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![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23uFH1hjDffgJ5a9uiYcnoxCs3PVqbDHQjg7K52HLm2EKbk12p8VXWXVQxM374BLnxWSt.png)


In a previous failed [Even Stevens battle](https://inleo.io/@uyobong/even-stevens-ruleset-size-rank-isnt-strength-a-splinterlands-battle-mage-secrets-challenge-entry), I recounted my unfortunate ordeal of fielding monster units that looked powerful but were never. I tagged them as great in size but strength-less. The enemy team in that battle had Goblin Psychic (6) with its Tank heal ability which kept their lead monster formidable and strong with renewed health each round of the battle. Simply put, my defense strategy in the battle was weak

I was opportune to draw the [Even Stevens battle](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) again and this time, I had to learn from my previous failed experience to make my team more formidable.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/Eoc59tMXgR3bruP6GE2YxFZhVkCkU1vC66eptFipcmrpBRHDKAjL2ynXuqDys6e3UhN.png)



The <b>Even Stevens</b> ruleset in Splinterlands battle provides that only units with even mana costs may be used. This means that you can only select monster units with manna costs of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc. However, this rule does not apply to summoners.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23tGTdiB2q1AGZadDdBtXvqNRJNrpUErJAmEEH6kepsAnXUwoWVrbf4tWKxdRRAsyymFN.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 


# Thorns x Tank Heal = Better Strategy for "Even Stevens"
It was a 16 manna cap battle and I decided to use an earth summoner - [WIZARD OF EASTWOOD](https://next.splinterlands.com/card-detail/189/regular/4/?tab=stats). I could only summon two monster units for the battle - <b>Venari Knifer (6) and Goblin Psychic (6).</b> The summoner is defensive as it depletes -2 armor from all enemy monsters.


Venari Knifer has the <b>Thorns</b> ability that does 2 melee damage to an attacker, when hit with a melee attack. I see the Thorns ability as a double attack ability, hence, a good offensive ability for a Melee fight. With a high speed of 4 and melee attack of 2, Venari Knifer is a powerful low manna Earth monster fit for a low manna csp battle.

Goblin Psychic on the other hand has the b>Tank heal</b> ability that restores a third maximum health to the monster in the first position each round. This is a solid defence- minded monster that can keep a powerful attacking monster in position for a long while. Besides, Goblin Psychic has a magic attack of +2 making it more dangerous as an attacking and defensive monster unit.


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23tGVYhFc4phBW1CArhkrLV4bW6mQEh1J6uMsgVEV8uwsfQYbnoUrtemLPX3gvtyTWRLT.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 


The enemy team also fielded just two monsters too due to the limited manna cap for the battle. Let's check out the battle in screenshots




![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23tRtg2HJMDSMdan4bbbUKiS7QsPjDCpvzdfssk4EwVqi5L7r32n625HG9UVV4WyDmSBD.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 



![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23t76tffX9FLB5Mfnstumgbq5mp8K6vQ12teQN4xRRbuNhyC3W6dhFencebtEiPctHXG3.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23tGVQvjbiasC6XMSEcFBtsyjZK1Z5i1npWjpf2tx7JtN5erYRNdW2qLib6pR3fywWZVc.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23tGTdpjWCAKr3g4dQL8tyFfggPGB8nTgUv9zX4ZeM2CQvBTK13xsGKMLUkf4E87rWnQQ.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 





![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/uyobong/23t74yJRZCfgN48sBETb68CcG5N7zTMYH9vmygxTKVMB8pwHkUFrty7wgGF5RnyqZQJWd.png)
[Battle link](https://splinterlands.com/?p=battle&id=sl_5d5b49085b03d9d38d7ca9d63ff6f65d) 


The enemy monster in the first position started the attack and did hurt itself with the thorns damage. The battle lasted for only three rounds and my team won flawless. Both monsters in my team fought hard each round with the lead monster doing a double damage due to it's thorns ability.

# Winning Strategy
- When you have to engage a battle with a low manna cap, do well to select monsters that can attack from the second line. This was my winning bait. Goblin Psychic did not only protect the monster in the first position, it also attacked hard, magic attack at that which depletes health directly.
- Having a balance attack and defense is the best strategy for Even Stevens battle ruleset. It worked out perfectly for me.
- Thorns and Tank heal could be your best card ability combination for a sure win when playing the Even Stevens ruleset.


Remember, battles are not won by ranks and numbers, it's about the strength of each soldier in the battle field. Don't fix your eyes on numbers, be concerned about the effectiveness of the monsters in attack and defense. Some monsters are just good at adding numbers to your team and nothing more.


## Have you won a Splinterlands battle with  Even Stevens ruleset? What were your strongest card combinations and best strategy?


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 **You want to learn more about Splinterlands, [SplinterGlossary](https://inleo.io/@leoglossary/leoglossary-splinterglossary) is a hot reference center for you.**

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![image.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmXHhT5Q4kUDkLTqUYA4vT3SgJYtqwWTeshzMp7SSW3zna/image.png) 


> [Splinterlands game](https://splinterlands.com?ref=uyobong) is termed the "next generation of collectible card games" in which allows players to collect, trade, and battle with provably scarce digital collectibles with real-world value. Battles on Splinterlands Unlike most trading card games, are fast and furious and are usually completed within a few minutes. The Splinterlands gameplay is simple and easy to learn viz: reviewing combat rules, making and submitting the team, and watching the battle unfold.  


![image.png](https://images.hive.blog/DQmVWxTuPrcTqHuFLzvkTvjKC9kCrW9rP16UmVGqb2784fo/image.png) 

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Posted Using [InLeo Alpha](https://inleo.io/@uyobong/thorns-x-tank-heal-better-strategy-for-even-stevens-a-splinterlands-battle-mage-secrets-challenge-entry)