We all know what roping is. Never ending your turn and just letting the rope burn every single turn. Maybe you’re sure you’ll be fighting against a cancer deck. Or maybe you want every tiny advantage you can get. Hey, I’m not judging. I’m the one making the thread after all. But this isn’t about the reasons for roping, it’s about how to make the most out of it.
For the starting hand select phase: When the match starts choose which cards to replace but never confirm it. 1 minute time bonus!
For the first turn: If you have a card to play do so at the middle of the turn and then start roping. Otherwise do nothing, let the rope burn and get ready to play your first card fast next turn. Your opponent will think “They’re AKF, easy win!” before you crush their hopes on your second turn.
For the rest of the game: Play your cards whenever you want but any card which can alter the balance like a board cleaner, a powerful minion or something that will take out a big minion of your opponent should be played at the last moment when the rope is almost burned. This has two bonuses. First, it will be more annoying for your opponent since during most of your turn only less interesting plays will happen and only at the very end of the rope will they find out if you will affect their plans or do something big yourself. And second, that way they will have to spend time from their turn thinking what to use to counter you last play rather than do it during your turn. It’s only a few seconds but every second matters.
When you win: Drop out of roping and just finish your opponent with regular speed, let them see you could’ve always played like that.
When you lose: If you can see it coming next turn concede right at the moment the burning rope reaches the end. Let them wonder if you’ll do something to save yourself or they won until the very end. If you can’t see it coming and they gain lethal during their turn concede quick, show them speed when they expect it the least.
Bonus: If you have or get Nozdormu during the game and want to play him do it as soon as you can and end your turn immediately. Maybe your opponent will be doing something else expecting another rope and won’t have time to react.