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.

Breaking Their Momentum

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.

• Stay calm.
• Use swarm units to surround their fast attackers.
• They have no heavy defenses to stop a massive push.

The Inevitable Crush

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.

Once your tank crosses the river supported by heavy splash units, their cheap 1-elixir skeletons and ice spirits will be utterly useless, and their defenses will shatter under the weight of the deathball.

Staying Zen

Fast decks rely heavily on causing panic and capitalizing on the clumsy, expensive mistakes that follow.

Be the anchor, weather the storm, and crush them in overtime.