Don't buy packs. Buy specific cards that buff splinters you like to use. Level up a summoner that you like, and then buy cards that fit that archetype.
Got to around 1200-1300 in bronze doing that and am now 1900ish in silver after about a week or two of play (and about £100 invested, you will need to spend to be able to compete unfortunately).
RE: New Player Look For Advice!!