ORDER OF OPERATIONS

Precision matters when effects stack. Most damage pipelines follow a taught order: apply modifiers that raise damage, apply Weakness, then apply Resistance or other reductions unless a specific card breaks that template. When text disagrees with habit, the card wins.

The same rigor applies to turn structure: checkup steps, Ability timing, and attack clauses that prevent certain plays if you already acted. Masters players slow down for a beat on odd boards so judge calls are rare and friendly.

Carry a short personal checklist for odd boards: Ability modifiers, Stadium, damage changes on attack, coin flips that change base damage, effects that alter Weakness/Resistance. The goal is to shrink judge calls born from skipped steps, not to memorize every corner case blindly.

When a call goes against you, request the remedy calmly, apply it, and move on. Emotional recovery speed between rounds separates players who cash from players who spiral.