Hand / Handlock

Hand-based decks keep many cards because some effects reward a large hand. Rewards may include lower costs, better stats, more damage, or stronger removal.

Handlock is linked with Warlock. But an old tracker name like Hand does not prove a new list uses the classic hand-size plan. Read its cards first.

Count your hand at each step

Check hand size after each draw, play, and created card. Playing a good card may weaken a later hand-size bonus. Drawing may turn that bonus on but cost mana or Health.

Choose the order that reaches the number you need. Do not keep a full hand just for its size. You may lose an important draw or have no room for a created card.

Holding cards also means not using them. Against fast damage, a small threat or removal now may be better than waiting for the best discount.

Before spending Health to draw, count enemy board damage and likely damage from hand. Living with one fewer card is better than dying with the perfect hand size.

Strengths and weak spots

Good rewards can make large hands lead to strong discounted turns. Fast attacks, disruption, costly draws, and hand overflow can beat the plan first.

Balance draw, defense, and rewards. Do not fill the deck with cards that need other cards to be good. Check whether the payoff repays the time you spent preparing it.

To plan draw and consistency, check hand space, draw costs, and when each hand-size reward becomes useful.