General description:
Gilford The Lightning caught my eye immediately because of its "3" tribute quality. Though this is certainly a drawback, the effect (destroy all monsters your opponent controls) can have a game changing impact. Gilford (level 8 warrior effect ATK 2800/DEF 1400) is a midline lv 8 monster (many lv8's have 3k ATK and/or DEF some are lower than 2800). He is essentially a monster removal play. The upside to his effect is you can attack life points directly in the same turn you remove all your opponents monsters. 2800 is a pretty good chunk out of your opponent's life!
Uses:
Gilford is best used for his effect. Since his ATK is only 2800, He can't really dominate the late game, and he's a waste in defense position. It's best to go for the Gilford play in the early or mid game, if your opponent has built a good monster advantage, there's a nasty monster on the field you can't snuff out, or you want to control the field.
Strategies and game play:
Gilford, when used for his effect opens up your opponent for direct attacks by removing monsters from the field. Though this can be countered by cards that special summon monsters when sent to the graveyard, it is good to use if there is a really big threat on the field that can't be overcome by raw ATK or DEF.
Interfacing Gilford with other deck types can be challenging, since much focus must go into getting him summoned with three tributes. However, if used in the right proportions, he can fit into many different deck strategies.
Support cards for getting him on the field are:
mausoleum of the emperor - 1000 life per tribute
ultimate offering - extra normal summons
kaiser sea horse - serves as two tributes for light monsters
Gilford is great for a deck that focuses on removing opponent's monsters from play (see below), lock down, and monster advantage.
Combos with other cards:
This card would be devastating in any monster removal focused deck, or in a monster lock down deck:
lightning vortex - additional monster removal
ground collapse - monster lockdown
banisher of radiance - remove from play
macro cosmos - same
dimensional fissure - same
zolga - adds 2000 to life points when used to tribute summon a monster
I'm sure there are tons of other combos that can be made using this cards effect. Please send suggestions!
Ways to counteract it:
One good way to counter this card is the counter trap "pulling the rug" which negates the effect of effect monsters activated when normal summoned. Another way is to ensure your opponent doesn't have more than two monsters on the field at a time.
Strengths/Pros:
Monster removal, reasonable ATK (2800 can beat almost all lv4's and many lv5 & 6's). Once he has removed all monsters from the field, opponent must special summon something higher than 4 to beat him or play a removal/return to hand card. You can attack life directly in the same turn you summon him and destroy opponent's monsters (2 for 1).
Weaknesses/Cons:
The main dissadvantage of course is the 3 tribute requirement for the effect. He can be summoned using 2 tributes, but then his ATK is only 2800, and he doesn't offer a flip effect or any lasting effect while on the field. Last, his DEF is only 1400, which makes him a sure kill in defense position for many lv 4's.
Variations:
Gilford has been printed in common (SDRL/DR1) and SCR (2005 Col. Tin)
Artwork and aesthetics:
Artwork is great and it represents the monster removal element properly.
Overall rating:
8
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