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

The primary win condition of any Cycle deck is out-pacing your specific defensive counter.

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.

• Save your elixir.
• Your building is your lifeline.
• Always pull their fast units to the center of the map.

The Double Elixir Deathball

If you are playing a heavy Beatdown deck against a fast Cycle deck, you must accept that the first two minutes of the game will be miserable.

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.

Staying Zen

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

Patience always defeats panic.