How can we avoid infinite combos?

Question

Check out this thread to get an idea of what infinite combos are. Generally it can be something like two cards where one says "when A happens then do B" and the other says "when B happens then do A."

I feel like there should be some core mechanic that prevents infinite combos from being possible. A simple way to avoid this could be by enforcing a rule where any "effect" can only be applied once per turn.

Would that work? Is it too limiting? Is there a better way?

Comments

I think only once per turn is a bit low of a limit. I think an important key lies in the design of the cards, Hearthstone haven't done anything to prevent infinite combos explicitly, they have just designed the cards so that there are no such *infinite* combos. (There are combos, but no infinite ones)

Answer 1

I think once per turn is a good rule. You are only able to attack with any one particular unit once per turn, so you should only be able to activate an effect once per turn. Unless of course the effect activation is a result of some other element. (player placing a creature, using a spell.....) Now that effect is based off the unit it is tied to, so if you have 3 of the same units, that effect could be used 3 times. I think that would allow a bit more of a combo. Not to mention we will have cards designed to work with each other. So essentially you will still give the player a sense of control and an integrated form strategy about the game and how they build their decks.