Starting Decks Overview

Learn essential Balatro strategies for early game success. Discover key Jokers like Scary Face, Smiley Face, and the Sinful Jokers to build powerful chip and mult combos.

This guide focuses on the crucial early game of Balatro, emphasizing the importance of acquiring strong Chip or Mult Jokers to survive beyond Ante 2. It details specific Joker recommendations and their synergies to help players establish a solid foundation for their runs.

• Early Game Goal: Obtain a solid Chips or Mult joker to avoid dying by the Ante 2 Boss Blind.
• Recommended Chips/Mult Jokers:
  • Scary Face, Smiley Face, Odd Todd, Even Steven (for specific ranks)
  • Sinful Jokers (Wrathful, Lusty, Gluttonous, Greedy) (for specific suits)
  • Joker (general slot filler)
  • Abstract Joker, Swashbuckler (benefit from filling slots)
  • Sly Joker, Droll Joker (support specific hand types)
  • Supernova (supports playing only one hand type)
  • Gros Michel (to eventually get Cavendish)
• Mid-to-Late Game (Ante 8) Focus: Pivot to specific hand types and acquire supporting Jokers. Ensure at least one +Chip and one scaling +Mult Joker.
• Other Mid-to-Late Game Tips:
  • Editioned Jokers (Foil, Holographic, Polychrome) can substitute for Chip/Mult sources.
  • Look for xMult Jokers, especially scaling ones, for Ante 7 and 8.
  • Enhance cards with Tarot and Planet Cards.
  • Maintain over $25 for Interest income.
  • Watch out for Boss Blinds that counter your build; consider Director's Cut or Reroll tags.
• Builds and Synergies: Form builds by combining Jokers and enhanced cards that work well together. Synergistic builds significantly increase the chance of winning. An example build includes Baron, Mime, Juggler, and Troubadour with steel kings for a massive multiplier.