Overview:

This Izzet pirate/discard deck leverages Captain Howler's discard triggers to pump attackers and draw into combos. The primary wincons are Niv-Mizzet/Curiosity loops and Glint-Horn Buccaneer ping chains, supported by treasure-fueled big spells and incremental value from locust/shark tokens. While having explosive potential, it lacks cEDH-level speed/protection.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck aims to chain discard triggers into combat damage payoffs while assembling 2-card combos. Key phases: Early Setup: Use 1-2 mana looters (Facet Reader, Strix Lookout) to fuel graveyard synergies while deploying evasive pirates. Prioritize casting Rielle, the Everwise or Birgi, God of Storytelling for engine value. Midgame Pressure: Activate The Belligerent's topdeck manipulation and Fearless Swashbuckler's attack triggers to maintain card flow. Use Glint-Horn Buccaneer + discard outlets to pressure life totals. Combo Finish: Tutor-free assembly of Niv-Mizzet, Parun + Curiosity for infinite damage or Combat Celebrant + Helm of the Host for infinite combats. Backup plan uses City on Fire/Angrath's Marauders with token swarms.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands + 1-2 loot effects
• Prioritize early pirates with evasion (Siren Stormtamer, Ghost of Ramirez DePietro)
• Avoid hands without red/blue mana sources

Key Tips:

• Time Windfall effects after opponents' draw steps for maximum disruption
• Use Containment Construct to replay discarded combo pieces
• Swiftfoot Boots protects Niv-Mizzet/Howler from targeted removal
• The Bath Song recovers key combo pieces from graveyard

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• No free counterspells to protect combos
• Relies on 4+ mana engines (Rielle/Birgi) with minimal protection

Moderate:

• Graveyard hate neuters recursion/The Locust God
• Struggles against flyer-heavy boards

Minor:

• Limited artifact/enchantment removal

Most Important Cards:

• Niv-Mizzet, Parun
• Curiosity
• Glint-Horn Buccaneer
• Rielle, the Everwise
• Birgi, God of Storytelling
• The Locust God
• Windfall
• Combat Celebrant
• Impact Tremors
• Malcolm, Keen-Eyed Navigator

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Goldfish T7-8 via Niv combo/celebrant loops
• Limited fast mana delays critical turns

Resilience: 4/10

• Dies to early stax pieces
• Minimal recursion beyond Containment Construct

Consistency: 5/10

• 10+ loot effects but only 3 tutors (Windfall, Chart a Course, Thirst for Knowledge)
• Redundant discard outlets compensate somewhat

Interaction: 4/10

• 7 counters/removal (An Offer You Can't Refuse, Imprisoned in the Moon)
• Mostly reactive with limited stack control

Rating Justification:

Falls between Optimized Casual (T8-10) and High-Power Casual (T8-9) due to:

• Game-ending combos but slow assembly (no Demonic Tutor)
• Moderate interaction density below 6.0 thresholds
• Vulnerable to early removal of key engines
• Faster than precons but lacks cEDH speed/protection

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5