People who have played this game for a long time are no stranger to powercreep, but many of us never expected that an entire card mechanic that has been integral to the game since Day 1 would or could become powercrept out. I’ve read articles and comments about how Traps are now too slow, they aren’t as good on Turn 2, they are outclassed by Hand Traps (this is the point that inspired me to make this thread), etc.

So, what if every Trap was a Hand Trap? Basically, make them more like Instants from MTG. I imagine there would need to be some serious rebalancing on the Forbidden/Limited list, but it could get cool classic Traps like Bottomless Trap Hole and Compulsory Evacuation Device back in the game for example. At first, it would most likely be a little chaotic with both players and Konami figuring out how to adapt to this big change, but we’d figure it out eventually.

Part of the reason in the title I specificy Traps from the hand only on the Opponent’s turn is to avoid Makurya-type FTKs, like Exodia might see a resurgence with Reckless Greed/Jar of Greed for example. In other words, Traps would go from “Set, then activate either turn” to “activate right away during your Opponent’s turn,” so I guess Traps would have the new weakness they can’t be used during your own turn perhaps (otherwise, theyre just better Spell cards, and then it would be Spells pushed out). Not being able to use Traps during your own turn might break a few combos, but might be healthier for Traps as a whole.

So, what are your thoughts? Stupid idea, or exactly what the game needs? If this change was made, how do you think the banlist and format would adapt?