Because of the inherent server delay and the deployment time of units, playing purely 'reactively' means your defense will always be a fraction of a second too late.

Predictive gameplay looks like pure magic to a casual observer; it appears as though the player is reading the opponent's mind and dropping spells on empty tiles.
Pattern Recognition and Human Nature
90% of players will place their defensive building on the exact same tile every single time they defend that specific push.

Once you identify this habit during the first two minutes of the match, you can exploit it ruthlessly in the final minute.
If they place a Goblin Gang low once, they will do it again.Throw a 'naked' attack just to see their defensive response, then save that information for later.Be erratic on defense. Knowing When They Will Strike
If you know they just reached 10 elixir, and you know their primary win condition is a Balloon, you should hover your anti-air defense immediately.

Furthermore, you can predict 'desperation' plays based on their elixir deficit.
What to PredictHow to Do ItThe TimingThe Predictive Spell (e.g. To find more in regards to tower rush have a look at our site. , Log, Fireball)Casting a spell on an empty tile where you know the opponent's counter will be placedOnly in double elixir or when you are absolutely certain of their rotation; incredibly high riskThe Predictive Defense (e.g., Pre-planting)Placing a defensive building early because you know they are about to attackWhen they reach 10 elixir and their win condition is in hand; moderate risk The Pinnacle of Skill
You didn't just beat their cards; you beat their mind.

Observe the patterns, trust your math, and strike before they even know they are vulnerable.