I don't know a single player in any game who loves to lose. The sting of defeat is never fun, but in a four-player battle royale format like Commander, the odds are often against you. Chances are, you're going to lose - a lot. However, as my father always said, "It's only a loss if you don't learn anything from it." With that in mind, I make it a habit to reflect on my games and ask myself a few key questions after each loss to improve. This process is especially important if you're just starting your Commander career and looking to catch up to more seasoned players. I'm Levi from The Thought Vessel Show, and today, we're exploring ten questions to ask yourself when you lose a game of Commander.

1) Did I have a good time?

This might be the most important question of all. If you're not enjoying the games, the pod you're playing in might not be the right fit. Perhaps it's too competitive, not competitive enough, or maybe the group dynamic just doesn't gel with you. If that's the case, it's time to find a group where the games are genuinely fun. After all, Commander is meant to be an enjoyable experience!

2) Do I know what caused the loss?

This can be tricky. Sometimes the reason is glaringly obvious, like an unstoppable combo. Other times, it's subtler - maybe it was that Rhystic Study that lingered unchecked the entire game. Identifying the cause of your loss helps you work backward to figure out what went wrong.

3) Was there anything I could have done, given what I knew, to change the outcome?

Building on the previous question, consider if there was anything within your control that could have turned the tide. Like in life, there will be games where you play flawlessly and still lose. Perhaps an opponent spiraled out of control too quickly, or maybe you made a small but costly mistake - like keeping a greedy hand or using removal prematurely. Learning from these moments will help you avoid repeating them in future games.

4) If I had perfect information, what would I have done differently?

This question helps distinguish between avoidable mistakes and unavoidable ones. Magic is a game of imperfect information, so unknown variables often influence the outcome. There's no sense in beating yourself up over something you couldn't predict. Instead, take note of it for future games against the same deck or opponent.

5) Did my deck perform as intended?

Sometimes, losses happen because your deck didn't do what it was built to do. Maybe you were stuck on lands or your mana curve was awkward, making it difficult to cast spells efficiently. If so, consider tweaking your deck to address these issues. However, if your deck functioned well and you still lost, it might not need changes - over-correcting can sometimes hurt your strategy. I once over-tweaked a deck for defense, slowing it down so much that I ended up playing not to lose rather than playing to win.

6) Were there any cards that overperformed?

Identifying standout cards can help guide future upgrades. The more high-performing cards you include, the stronger your deck becomes overall. When it comes to upgrading your deck, it will be easier to find cards that you know will perform well for you.

7) Were there any cards that underperformed?

On the flip side, take note of cards that felt lackluster, ineffective, or you just felt disappointed when you drew them. These should be your first candidates for replacement when new cards are released.

8) Was I correct in identifying the threat?

Threat assessment is one of the most critical skills in Commander. Did you correctly identify the most dangerous player, or were you off base? After the game, ask your pod for their thoughts. If you took out a player you thought was the threat, ask them what they had planned for their next turn. Sometimes, they'll reveal they were about to win - other times, you'll realize you misjudged. Either way, this feedback is invaluable for sharpening your skills.

9) Did I pilot my deck well overall?

Evaluate your overall gameplay. Did you play efficiently, remember your triggers, and make good political moves? Were there any significant mistakes or missed opportunities? Being mindful of these aspects during and after the game will make you a stronger pilot in the future.

10) Was it a power level issue?

This is intentionally the last question because it's too often the first one players jump to. Blaming power level differences can become an easy scapegoat, preventing you from learning and fostering resentment toward other players. While pubstomping does happen, it's likely far less frequent than we think. Often, a player simply gets a good start due to variance in decks in casual commander. Even a precon can look more powerful than it is if you get a turn one Sol Ring. By addressing the first nine questions first, you'll gain more productive insights into your loss before considering power level mismatches.

And there you have it! With these ten questions, you can turn losses into lessons and take meaningful steps toward becoming a better Commander player. Until next time, happy gaming!