Abilities like deathtouch and protection go a long way to bridging the gap between our tiny creatures and more expensive threats, as does whites equipment package with Stoneforge Mystic and Puresteel Paladin
Brainstorm generally promotes interaction, extends games, and allows for players to continue playing Magic even when theyve drawn a few too many lands
Cards like Dust Animus and Outcaster Trailblazer offer clues in their other abilities
Cloud, Midgar Mercenary #375 Borderless Final Fantasy Change Version Cloud, Midgar Mercenary Legendary Creature Human Soldier Mercenary When Cloud enters, search your library for an Equipment card, reveal it, put it into your hand, then shuffle
No real point in waiting
Levelling up sometimes means another static ability is now in effect, and sometimes it triggers a triggered ability