Thanks so much! Will add that to the list of assest to check out. I thought I was going overboard with the notes, looks like I wasn't alone! :)

What happened was I began noticing opponents with seemingly "weak" cards kicking my ass. Then I took note of the little circles at the bottom of their cards.

Like Neo in the Matrix they'd had upgrades, and their blast effect was winning the day! Now I know to upgrade my Summoner before my Creeping Ooze. :)