One Piece ST-23 Shanks Starter Deck: Power, Defense, and Your First Games
Choose ST-23 if the Red-Haired Pirates appeal to you and you want to practice combat decisions with a defensive twist. Shanks rewards noticing how a small power change alters the opponent's attack.
The Leader's job
The included OP09-001 Shanks is a red, 5000-power Leader with five Life. Once per turn, when the opponent attacks, his effect can reduce one opposing Leader or Character's power by 1000 for that turn. It is a timing choice, not a permanent penalty to every opposing attacker.
A useful first-game plan
Develop a board you can afford, then use your Leader's defensive effect to make the opponent's attack sequence less comfortable. Before using it, look at all opposing attackers. Reducing the first attack may help immediately; saving the effect may make a later exchange more favorable.
In a teaching game, pause after the first opposing attack is declared and discuss both options. Rebuild the position once the turn ends. This makes the Leader's value visible even if the overall match still goes badly.
Cards worth reading twice
The included Yasopp Character, OP09-013, can raise your Leader's power with its On Play effect. ST23-001 Uta has Blocker and a hand-cost reduction conditional on you having a Character with at least 10000 power. ST23-002 Shanks supplies that large body, with its own conditional discount and a Leader power increase. Read the conditions before planning a turn around the reduced cost.
What to practice
- Count the defense needed after Shanks's reduction.
- Compare protecting a Character with preserving your own Life.
- Notice when a large Character enables another card's discount.
Keep a note of turns where you used the Leader effect too early or forgot it entirely. Solve that habit before spending money on a more elaborate list. If your favorite part is choosing when to interfere with combat, this is a sensible deck to keep exploring.
Check the complete product before buying
Bandai lists the English ST-23 release on June 6, 2025, with a US MSRP of $11.99. That is a reference retail price, not a promise about today's stock or seller price. The listed contents are a 51-card constructed deck including the Leader, ten DON!! cards, a playsheet, and one OP-11 booster. A reseller's deck-only offer may omit extras.
For casual learning, start with one copy and keep the original list intact for several games. Before entering an event or ordering upgrades, check current card restrictions and the event's regulation. These spotlights explain the product and a learning approach; they are not tournament-tested deck rankings.
Source: Bandai ST-23 product specifications. Checked October 23, 2026. B3's buying advice and practice exercises are editorial guidance.
Source: Official included-card reference. Checked October 23, 2026. B3's buying advice and practice exercises are editorial guidance.
Buy this starter deck
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Confirm the English version, selected product, seller, contents, and delivered price before ordering.