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Sometimes when I get a losing streak I would go back to some of those battles and review my unfortunate mistakes to see if what I can do to perform better next time.  One of the big challenges I have is not being aware what my opponent would play thereby not every one match would the same formation work.

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmXe4vJ7eSHN6GDPViAD7TfRPrsFXKWD6hKg1AeeSAXLbr/image.png)

Today was one of those days for me where I had plenty of losing streaks.  Here I look at some pitfalls to avoid and ways to increase my odds of winning in future battles.

<h3>Coastal Sentry</h3>

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmWK4GAWErfzF5eHbZun9dAtmSRKhm13qkjJeuiATujoZn/image.png)

Whenever I see my opponent utilize Coastal Sentry it instantly sends me chills knowing I likely have lost the battle before it even started.  That is how good the common reward card is.  Surprising that it is even considered a common for the card's performance.  It should be more like at least a rare.

The card works really well with rule sets such as equal opportunity and super sneak.  Once Coastal Sentry is applied their double strike can inflict a devastating blow on any formation.

The combo of Sentry and summoner Possibilus the Wise is a good combo too as it allows Sentry to attack from second position.  Possibilus also provides trample which makes Sentry basically a very deadly monster that can run over many formations.

I honestly have very little to go against Sentry other than if battle has limits in mana I would engage the formations with Sentry with as much health as I can. 

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmeq6tPLBcPhHdgh5vq7su1EJFmBPRd5L84CJbxwwCUEUo/image.png)

Another tactic I would use in regards to cards playing would be using monsters with forcefield.  The ability reduces attacks that are five and higher down to one.  Great tank monsters such as Djinn Oshannus and Arkemis the Bear.  As long as these monsters can sustain Sentry's attacks I would then have remaining formation combined attacks gradually knock out every monster in my opponent's formation.

<h3>Position Position Position</h3>

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmQKu3kyehtv2ooMmaaeVwGUyhRyPYrFcGQgaPKX4CJwFE/image.png)

In battles where I literally pick close to the same or even the same formation where the monster's positions are will result in whether I win or lose just by one or two hits.  In the snapshot above it was one of those battles where I placed my monsters just a little different that ended with me losing.

[The Battle Link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_daf9d467af00f91d3366551a9620d08d)

It was due to my rear formation being knocked out quicker than my opponent that resulted in my lose.  If I had put in Scorch Fiend at the end of my formation like that of my opponent maybe the results would have been different.

Often it is best to put fill in monsters that are literally zero or one mana in the rear of the formation in low mana battles.  The additional hit those monsters take can often be enough to allow my formation to come out victorious.

<h3>Relying On Favorites</h3>

![](https://images.ecency.com/DQmQmVpWKSbVeNxmRFnrGY1BibVhGfZa3yaQ4R4yBc9vXMR/image.png)

The habit I fall into often is the choice of splinter when it comes to preferences in water splinter.  I have invested a ton in magic monsters and often I setup my battles with the use of magic not thinking what my opponents would apply to counter.

In battles like the one above the match becomes lopsided as I lose out on basically all my monsters while my opponent remains fully intact with their formation.

[Link To Battle](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_f3e2d5b8c1843800cdf986edf2ad9216)

Talk about totally being dominated.  I would say in battles such as these I need to look at my opponent's choice of monsters before I try to setup formations.  I can not and should not always fall back on water splinter as every opponent will be able to see my past five formations in battles.

Until next time thanks for reading!!!

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