Instructions
Play a magic card, such as Hysteric Fairy. Magic cards are often a quick way to instantly restore some of your life points without ever needing assistance from your opponent. However, some magic cards, such as Hysteric Fairy, will require you to tribute two monsters to activate their effect.
Play a trap card, such as Spell Absorption. These cards can increase your life points by a pre-determined number, or better yet, by the attack force that your opponent is using to attack you or your monster. To trigger these cards though, your opponent must first attack you or one of your monsters.
Summon a monster onto the field that has a special ability that nets you life points, such as the High Priestess or Skull Head Ladybug cards. These points can be added when the monster is summoned or destroyed, depending on the method listed in the card's description.