Ramp

Ramp gives you mana or other resources ahead of the normal pace. It usually aims to play a large threat, strong defense, or repeat effect early.

Compare that future benefit with the board strength you give up during setup.

Connect setup to a real play

Before ramping, name what the extra mana lets you do. More maximum mana is different from one-turn mana. An empty crystal is different from one you can spend now.

If you have no good follow-up, playing a normal minion may help more than ramping.

Keep enough answers to survive the gap. Against fast attacks, a small defensive play may be better than the most ramp possible. It gives you time to use your big card.

Against a slower deck, more ramp may let you make a threat before the enemy can answer it cheaply. Judge the whole sequence, not the setup card alone.

Strengths and weak spots

Ramp can bring out threats before the enemy is ready. It can also start a late-game value plan early.

Its weak spots are pressure during setup, hands full of costly cards, and cheap answers to its big threats. Balance early plays with useful large cards.

When reviewing a game, ask what the extra mana changed. Did it help you win, or did the enemy build a lead while you only raised a number?

To check card roles and curve, match your ramp with useful follow-up cards and enough early defense.