Deck optimization
Encyclopedia
The term deck optimization (or deck tuning) refers to iteratively
improving a play deck in a collectible card game
. This is usually done through test or trial play sessions, during which the deck's performance is evaluated. After observation and consideration, changes are made to the deck, and its new performance can then be judged. This cycle can be repeated as needed.
with existing cards, more flexible alternate uses, or increased effectiveness against known opponent strategies.
In addition to manually poring over card text, the Internet
has also become a popular source for those seeking deck optimization information. Players can either directly consult existing deck lists for inspiration, or can ask on online forums for advice or recommendations.
In some cases, effective optimization requires the purchase of additional cards, since the cards a player might like to use may not currently be in his or her possession. This can drive up the cost of the overall gaming experience, and can in some cases initiate an arms race
in local circles, where other players must in turn purchase cards to continue to compete.
Iteration
Iteration means the act of repeating a process usually with the aim of approaching a desired goal or target or result. Each repetition of the process is also called an "iteration," and the results of one iteration are used as the starting point for the next iteration.-Mathematics:Iteration in...
improving a play deck in a collectible card game
Collectible card game
thumb|Players and their decksA collectible card game , also called a trading card game or customizable card game, is a game played using specially designed sets of playing cards...
. This is usually done through test or trial play sessions, during which the deck's performance is evaluated. After observation and consideration, changes are made to the deck, and its new performance can then be judged. This cycle can be repeated as needed.
Key considerations
When adjusting the cards in a deck, the following items should be considered:- Efficiency – How effectively can cards be played and utilized? Does the deck take longer to achieve a victory condition than it should? Is it slow at the beginning of a game, or weak near the end of a game?
- Enjoyment – Is the deck entertaining and fun to play, or is it boring and tedious? While this is much less of a concern for tournament decks, casual decks, which will be played frequently, should probably be enjoyable to use.
- Strategy – Does the deck have a strategy for winning? Are all of the cards in the deck contributing to this strategy (or an alternate strategy), or are there cards that do not in fact do so?
- Weaknesses – Does the deck have a fatal flaw when used against other decks of certain types? Is there a way to compensate for this weakness by changing a relatively small number of cards?
Optimization methods
While players can completely re-design a play deck, most optimizations involve relatively minor changes to the deck. This typically involves selecting a card (of which multiple copies may be present) and replacing it with another card which is similar, but slightly better for one or more reasons. The reasons may include: lower cost, better synergySynergy
Synergy may be defined as two or more things functioning together to produce a result not independently obtainable.The term synergy comes from the Greek word from , , meaning "working together".-Definitions and usages:...
with existing cards, more flexible alternate uses, or increased effectiveness against known opponent strategies.
In addition to manually poring over card text, the Internet
Internet
The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet protocol suite to serve billions of users worldwide...
has also become a popular source for those seeking deck optimization information. Players can either directly consult existing deck lists for inspiration, or can ask on online forums for advice or recommendations.
In some cases, effective optimization requires the purchase of additional cards, since the cards a player might like to use may not currently be in his or her possession. This can drive up the cost of the overall gaming experience, and can in some cases initiate an arms race
Arms race
The term arms race, in its original usage, describes a competition between two or more parties for the best armed forces. Each party competes to produce larger numbers of weapons, greater armies, or superior military technology in a technological escalation...
in local circles, where other players must in turn purchase cards to continue to compete.
See also
- Star Wars Customizable Card GameStar Wars Customizable Card GameStar Wars: Customizable Card Game is a customizable card game based on the Star Wars fictional universe. It was created by Decipher, Inc., which also produced the Star Trek Customizable Card Game and The Lord of the Rings Trading Card Game. The game was produced from December 1995 until December...
- Magic: The Gathering deck typesMagic: The Gathering deck typesThe game Magic: The Gathering requires each player to have their own deck in order to play. There are over ten thousand unique cards which can be used for this purpose; thus a considerable number of different decks can be constructed...
- Magic Deck Optimizer