The entire combat system is just a highly complex, beautifully animated game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.

This guide will break down the combat triangle and show you how to exploit it to guarantee positive elixir trades.
Swarm, Splash, Single-Target
The rules of the arena are simple: Swarms overwhelm Single-Target units; Splash Damage obliterates Swarms; and Single-Target units destroy Splash Damage.

Every time you place a card on the battlefield, you must ask yourself: "Which part of the triangle am I playing, and what does the opponent have to counter it?"
The triangle dictates your offensive timing.Air units add a secondary layer to the triangle.Sometimes, playing into a counter is necessary to fix your hand. Breaking the Triangle
Once you understand the basic Rock-Paper-Scissors rules, you can begin to actively subvert them using 'Bait' strategies.

You send your first swarm to force them to use their spell; the second they do, you unleash your primary swarm attack safely.
Troop TypeThe TargetThe CounterThe HordeHigh DPS single-target tanks, Princes, P. If you're ready to check out more information on tower rush take a look at our own web-page. E.K.K.AsWizards, Valkyries, Bomb Towers, The LogThe SweepersSkeleton Armies, Minion Hordes, Goblin GangsHigh health single-target units, Mini P.E.K.K.As, Heavy Spells The Balancing Act
If Splash units become too strong, nobody will play Swarms, and Single-Target units will dominate the ladder.

Master the triangle, and the trophies will follow naturally.