If you've got an option when it comes to what monster you take down, it's a good idea to always attack the biggest threat you can deal with. When it comes to the monsters with nine health, remember that you can't take them down if you don't have food, because it'll kill you. You don't have to finish every deal with full health, in fact it's basically impossible. Instead put yourself in the strongest position to deal with what's coming next by making sure you're not going to have to deal with anything too dastardly in the current set of cards.