Learning how to properly play AST

[Leigaon]

Came here for this and lots of great little tips for playing AST. I just started last night and I was loving it trying to remember the cards..I'm a White mage and SCH normally, so I figured AST would be territory I was use to.

So far the healing is fine but maybe that changes later? I'm not talking about Savage, I never plan to go into Savage. Right now I enjoy having my instant heal at a low level and am ready to start managing my regens / shields as time goes on.

One thing I was wondering though are the cards, it seems that a lot of people are not aware of them even being on them. Or if they are casted on them, what they do. I guess I need to make macros, if anyone has any short handed descriptions I can let people know what they go.

I understand my use of cards will change down the road..using RR to boost the next or what I have stored. Still there's have already been some times where I will cast say the spear, on a heavy OGCD job like a PLD who normally buffs up before boss runs, won't bother or activate before I can give it which is my fault for not letting them know I guess.

Or Ewer for the BLM who might be able to get off an extra fire spell? Or is it not that potent?

From what I've read and my understanding two things, so please correct me.

Spear: Reduces OGCD by 20% only ones that are activated at that point? So ones that are already activated, it won't help them at all? I was hoping it would, then that would help a lot more but maybe that's too OP of a change to ask for.

Shuffle: I originally thought it was "Okay I got spear..shuffle" and it would take Spear out of the equation so I can get Balance or something else. Seems that's not the case..I guess there's nothing I can do to fight against that is there? Unless they change it?