Splinterlands | Less Than Four Mana Cost Rule

in OCD4 years ago

Hello Players!

Here we are looking at one more rule in the Splinterlands-verse. One of the reasons for the excitement in the games is the rules in play. It is these rules which make each outing more fun and yet strategic. The team that you could have used under one ruleset will be hopelessly beaten under another ruleset. Hence, players have to pay proper attention to each rule.

We had discussed a few rules before, and the links to those articles are provided at the end; that is for those interested. Today we will be looking at one more rule – the one which we observe as the play of the mini monsters.

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Yes, I am referring to the rule that caps the mana of summoners and monsters to four; popularly known as the less than four mana rule. Now, if you look at this rule, it appears quite straightforward. There is hardly any explanation required on how to play, and yet players falter under this rule. In my opinion, this is one of the easiest of the lot. So, let's get discussing this rule.

But before that, for newbies and non-players, let's take a moment off and explain what Splinterlands is all about, shall we?

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What Game is Splinterlands?

Well, it is one of the earliest blockchain-based collectible games. Though I started playing the game quite late, on hindsight, I should have had got going early. Anyway, no need to despair, there is so many opportunities no matter when you start.

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Splinterlands is a digital card game which allows you to collect, trade, battle, rent and even earn on the cards. It is one of the most generous games that I have seen where cards, potions, Dark Energy Crystals (DEC. Cryptocurrency) are given out every day to thousands of players for just playing and winning daily quests. And there are tournaments or guilds that you can join.

Just to give you an idea of few of the uber-expensive cards, take a look at this recent purchase of Prince Julian at USD 3500.

Card Purchase Contract: Gold Foil Prince Julian

Did you go to the link and see for yourself? I hope you did. And I hope that gives an overview of the game. I just love the game, and those interested can go to Splinterlands' site and join. If you want a link to join, I will leave one at the end of the article which you can use.

Scroll down, quick. 😊

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The Less Than Four Mana Rule

The Less Than Four Mana Rule game expects us to select monsters and summoners which are equal to or lesser than four mana cost. The less than four-part is easy as the game itself does the sorting and presents us playable monsters under the rule. The issue starts from here. Players end up choosing ineffective combinations for the game.

These could be due to any of the following reasons:

  1. They have not paid attention to smaller monsters as those are not played with too often
  2. They are hell-bent in filling the mana cap provided
  3. They don't use effective tiny tanks
  4. They end up using too many non attacking monsters

Of course, there are much more but let's discuss these basic points and get them out of the way.

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Paying Attention to the Points

Let's quickly discuss the points mentioned above and move on to check out one game.

1. Not Paid Attention to Smaller Monsters

Okay, this is not an issue that can be solved by a strategy, but the only suggestion from me is that you need to know your cards. In fact, many times you do use these small monsters in your big mana games but are lost when it comes to the less than four mana rule.

So, acclimatize yourself with your cards. That's all I can say because these are easy games and no point losing them.

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2. Wanting to Fill the Overall Mana Cap

Now, most of the less than four mana rule usually comes with an overall cap of 36 and players rush to fill the mana cap. Which means they are only looking at the mana cost and not the cards' ability.

I suggest you do the maths. An overall mana cap of 36 is equivalent to a total mana cap of 99 for regular games. You can never fill them. You have six monsters and one summoner and if each cost four mana then you can only get to 28. But getting to 36 is not the point, right?

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3. Lack of Tiny Tanks

Now, the minute the small mana game comes to play, we forget the basics. The basics in our regular game plan is a sturdy tank with maybe a second tank with reach-ability, then magic monsters and finally ranged attackers. The same has to be applied here. This is your standard gameplay in a mini form.

Here are some of the mini tanks in each of the Splinter. Now, players may or may not have or even have better tanks. These are just to give an idea of the type of monsters in the first position.

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The idea is to look at tanks like Cerberus which have self-healing capability or the Animated Corpse which comes with an attack value of two and health value of six. Try getting such tanks.

