I'm looking at more pure builds (not rabbit, vorse raider... which is in extra btw :p).

Wisel was a suggestion and well... why not? :p

Anyway Ill add those sides in

Decato wrote:

Wisel was a suggestion and well... why not? :p

With what's been suggested there should be more than enough cards that would be better against both Fire Fists and other decks.

A card that can kill the deck is Dark Simorg. Dark Simorg will slow the fire fist. Also, royal decree will do too, but not so damaging.

This deck as many method to be beated, we just need to see more cards and combo.

Chain burn is very hard to overcome with Fire Fist (dat secret barrel). Also, I tend to side Spell-Shattering Arrow against them.

Admittedly I didn't pick up the deck when they came out like most people, so I'm still learning the cards and plays. With that I can't really provide any critique, but the guide + Kenshi's remarks seem to cover everything and I'll be using this to help me with my own Fire Fist deck... finally.

Great work Deca