There is a distinct, panic-inducing feeling that occurs when you realize your opponent is playing a hyper-fast Cycle or Bridge Spam deck.

To defeat them, you must establish an impenetrable defensive rhythm and learn to absorb minor chip damage to build a massive counter-offensive.

Slowing the Pace: The Defensive Anchor

If you use a Cannon to defend their Hog Rider, they will play four 1-elixir cards to cycle back to a second Hog Rider before your Cannon is back in your hand.

These buildings not only stop the immediate threat but usually survive the encounter, remaining on the board as a massive physical barrier against their next rapid attack.

• Bridge Spam players will often drop a unit in the left lane, wait for your response, and instantly drop a unit in the right lane.
• Use swarm units to surround their fast attackers.
• They have no heavy defenses to stop a massive push.

The Double Elixir Deathball

Your sole objective during single elixir is simply survival; keep your towers above 50% health and do not allow them to build a massive lead.

You can now afford to drop your massive 8-elixir tank in the back and still have plenty of elixir to defend their desperate Bridge Spam attempts on the opposite lane.

The Calm Before the Storm

If you refuse to panic, their entire strategy falls apart.

Patience always defeats panic.