Playtest the deck and keep a useful log
Playtest a saved list and keep a short log of useful details. Separate card problems from play errors and find patterns without trusting short streaks.
Keep the list steady
Save a version before testing. Use it for a planned block of games. If you change cards halfway through, give the new list a new version. Otherwise, you may mix results from different decks.
Keep a clear goal. You might ask whether your early cards stop fast pressure, or whether your draw finds the finish in time.
Write a small log
Record wins and losses, but add the details that can guide a change. A useful note might say: “Lost. I had three costly cards and no useful early play. I kept one of those cards in the mulligan.”
| Field | What to record |
|---|---|
| List | Version number or saved deck code |
| Opponent | Class and observed plan; mark guesses |
| Opening | First or second, cards kept, useful early plays |
| Key moment | The turn and choice that mattered |
| Plan | Whether you reached the setup or finish |
| Result | Win or loss, with a short reason |
| Next question | A card choice or play to review |
A deck tracker can help if you use one. A short note or replay review can work too. You do not need a complex tool to begin.
Separate card problems from play errors
A loss does not always mean a card is wrong. Check the mulligan, action order, and possible trades. Also check your role in the matchup: a deck built to attack may still need a turn of defense. If the same hand could have worked with a different choice, practice that choice before changing the deck.
Also record games where a card helped. Looking only at losses can lead you to remove cards that do important work elsewhere.
Read the numbers with care
If you win six of ten games, the log shows a 60% win rate in those ten games. It does not prove you will keep winning 60% of future games.
Sample size, opponent mix, and your growing skill all affect the picture. Keep early conclusions narrow: “This issue appeared several times” is more useful than a new tier claim.
Choose the next test
Group repeated problems by job. Missing early defense, running out of cards, and failing to finish are different problems. Pick one to study in the next version.