How to Play OP11 Koby – SWORD Control Deck Guide (One Piece TCG)

Welcome to MabiTCG’s complete guide on how to play the OP11 Koby SWORD Control Deck in the One Piece Trading Card Game. This breakdown covers everything you need to know about Koby (OP11-001), a Black/Red midrange control leader from the OP11 set, including card priorities, turn-by-turn strategies, key combos, and matchup insights.

Check out the full deck profile for the OP11 Koby (Sword Control OP11) – Mabi TCG

💪 Who Is the Leader?

• Leader: Koby (OP11-001)
• Color Identity: Black / Red
• Archetype: Midrange / SWORD Control / Navy Synergy

Koby is a unique dual-color control leader that shines in the midgame with powerful SWORD-based effects, board control via attacking, and synergy with Navy characters. The leader ability enables pseudo-rush turns by allowing rested SWORD characters to immediately impact the board.

⚖️ Deck Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

• Strong midgame control via SWORD attack triggers
• Effective pseudo-rush with rested character abilities
• Powerful late game finishers with 7c and 8c Koby cards
• Good board presence with control + tempo swing turns

Weaknesses:

• Weak early game and requires setup
• Removal primarily limited to attack-based effects (Honesty Impact is the exception)
• Can run out of steam after turn 5–6 if not closing out

⏲ Turn Preference

• Always choose to go second to play 6c Helmeppo and 8c Koby on curve.

🎯 Mulligans & Openers

• Mulligan for: Peacock (OP11-004), Brannew (OP11-010)
• Keep: Hibari (OP11-013), Helmeppo (OP11-014), 7c and 8c Koby cards (OP11-084, OP11-082)

Searchers like Peacock and Brannew are crucial for consistency. Prioritize setting up for turns 3–5 by getting the correct cards early.

⏰ Turn-by-Turn Game Plan

Turn 1 (1–2 Don):

• Play Peacock and Brannew
• Search for Hibari, Helmeppo, or late-game Kobys
• Brannew helps trash cards, fueling your effects

Turn 2 (3–4 Don):

• Play 4c Kuzan first, then 3c Borsalino
• Focus on trashing cards and setting up for active character targeting

Turn 3 (5–6 Don):

• Priority: Play Hibari ➔ then Helmeppo
• Start controlling the board via attack-based removal
• Keep Hibari safe — she’s your best midgame value

Turn 4 (7–8 Don):

• Set up win conditions
• Drop 8c Koby (OP11-084) ➔ then 7c Koby (OP11-082)
• Stack buffs to leader power for offense or defense

Turn 5 (9–10 Don):

• Continue pressure with 7c/8c Kobys
• Push for game — you’ll begin to run low on resources

Turn 6+:

• Stabilize with blockers: 7c Sengoku (OP11-119), 4c Borsalino, 4c Doll
• Play defensively while finding a way to close out

✨ Key Combos & Tips

Combo Tips:

• Helmeppo cheats out 8c Koby, then 7c Koby, then 5c Hibari in priority order
• Use Honesty Impact only when it guarantees board value
• Prince Grus can bypass blockers in niche moments

2k Counters & Utility:

• Prince Grus can be summoned by Helmeppo or played straight out to nullify small blockers
• Aramaki (OP11-092) is searchable and grants active character targeting
• Berry Good (OP11-091) fills the 2k slot and has niche event removal On Play

❓ Replaceable Cards

• You can remove:
  • Sengoku (OP11-119)
  • Berry Good (OP11-091)
• Consider adding:
  • More 4c Doll blockers
  • Additional Honesty Impact

⚔ Matchup Notes

Favorable Matchups:

• Aggro decks like Red Zoro, Red Shanks, Blue Doflamingo
• Decks that leave characters vulnerable to your pseudo-rush attacks

Unfavorable Matchups:

• Ramp or late-game focused decks: OP10 Katakuri, OP05 Enel
• Decks with stronger board presence after turn 6

Check out the full deck profile for the OP11 Koby (Sword Control OP11) – Mabi TCG