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4. Using Too Many Non-Attacking Monsters

The use of healers like Divine Healer [Life Splinter] or health reducing monsters like Goblin Shaman [Fire Splinter] is fine in bigger games where the other monsters are with higher health and attack values. But in case of lesser than four mana games, the attacks from the opposing monsters can effectively kill your monsters even before they are healed.

So, you are wasting your time thinking about healing them. I can still understand the Goblin Shaman, but the fact is one attack position is taken away by the Shaman. Your game plan should be to fill as many attackers as possible, so keep that in mind.

One case where the Healer or Shaman can work is when they are levelled up. Why? Because few of them become attackers at that point. So, they would still be the right choice. For example, Wood Nymph is an excellent choice for a healer in the Earth Splinter because she heals as well as attacks. That makes sense, but don't go for a pure non-attacking monster. It is just a waste of attack space.

Well, all this is great, but you would want to see a game in action, won't you? So, let's check out one game.

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Show Me The Game

Let's look at one game where I am using the Death Splinter for less than four mana rules.

Face-Off Screen

Here is my team's and opponent's team selection.

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My monsters are under the "OIVAS" player name and let's get to know the monsters that I have chosen. Needless to say, this is a 'less than four mana" rule. The overall mana cap is 24.

Here are my monsters:

POSITION 1: ANIMATED CORPSE

We already discussed the Corpse as one capable tank. It is one that has an attack value of two and a health value of six. The stats make it potent for not only attacking but also withstanding enough attacks.

So, not much guesswork in selecting the Corpse in the first position.

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POSITION 2: HORNY TOAD

The Horny Toad was a backup melee attacker with the reach-ability. It would form an excellent company to the Animated Corpse. The reason for the Toad is because of the mana cap of 24. The Toad is the only one which fits into the mana cap.

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POSITION 3: DEATH ELEMENTAL

It is necessary to bring in one magic attack and which other monster is better than the Death Elemental. It is one of the better magic monsters under mana four available with me. The only issue is if the opponent's monster attempt to attack it, then it may not survive for long.

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POSITION 4: HAUNTED SPIDER

The Haunted Spider is one of the best low value ranged attackers. For a mana value of three, it comes with an attack value of two—a great addition to the team.
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POSITION 5-6: TWISTED JESTER AND DARK ASTRONOMER

I call the Twisted Jester and Dark Astronomer as the dark twins. Both these monsters are of mana value four, health value of four and attack value of two. It is a potent combination unleashed on the opponent. I have won more games with these two than any other combination. So, when it comes to the less than four mana rule, these are the best choices in my opinion.

So, that completes our lineup. Now, let's get to the battle.

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The Rumbling Starts

The strength of the Animated Corpse and the attacks of the ranged attackers are visible immediately as the opponent's position one monster is gone in no time. My team still holds its position, albeit with lesser health of the Corpse.

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And before long the Corpse gobbles a couple more monsters before perishing itself. But by that time, the opponent's team is almost done through, and the ranged attackers are practically exposed. Take a look.

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And then we get to the completion of the battle much to my joy. 😊

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The Opponent Concedes

The battle goes down to the wire, and that is where the dark twins hold fort.

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And the twins prove that they were the right choice for the battle. So, that's a basic view of the battle under the less than four mana cost.

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That's How We Play the Rule

I hope players got an idea of the gameplay under the less than four mana rule. Just in keep in mind the points that we discussed, and you should be able to battle effectively.

So, enjoy the rule, the game and keep playin!! 😊

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Want to Join Splinterlands?

You can click below and follow the link. All the best!

JOIN SPLINTERLANDS

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Read More About Splinterlands And Other Rules

1. How To Play Splinterlands Game?

 

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2. Splinterlands – How to Play the Melee Attacks From Any Position Rule?

 

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3. Splinterlands – How to Use the Health Equalizer Rule?

 

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4. How Do You Play – Monsters Lose All Abilities – Rule?

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5.Does Resurrect Work with Monsters Lose Healing Abilities Rule?

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Image Courtesy: Splinterlands

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Your current Rank (29) in the battle Arena of Holybread has granted you an Upvote of 26%

Thanks for sharing! - @xawi

very nice, cool and detailed post about splinterlands nicely done keep it up

Thanks @xawi!