Want to Actually Improve Your Deck? Play Stronger Players

Hey TCG Squad —

So you’ve been grinding games, tweaking your list, maybe even tracking your win rate like a pro. But… your deck still isn’t improving.

What gives?

Let me hit you with the truth:
It might not be your deck. It might be who you’re testing against.

Let’s break it down 👇

🎯 The Real Reason You’re Stuck

Have you ever tested your deck online (maybe on Karabast), won a bunch, felt confident…
…then went to locals and got absolutely steamrolled?

Yeah. You’re not alone.

Most new players test with friends who are at the same level. That’s totally normal — and a great way to learn the basics. But here’s the issue:

Weak opponents won’t punish your mistakes.

Bad sequencing? You still win.
Overextending? No punishment.
Poor tempo? Somehow, you’re still in the game.

This creates a false sense of security.

🔥 If You Want to Level Up, You Need Pressure

Real growth comes from stress-testing your deck. And that only happens when you play people better than you.

Stronger players expose the gaps:

• Your cost curve might be too clunky.

• Your control package might crumble under pressure.

• Your list might work in theory but fall apart in real matches.

Let your deck break in testing — not in round 2 of a tournament.

💬 One Game-Changing Question

After every game with a strong opponent, ask:

You’ll get insights you can’t get from winning or even tracking stats.

💡 Bonus: Why Losing is the Fastest Way to Win

Here’s something nobody tells new players:

Losing to better players is the fastest shortcut to getting good.

Why?

Because it forces you to:

• Learn how to play from behind

• See optimal lines of play you missed

• Encounter complex board states casual games never hit

These reps matter. You’ll start noticing patterns before they happen. You’ll tighten your sequencing. You’ll understand matchups — not just yours, but your opponent’s too.

✅ Your Challenge This Week

Ask one strong player for a match. Just one.

Not sure where to look?

• Check who consistently wins at your local game store

• Post in your city’s Star Wars Unlimited Facebook group

• Join a Discord (like mine, KTO’s, or Garbage Rollers’) and request a scrim

You’ll be surprised how many great players are happy to jam a few games.

🚀 Final Thought

Lose fast. Learn faster.

Playtesting got you this far — now it’s time to level up.
We’ll see you in the next one. Until then…

May the force be with you.

— TCG HQ