Control

Control decks try to answer threats for a fair cost until their later cards can take over. Removal, healing, Armor, and draw all serve that plan.

A hand full of answers is not itself a win. The enemy may keep making threats or use a combo that does not need a board.

Use the right defense

First decide what keeps you alive. Then look for extra value. Use the least costly answer that leaves you safe. Count both mana and which future threats each answer can stop.

Use a limited answer on a target it fits, and save a flexible one for harder threats. But do not save your best card so long that you die with it in hand.

Healing while leaving enemy attackers alive may buy very little time. Count their repeated board damage and likely damage from hand. Decide whether you need a clear, a defender, a heal, or several of these.

Check hand space before drawing and board space before summoning.

A simple example

Suppose the enemy has two minions, and one clear can remove both. If those are their only threats, that clear may buy a safe turn to draw or play a finisher. If they can quickly build another board, spending your only clear may leave you without an answer. Count the next threat as well as the current board.

Strengths and weak spots

Control can beat decks that run out of useful threats. One clear that answers several cards can give you a large edge.

It can lose to a better long-game plan, threats that keep coming back, or a combo its answers cannot stop. Know when to start attacking. Once safe, use spare mana on the cards that will win. A long game helps only if waiting improves your chances.

To give each card a job, include early defense, answers, draw, and a finish instead of only removal.