What is YDK Format?
YDK is the standard file format used in Yu-Gi-Oh! simulators to represent deck lists. In Goat World, we use a simplified text-based version called YDK codes orYDKE URLs that make it easy to share, import, and save your decks across different platforms like EDOPro, Dueling Book, and our Discord bot.
How YDK Codes Work
Card ID System
Every Yu-Gi-Oh! card has a unique numeric ID (also called a passcode). For example:
- • Chaos Sorcerer: 09596126
- • Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Beginning: 72989439
- • Pot of Greed: 55144522
- • Scapegoat: 73915051
YDK codes are simply lists of these card IDs organized by deck section (Main, Extra, Side).
YDK File Structure
A traditional YDK file looks like this:
#created by... #main 09596126 72989439 55144522 73915051 ... #extra 70595331 33198837 ... !side 01315120 83764718 ...
Note: In Goat Format, most decks don't use an Extra Deck, so the #extra section is often empty or omitted.
YDKE URL Format (Modern Standard)
What is YDKE?
YDKE is a URL-based format that encodes deck information in a compact, shareable link. It looks like this:
ydke://ABC123...XYZ!DEF456...UVW!GHI789...RST!The URL contains three Base64-encoded sections separated by exclamation marks:
- • First section: Main Deck cards
- • Second section: Extra Deck cards
- • Third section: Side Deck cards
Why Use YDKE?
- ✅ Easy Sharing: Share entire decks with a single URL/link
- ✅ Platform Compatible: Works with EDOPro, Dueling Book, and other simulators
- ✅ Discord Friendly: Can be pasted directly in Discord chat
- ✅ Compact: Much shorter than listing all card IDs manually
- ✅ Standard: Recognized by most Yu-Gi-Oh! tools and communities
How to Create YDK Codes
From EDOPro
- 1. Build your deck in EDOPro
- 2. Right-click the deck name
- 3. Select "Copy Deck (YDKE)"
- 4. Paste the URL wherever you need it
From Dueling Book
- 1. Open your deck in Dueling Book
- 2. Click the "Export" button
- 3. Choose "YDKE URL" format
- 4. Copy and share the generated link
Online Converters
Use online tools like YGOPRODeck or DuelingBook's deck builder to convert deck lists into YDK/YDKE format.
Goat World Bot
Use /deck save command with a YDKE URL to save your deck directly in our system.
Using YDK Codes in Goat World
Deck Registration & Submission
When registering for tournaments or saving decks in Goat World, you'll need to provide your deck as a YDK/YDKE code:
- • Tournament Registration: Submit YDKE URL when joining events
- • Ladder Play: Save your ladder deck using
/deck save - • Challenge Matches: Share YDKE codes with opponents for verification
- • Deck Discussion: Share decks easily in Discord channels
💡Pro Tips
- • Always double-check your YDKE code loads correctly before submitting
- • Keep backup copies of your deck codes in a text file or notes app
- • Test your deck in EDOPro/DB first to ensure it's legal for Goat Format
- • Use descriptive deck names when saving to help organize your collection
Common Issues & Solutions
❌ "Invalid deck code" error
Make sure you copied the entire YDKE URL, including the ydke:// prefix and all three sections (even if Extra/Side are empty, they need the ! markers).
❌ Illegal cards in deck
Check the Goat Format card pool and banlist. Some cards may not be legal in April 2005 format or may be limited/forbidden.
❌ Deck won't load in simulator
Try regenerating the YDKE code from your deck builder. Sometimes copying can introduce formatting issues or hidden characters.
Ready to Build Your Deck?
Now that you understand YDK codes, learn how to save your decks in Goat World, explore different deck types, and master the submission process for tournaments.