Overview:

This Abzan (WBG) deck helmed by Betor, Ancestor's Voice synergizes lifegain triggers with +1/+1 counter proliferation and reanimation strategies. The commander enables board development via counter distribution and graveyard recursion tied to life flux. Key themes include incremental lifegain engines, explosive reanimation targets (Archon of Cruelty, Vilis, Broker of Blood), and a secondary +1/+1 counter theme amplified by Archangel of Thune/Heliod, Sun-Crowned. The deck can pivot between midrange value and reanimation combos, using Betor's end-step triggers to generate advantage.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (T1-3): Deploy lifegain engines (Soul Warden, Essence Warden), ramp (Birds of Paradise, Three Visits), and setup cards (Underrealm Lich, Sylvan Library). Use Entomb/Buried Alive to stock graveyard with bombs.
2. Midgame Value (T4-6): Cast Betor to amplify counter distribution and reanimation. Reanimate key threats (Archon of Cruelty, Sheoldred, the Apocalypse) or deploy Archangel of Thune for exponential growth. Activate Necropotence for card advantage.
3. Win Conditions:
   • Combat: Overwhelm with massive creatures enhanced by Akroma's Will or Kutzil, Malamet Exemplar card draw.
   • Combo: Archangel of Thune + Walking Ballista + persistent lifegain (e.g., Soul Warden) for infinite damage.
   • Reanimation Loops: Recur Priest of Fell Rites to repeatedly bring back Archon of Cruelty for attrition.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including color fixing).
• Prioritize early lifegain creatures, ramp, or a reanimation package (entomb effect + reanimation spell).
• Avoid hands lacking lifegain triggers or graveyard setup in slow metas.

Key Tips:

• Use Mesmeric Orb to mill yourself while disrupting opponents.
• Unspeakable Symbol turns life gain into aggressive counter placement.
• Teferi's Protection protects against board wipes during critical turns.
• Eerie Ultimatum serves as a late-game reset button.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Graveyard hate (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void) cripples reanimation lines.
• Anti-lifegain effects (Tainted Remedy, Erebos, God of the Dead) disrupt core synergies.

Moderate

• Spot removal on key engines (Necropotence, Underrealm Lich) slows momentum.
• Artifact/enchantment removal targets critical pieces (Lightning Greaves, Sylvan Library).

Minor

• Limited stack interaction outside Veil of Summer and Grand Abolisher.
• Some mana sources enter tapped, slowing early plays.

Most Important Cards:

• Necropotence (Card advantage engine)
• Archangel of Thune (Combo enabler, scaling threat)
• Buried Alive (Graveyard setup)
• Sheoldred, the Apocalypse (Life drain, card advantage)
• Reanimate (Early reanimation)
• Walking Ballista (Combo finisher)
• Akroma's Will (Combat finisher)
• Underrealm Lich (Card selection, graveyard fuel)
• Toxic Deluge (Board control)
• Grand Abolisher (Turn protection)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10
Can threaten wins via reanimation as early as T3-4 with perfect hands, but typically operates on a T6-8 clock.

Resilience: 5/10
Multiple recursion engines (Betor, Priest of Fell Rites, Eerie Ultimatum) but heavily punished by graveyard hate.

Consistency: 7/10
Strong tutors (Vampiric Tutor, Buried Alive) and card selection (Sylvan Library, Underrealm Lich) ensure strategy execution.

Interaction: 5/10
Targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares, Assassin's Trophy) and board wipes present but lacks counterspells.

Rating Justification:

This deck demonstrates focused synergy with T6-8 win potential through combat or combo, supported by strong tutors and recursion. However, its critical vulnerability to graveyard hate and moderate interaction suite place it below optimized tiers.

Power level: 5.5 - 6.0