How does a duel play out, step by step?

In a duel, two wizards face each other. Both start with 50 health, and each side has five monster slots. The first to drop to zero loses — there are no draws.

There is no deckbuilding at the start of a match: you choose your wizard's element, and the game deals your 20-card hand, which lasts for the whole duel. You never draw cards; a played card stays in your hand and you can play it again later.

How a turn plays out

• Mana: at the start of your turn all five of your mana pools (Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Death) gain +1, and your monsters wake up.
• A single action: you play one card — a monster onto an empty slot, or a spell — or you Channel to gain +2 mana in one element. Every card can only be paid for with mana of its own element.
• Automatic combat: at the end of the turn every awake monster attacks the slot facing it. If there is no blocker there, it hits the opposing wizard.

There is no "end turn" button: your single action closes the turn. Since combat resolves on its own, the most important decision is where you place your monsters.

In your first few matches, watch which slot your opponent is threatening, and when it pays to gather mana instead of playing a card.