Today we have Gabo on the channel using this hybrid deck that is much easier to play than the classic 2.6 deck or the hog princess deck. Gabo has been using this deck high on ladder and has had huge success with it. For only 2.8 elixir you’ll be able to keep up with those fast cycle decks including the 2.9 Xbow deck. With these fast decks a good defence is a strong offence. You can see from todays replays just how aggressively Gabo can be when using this deck especially when he knows what deck the opponent is playing. For air defence you have the musketeer and bats as your main source of air defence however the ice golem, snowball or ice spirit can also be used the distract air units.
Hog rider is your main win condition and should be used to pressure the opponent and force them to spend elixir defensively if they’re starting to build up a big push. This card can be paired with ice golem or skeletons to pig push passed defensive buildings that are placed four tiles from the river. He is also your main counter push unit, use him behind your tanks or in front of your support units to get maximum value.
Ice golem will mainly used as a mini tank to tank tower damage for the hog or used to help keep he musketeer alive for as long as possible. His frost nova can be paired with snowball or ice spirit to help stop swarm units like goblins or minions. He can also be used to kite units like the pekka, prince, ghost or dragons away from your towers and into the opposite lane. He can offer a lot of value for only two elixir so use him wisely to make those positive elixir trades.
Mini pekka will be your main tank killer, she’s also great to use against bridge spam units like hog rider, ram rider, ghost or battle ram.
Early game I like to play aggressively to see how the opponent responds. Learn what deck they’re playing and punish them when they use their main hog counters. Keep switching lanes if you need to and also take advantage of any counter push potential you get.
Double elixir you’ll be able use your spells more predictively to support your hog rider. Try to stack up musketeers on defence and aim to keep them alive for as long as possible using your cycle units. Keep up the pressure with the hog and once you take a tower you can focus on defence.
