![image.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmbQCTYE7CPHrni2zTPKfGXAR6kPDpQkwoALGi5zKKHRes/image.png)

I love to use the water splinter the most. The main reason is the magic monsters and Arlic with +1 magic boost.  The use of melee water monsters I lack, but am well aware of that makes water splinter that much more interesting. Sabre Shark is one of those monsters and others such as Sea Monster and Naga Warrior. There is also Spineback Turtle and Frost Giant. I have rarely used these monsters often besides tankers in Sea Monster or Spineback Turtle. 

Yet I remember in the beginning of Splinterlands prior to Untamed set coming out one of the water common cards that struck popularity was Sabre Shark. Why? At level 1 it already has sneak ability and at higher levels its melee attack can reach up to 3 at level 5. With a speed of 3 at level 1 it is already a decent monster that can quickly attack and potential knock out rare monsters.

When the Sabre Shark alpha version was reasonably price within my range I bought some but have rarely used them. In any case I have them and for the sake of this week's Splinterland's weekly battle post I will show a battle using it.


![image.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmczcaKrjjcyLBHuQ8nKzVAWrTUtuTyacRshKaDjav6HWB/image.png)

In a gold rating battle I faced an opponent that used Fire splinter. Since the rule set was unprotected and only death, water or fire was to be used I went with what I thought as my strongest splinter at the time in water. Unfortunately it was not meant to be as my water monsters' levels were lower than my opponents and I barely was able to keep up.

In the battle I started out with LoA followed up with Peaceful Giant and with attackers led by Sabre Shark, Ice Pixie, Ruler of the Sea and Water Elemental. A decent mix of melee, magic, and range attacks. On my opponent's side they went with Pit Ogre, Fineas Rage, Elemental Phoenix, Fire Demon, Halfing Alchemist and closing out with Furious Chicken. They also had a mix of melee, magic and range attack. The advantage they had was higher level monsters with higher stats.

By middle of the first round my LoA was removed while my opponent's Ogre had reach critical mass in a melee attack of 8!  By the end of round 1 I was able to knock out Ogre, but my monsters dwindle from there as start of round 2 my Sabre Shark was knocked out followed by Peaceful Giant and Ice Pixie. The Blast abilities from Elemental Phoenix and Fire Demon was too much for my formation to defend. By the time my Ruler of the Sea was knocked out it was still round 2 but I was a sitting duck as Water Elemental is a range attack monster.

I had lost and my opponent had 3 monsters remaining.


![image.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmVRqrn8AxYn2hhRvBjkMN76w23ZvgwgDqipP5FW8b6Xpc/image.png)

What I could have done better was to use fire splinter and try to compete head to head. However with water my lack of higher level in summoner and monster is partially my downfall. The other part was simply I did not have enough health to withstand the multiple blast attacks. Ogre and to a certain extend Fineas Rage were the better tankers than LoA and Peaceful Giant. Goes to show even legendary cards does not mean the advantage goes to higher rarity.  

Final thought about Sabre Shark, since I used it and was knocked out early in the match I again reiterate this monster I rarely use and appears to me not as appealing as other water monsters.  Although it has its place in the game I have spend enough to have a level 4 in my back pocket for future uses.

If you curious to watch the battle unfold here is a <a href="https://splinterlands.com?p=battle&id=d621444563d30198833b31f180a26fe710010680&ref=mawit07">link</a>.

Thanks for reading!

If you wish to play the game with spending very little Hive to play then please go to my peakmonsters rental list and see what I offer. Here is a link:

<a href="https://peakmonsters.com/@mawit07/cards">mawit07 rentals</a>

<h3>If You have yet to take part in playing this great game called Splinterlands please click on my <a href="https://steemmonsters.com?ref=mawit07">referral link</a>.  It is free but in order to earn real assets such as cards and token you would have to invest in a starter deck or purchase game cards.  Join the <a href="https://steemmonsters.com?p=battle&id=5a517235a2a174edeaba3c9b52ffe1e05c525616&ref=flxlove">discord</a> to learn more.  Good luck!</h3>

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<center><b><h3>THANKS FOR READING! CONTINUE TO PLAY SPLINTERLANDS!</h3></b></center>
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