Strategy: Recoveries, that 2nd wind by Clement
Date:09th of Nov '01

Many times, more often then not, we find ourselves trying to survive just for that ONE more precious turn, with a miserably thin arsenal. Thinner than the latest handphone could ever be. Yes, your opponent could just pull off a maneveur, and good bye. Or, you may deck out before you could do anything. That sucks.

Many times, in games, we will think of: should we reverse this or that maneveur? Sure, sometimes is a better idea to take some damage then use up your reversals. But when to stop taking too much? Sometimes, it may seem to late, but you just go flipping over cards from your arsenal and then; "Shit, I had not enough cards left..." Yes, sometimes that happens to me, and boy, it sucks. Maybe this maybe the situation with Oversell, but I don't think so. If you would oversell, it would be a small damage maneveur, like backhand slap or double leg takedown. But sometimes, you find that you do not have reversals in your hand, and thus you indded must take damage.

Through mid game and late game, your ringside will soon start to pile up. Reversals, key action and maneveurs will one time or another, go into it. Then you start wondering, how to get it back? Actions that are Recovery Cards. Yes, they let you retrieve cards that thicken your arsenal. Yes, it also allows you to survive longer in a game. Here's a look at recovery cards and an anlaysis: (non wrestler specific)

Series1:

Recovery 4F Shuffle 2 cards back, draw 1.

This may not seem much, but when it was in the 1st series, you don't really have much of a choice. At 4F, some may find it hard to get. But drawing a card is good.

Puppies! Puppies! 14F Shuffle 5 cards, draw 2.

Personally, I think this is the best. However, at 14F it maybe a bit hard. In FL, it was limited, you can't play against Chyna. In Backlash, you can't draw 2 against Christian. WTF!

Series 2

Go for the cheap pop! 0F Shuffle 3 cards back, FACE

This is great, at 0F, anyone can afford it. However, it is limited to Face only.

Backed by Stephanie McMahon 7F Opponent overturn cards equal to SSV, shuffle 3 back.

The great thing is, it sort of does damage to your opponent, as he takes overturns cards equal to their superstar value. (BoD takes 6! The Rock takes 5!) However, it can't be used against the Power Trip. This card should be a staple in most decks. (I like to sometime kill my oppponent with this card.)

Series 3

Trash Talkin' Interview 0F Prematch, Shuffle 4 back, HEEL

This prematch card acts as a midmtach card, (without using up your 3 midmatch slots) and shuffle back 4 cards. Great, but it is limited to Heel only.

Well deserved push 3F Only by SSV of 2 or less, shuffle 4 cards back, or take 1 midmatch put back in your backlash deck. Face

First off, this card is rather limited. It is only avalibe to SSV of 2 or less, like Gunn and 3F is chicken to them. Next, it is a Face card. However, you are able to shuffle 4 cards back or retrieve a backlash card. This, is the first ever known backlash deck recovery card.

Adrenaline Rush 20F Take 10 cards, opponent chooses 3, shuffle rest back.

You would notice that 1) It is the most costly recovery 2) Highest number of cards recovered. However, you must choose your cards wisely. With 10 cards, your opponent chooses 3 out of 10, of course the 3 which would be most beneficial to you or worst for him.

Now, what to put in your deck? For most, it depends on who you are playing. Backed by Steph or Recovery is a staple in most decks. They are not as limited, and are great recovery cards that are low F to play. One allows you to draw, the other burns your opponent's deck.

Next is your play area, too much Chyna? Then you would leave out Puppies. Playing defensive? Then puppies and adrenaline rush would not fit in. If you are Heel, a Trash talkin would be beneficial, and it will be in your ring area, ready for use whenever you need it.

Face, Cheap pop would be a definate one to inculde in your deck. At 0F, it is highly recommnded. Use well deserved push only if you can afford to, remeber, it allows you to recover either 4 cards or a backlash card.

The choice is yours, and do remeber, the timing! When to play recovery cards. Never rush, sometimes it is better to wait.

Hope this gives you some insight, have fun!

Clement Cher
09th of Nov '01