This 3.1 hog deck was used in CRL by SK Matt_01 to take down some of the best players in the game. This is a deck which has strong defensive capabilities. As with all hog cycle decks you need to gain small chip damage throughout the match, most of the time you will only get one or two hits against their tower so it’s important to know when the right time to pressure is and also to get chip damage throughout the match with your spells when the opponent offers you good elixir value. The princess can be a highly valuable card especially if the opponent doesn’t have a log in their deck. Play her in the opposite lane to the one that your opponent is pushing and use her long range to your advantage. If they have an elixir collector then the lightening is going to be the perfect counter because it can take down the pump and also get you tower damage. The ice golem should primarily be used to either tank damage for the hog rider or as a meat shield, buying your towers more time to take down their push. He can also be used to kite units into the opposite lane for a positive elixir trade.
The hog rider is your main win condition, you should use him to apply pressure to your opponent and acquire chip damage throughout the match and eventually take their tower.
The mini pekka is an extremely powerful card, make sure you counter push with her is she has enough health remaining. She is your main tank killer especially against giant or golem decks.
This card will target the three units with the highest HP in its range. Make sure you get good value when you play this card and you also get tower damage whenever possible. It can be used to reset units such as inferno dragon or tower because of its stun effect.
Early game unlike some decks you’ll need to be applying pressure throughout the entire match. If your opponent is playing a heavy deck then as soon as they play their tank you should apply pressure in the opposite lane to force them to spend elixir on defence. For opening moves you can cycle the ice spirit at the bridge or play the princess behind your king tower. If you like to play the hog rider as an opening card to try and catch your opponent without a counter in hand then you shouldn’t over commit on that push and leave yourself with little or no elixir to use on defence.
Later game your can start to support the hog rider more, especially with the ice golem in front and potentially minions behind if you know they don’t have a splash damage unit in cycle. If you have successfully defended then use the surviving troops to your advantage and apply pressure with your hog rider, if the opponent has predicted your counter push and placed a troop early then you can counter push the opposite lane knowing they will have even less elixir to defend. Good luck using this deck make sure you check out my video to see live gameplay of Matt using this deck!
