Theres also the Monarch and the Initiative in 1v1, both of which have a tug-of-war and both of which provide such a massive initial advantage that youre automatically favored to win the contest over time
They're not too expensive, and they're a very effective way to learn how to play
Your Leader's reliable effect, which can be activated when your opponent attacks, gives you a guaranteed way to defend against 1000 power each turn
Neera, Wild Mage decks are full of cheap cantrips like Ponder because, unlike proper cascade cards, Neera can free-cast anything from the top of the deck regardless of mana value
Ambition's Cost If you're willing to pay more mana and life for more power, Ambition's Cost is your card
11 Winter Orb As a strictly better version of Hokori, Dust Drinker, Winter Orb is a frustratingly excellent way to turn any game into an absolute crawl