In Hearthstone, the mechanics of “Start of Game” and “End of Turn” effects are crucial for understanding how different card abilities can impact the flow of a match. Here’s an in-depth look at both effect types, their timing, and their implications on gameplay.

Start of Game Effects
Timing: Start of Game effects activate immediately after the mulligan phase and just before the first turn begins. This is a unique stage in the match where certain effects can be applied before any player takes a turn.

Characteristics:
– Rarity: These effects are rare; only a select few cards possess them, making them special in the broader context of Hearthstone strategy.
– Automation: Once the game starts, these effects trigger automatically without the ability to respond or counteract them during gameplay. This means their impact is guaranteed and cannot be disrupted.
– Examples: Cards like Genn Greymane and Baku the Mooneater illustrate these effects well. Genn alters Hero Powers based on whether the player’s deck is odd-costed, while Baku does so for even-costed decks. This can shape the entire strategy and game plan from the onset of the match.

End of Turn Effects
Timing: End of Turn effects occur after all actions have been completed during that player’s turn. This ensures that these effects can only trigger once the player has fully utilized their available plays for that turn.

Characteristics:
– Recurring Nature: These effects can activate every turn, creating a continual influence throughout the game. Unlike Start of Game effects, they can initiate multiple times depending on the flow of turns.
– Variety of Impact: The types of actions that can occur as an End of Turn effect are diverse, including dealing damage, healing characters, or summoning minions. This broad range allows for strategic plays that can shape the board state and impact future rounds.
– Interactivity: While End of Turn effects do happen automatically at the conclusion of the turn, players can still influence or respond to them through their prior choices during that turn.

Summary Table

| Effect Type | When It Triggers | Characteristics |
|——————|————————————————-|————————————————-|
| Start of Game | Immediately after mulligan, before turn 1 | Rare; automatic; cannot be directly countered |
| End of Turn | After all actions during a player’s turn | Occurs every turn; can trigger various effects |

Conclusion: The distinction between Start of Game and End of Turn effects is vital for players to understand. Start of Game effects create static conditions that can set the tone for strategic play from the first moment, while End of Turn effects provide opportunities for dynamic interactions and reactions in the continual gameplay that follows. Mastering these mechanics can greatly enhance a player’s ability to craft effective strategies and adjust their tactics throughout a match.