Decisions and interactions
UnleashAn attack with weak output at the current HP level can delay the Summon card needed to make Unleash effective.
Fruit JuiceReptile Trinket supplies a concrete reason to delay drinking.
Deck size, draw order and consistencyConversely, duplicating a payoff that already has full coverage may mostly delay the draw that enables it.
Merchant removal, Curses and shop prioritiesA branching route lets you delay that fight; a path committed to the elite offers no such fallback.
Alignment and Black HoleSpending the Stars may also delay a different Star-cost card.
Forge and Sword SageMultiple investment cards in the opening hand can delay the first meaningful attack.