Overview:

This Karador, Ghost Chieftain deck is a resilient reanimator/aristocrats hybrid that leverages graveyard recursion, creature-based value engines, and layered combo finishes. Karador serves as both a cost-reduction engine and recursion outlet, enabling the deck to grind through removal while deploying threats like Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite or Craterhoof Behemoth. The strategy combines self-mill (Hermit Druid, Lumra, Bellow of the Woods), instant-speed reanimation (Necromancy, Loyal Retainers), and death-trigger payoffs (Corpse Knight, Tombstone Stairwell) to pressure opponents. Key combos include Luminous Broodmoth + Vesperlark loops with sacrifice outlets and Kokusho, the Evening Star recursion for incremental life drain.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy mana dorks (Birds of Paradise, Avacyn's Pilgrim), self-mill tools (Hermit Druid), or tutors (Survival of the Fittest, Entomb). Prioritize filling the graveyard with key creatures like Vesperlark or Kokusho.
2. Midgame Value (Turns 4-6): Cast Karador for {W}{B}{G} or less, then begin recurring value engines like Skyclave Apparition or Eternal Witness. Activate Birthing Pod/Fiend Artisan chains to assemble combo pieces.
3. Win Conditions (Turns 5-8):
   • Combat Overrun: Deploy Craterhoof Behemoth or Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite alongside token generators like Tombstone Stairwell.
   • Infinite Loops: Use Luminous Broodmoth + Vesperlark + Phyrexian Altar to generate infinite death/ETB triggers with Corpse Knight or infinite mana for Colossal Grave-Reaver.
   • Kokusho Drain: Recur Kokusho, the Evening Star via Loyal Retainers/Karador while sacrificing it to Phyrexian Altar for repeated life loss.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands, at least one ramp source (dork or Sol Ring), and a graveyard enabler (Entomb, Hermit Druid).
• Prioritize tutors (Survival of the Fittest, Eldritch Evolution) over high-CMC threats in opening hands.
• Avoid hands lacking graveyard interaction or creature density.

Key Tips:

• Use Volrath's Stronghold to rebuy key creatures before casting Karador.
• Tombstone Stairwell triggers stack with Poison-Tip Archer/Corpse Knight for exponential damage.
• Teferi's Protection protects against board wipes during combo setup.
• Force of Vigor answers graveyard hate like Rest in Peace at instant speed.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Graveyard exile effects (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void) cripple recursion engines and combo lines.
• Torpor Orb/Hushbringer nullifies ETB-based value and combo triggers.

Moderate

• Fast combo decks can outpace this deck's midgame-focused clock.
• Drannith Magistrate blocks Karador casting from the command zone.

Minor

• Single-target removal is mitigated by recursion but can slow early setups.
• Mana base has slight fragility to Blood Moon-like effects.

Most Important Cards:

• Survival of the Fittest (Tutor engine and graveyard filler)
• Luminous Broodmoth (Combo linchpin with flying recursion)
• Hermit Druid (Self-mill accelerator)
• Phyrexian Altar (Sacrifice outlet and mana engine)
• Necromancy (Instant-speed reanimation)
• Kokusho, the Evening Star (Recurring life drain threat)
• Craterhoof Behemoth (Primary combat finisher)
• Tombstone Stairwell (Mass token generator with death synergy)
• Corpse Knight (Combo payoff for infinite triggers)
• Eldritch Evolution (Tutor-to-battlefield for key creatures)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten wins via combat or combo by T5-7 with optimal draws, but lacks T3-4 "fast mana" explosiveness.

Resilience: 8/10

• Multiple recursion engines (Karador, Volrath's Stronghold, Priest of Fell Rites) and protection (Teferi's Protection, Mother of Runes) mitigate disruption.

Consistency: 7/10

• Extensive tutor suite and card selection (Survival of the Fittest, Tymna the Weaver) offset graveyard dependency.

Interaction: 6/10

• Targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares, Assassin's Trophy) and stax pieces (Archon of Emeria) disrupt opponents, but lacks stack interaction beyond Silence.

Rating Justification:

This deck demonstrates focused reanimator/aristocrats synergy with T5-7 win potential through layered combos and resilient recursion. While slower than cEDH builds, its robust interaction suite and tutor density elevate it above casual tiers. Graveyard vulnerability prevents higher rankings despite strong recovery tools.

Power level: 6.5 - 7.0