Maintenance Costs
From Yu-Gi-Oh!
A Maintenance Cost is a (mostly optional) cost required to keep a card on the field. Both Monster, Spell, and Trap Cards can possess a Maintenance cost. These costs are typically paid during a player's Standby Phase, although there are exceptions to this.
Here are some cards with Maintenance Costs:
[edit] Monster Cards
It's important to note that Manteinance Costs for Effect Monster Cards CANNOT be negated by Skill Drain. Even if you activate Skill Drain you need to pay the cost for this type of cards.
[edit] Spell Cards
As above, Manteinance Costs for Spell Cards CANNOT be negated by Spell Canceller. Even if you activate Spell Canceller you need to pay the cost for this type of cards.
[edit] Trap Cards
As above, Manteinance Costs for Trap Cards CANNOT be negated by Jinzo or Royal Decree. Even if you activate Jinzo or Royal Decree you need to pay the cost for this type of cards.
In the case of Archfiend Monster Cards, there is no option to destroy the monster card if you don't want to pay the cost, since the cost really is compulsory. You may, however, use "Pandemonium" to avoid paying these costs for Archfiend Monsters.
Also, in the case of Degenerate Circuit, there is no option to destroy this card if you don't want to pay the cost, since the cost really is compulsory.
