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ST:CCG Playtesting
by Brian Huff Star Trek: the Customizable Card Game can be a perplexing game full of in-depth strategies. One key to honing your strategic skills is the ability to build refined decks. Almost no other method is as important as playtesting. To playtest a deck, you simply play against a variety of opponents and decks. Playtesting allows you to probe your deck for weaknesses and reflect on methods of streamlining the deck. To begin playtesting you'll need a variety of resources. First, you will need a notepad and pencil for to jot down comments and deck lists. Next, you'll need a card collection at least comparable to your opponent's. Lastly, you need an opponent (preferable a friend, who isn't afraid to give it to you straight). After you gather your resources you'll need a location to play and set time to do so. So far, this sounds like a normal gaming experience (aside from the note taking), except the goal for these games is to sharpen your skills and strengthen your deck. Notes: Taking notes is the single most important aspect of playtesting. Notes will give a reference to examine when reworking your deck. You'll also use the notes to reference your playing style. Notes will show you where you need to improve your deck and playing habits. When playing your deck, write down its particular weaknesses. If you could have used a Q2 for a particular play, make a note that you may need to add more Q2s. If you can identify holes in your deck during playtesting, you will be able to plug them more easily in the refining stage. Also, if your deck has a particular strength, make a note of it. When refining the deck this will remind you to look for cards that can boost that strength. Remember to make notes of your playing style. Having a good deck alone does not make you an excellent player. You need a certain amount of skill. You need to know what cards are in your draw deck at any time, when to nullify a card play to strengthen your position, and when to play a particular card to give you an advantage. The better you know your playing style and your deck, the better the edge you'll have over your opponent. For instance, say you forgot to seed Empok Nor during the mission phase, make a note of it. You'll likely now remember when to seed the card next time. As with your deck design make notes when you make mistakes and exceptional plays. You will be able to focus on those areas more clearly next game. Cards: You do not have to own every card to play the game effectively, but if your collection is not comparable to your opponent's you'll likely find yourself outclassed. Having a larger card base gives you more options. Those options open new strategies, that would not be available to you on a narrower card base. Let's say you only have a card base of a starter and four boosters and your opponent has a nearly full collection. When you complete playtesting, you'll have fewer options for repairing holes and honing strengths. Fewer options will only allow you to repair a few holes, not all of them. Your opponent having more options for deck redesign (because of a larger card base), could repair his deck almost fully and still exploit the weaknesses you were unable to fix. So, when playtesting find an opponent with an equal card base or one willing to limit his/her base to one similar to yours. // Editor's Note: On the other hand, playing against someone with more cards is a good way to see what you need to trade for or what you need to counter with the cards you have. Opponent: Now you need to obtain an opponent. You'll want one that is willing to critique your deck and playing skills honestly (and you may need a thick hide to bear the abuse). You'll also want an opponent slightly more skilled than yourself. Similar to a master and apprentice, you'll be able to glean useful insights from your wise friend. If you've played the game a few times, I recommend playing online (see Kedanya: www.foyer.de/stccg/hq/ for online play information.) Online is an excellent source of diverse and skillful players. Also, don't forget your notebook, to jot down some of your opponent's moves. Play Time: After you've gathered your resources, it's time to plan your gaming session. You could plan it as a one-on-one or as group gaming. I recommend group if possible. The more players you have, the more insights you'll be able to glean. Also, you'll need to find a nice quiet place without distractions. If you can't remember the last couple of plays because of distractions, then you may have missed important insights. Lastly, set aside a specific day, time and amount of time for play. Once a week for a few hours is good. This will let you play regularly, but will give you time in between as a breather from the game. Use the breather time for retrospect and other activities (this will help keep your interest in the game from slacking). With a bit of luck and wisdom your playtesting will provide you with improved skill and knowledge. Good gaming. Brian Huff aka l.t.f.
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