I know this is not a Pokémon-related question, but I don’t like using Reddit, and I don’t know of any active Yu-Gi-Oh-specific thread websites.
I see a lot of hate for Modern Yu-Gi-Oh, and I haven’t collected/played since mid-2008-ish. I don’t know what to call Modern or not, or even if there is a divide between Vintage and Modern like in Pokémon (I consider B&W onwards Modern).
I haven’t the slightest clue about the timeline of Yu-Gi-Oh. I have done a few searches online, but still, I know nothing.
Any help or advice is appreciated! Also, if you collect Yu-Gi-Oh, feel free to share some of your favourite cards!
In regards to playability, I think the consensus is that Duelist Alliance started the “modern” era of Yugioh. It ushered in a few archetypes that really advanced what was possible in the game with burning abyss, shadoll, and yang zing.
It also brought in pendulum monsters which are probably the most complex addition they have made. Shortly after DA, there were some really powerful pendulum decks, but luckily Konami has recognized the player base hates them and has essentially shelfed the mechanic at this point.
Otherwise, I don’t think Yugioh really has a defined vintage/modern for collecting purposes. I think most people just refer to the cards by their era’s instead as of now (DM, GX, 5D’s, etc…). This could change as Yugioh collecting becomes more fleshed out, but it’s something that even Pokemon collectors can’t come to a consensus on.
I agree with @Pbali, it’s much easier to identify them by era instead of saying modern/vintage. Although, if I had to draw a line between vintage and modern I would say that DM and GX era are vintage and everything else is modern.