If this system fails, the game becomes a frustrating, unplayable mess that bleeds players instantly.

Many players believe that matchmaking is intentionally rigged against them, constantly forcing them to fight 'hard counters' after a win streak.
How You Are Ranked
Your trophy count is a numerical representation of your skill; win a match, and you take trophies from the loser.

This is why winning streaks inevitably end in a 'wall' of difficult matches; the system is functioning exactly as intended.
The algorithm does not care what deck you are playing.Accept the RNG.AI opponents ensure instant queue times for beginners. Level-Based Matchmaking
The standard Elo system works perfectly for chess because all pieces are equal, but tower rush games feature upgradeable cards.

The system will try its best to match you with someone who has the same trophies AND a similar tower level.
Conspiracy TheoryThe TruthForced Loss StreaksThe algorithm does not force losses; you are simply playing tilted against harder opponents because your MMR is inflatedAnti-Strategy CodeDevelopers have confirmed repeatedly that the algorithm does not read the contents of your deck when finding an opponent True Fairness
Because the ladder algorithm must balance queue times against fairness, it will never be perfectly balanced.

When levels are equalized, the matchmaking system shines, ensuring that the better player almost always wins.