Overview:

This Mardu (RWB) deck helmed by Zurgo Stormrender focuses on aggressive token generation through the Mobilize mechanic and Warrior tokens. The primary strategy revolves around swarming the board with tokens when attacking, then leveraging their deaths for card draw or draining opponents via effects like Impact Tremors, Warleader's Call, and Mirkwood Bats. Zurgo acts as both an engine (generating tokens) and a payoff (drawing cards when tokens die after attacking). Key support cards like Isshin, Two Heavens as One and Windcrag Siege (Mardu mode) double Mobilize triggers, while sacrifice outlets like Goblin Bombardment and Ashnod's Altar convert tokens into direct damage or resources. The deck can win through overwhelming combat pressure, incremental life loss from token deaths, or infinite combos with token generators and sac outlets.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy ramp (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet) and early token generators like Shock Brigade or Krenko, Tin Street Kingpin. Use Reconnaissance to protect attackers while generating tokens.
2. Midgame Engine (Turns 4-6): Cast Zurgo or Isshin, Two Heavens as One to amplify token production. Deploy key payoffs like Impact Tremors, Bastion of Remembrance, or Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor. Use Skullclamp to sacrifice tokens for card draw.
3. Win Conditions (Turns 5-8):
   • Combat: Overwhelm with boosted tokens via Hero of Bladehold, Adeline, Resplendent Cathar, or Ankle Shanker's deathtouch/first strike.
   • Infinite Combos: With Ashnod's Altar + Hero of Bladehold (doubled by Isshin) + Impact Tremors: Sacrifice four Soldier tokens to generate 8 mana, replay Hero, and loop for infinite damage.
   • Drain Effects: Stack triggers from Mirkwood Bats, Bastion of Remembrance, and Warleader's Call as tokens enter/die.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including color-fixing), an early token generator (e.g., Shock Brigade), and a payoff (e.g., Impact Tremors).
• Prioritize Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, or Isshin, Two Heavens as One in slower metas.
• Avoid hands lacking token production or with only high-CMC cards.

Key Tips:

• Use Reconnaissance to safely generate tokens without losing attackers.
• Sacrifice tokens before the end step to Goblin Bombardment or Viscera Seer for immediate value.
• Windcrag Siege’s Mardu mode doubles Zurgo’s Mobilize triggers and other attack-based abilities.
• Fake Your Own Death protects key creatures while generating Treasure for recursion.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board Wipes: Vanquish the Horde and similar effects cripple the token-dependent strategy. Limited recursion outside Victimize.
• Anti-Token Hate: Cursed Totem/Torpor Orb disable Mobilize and ETB triggers. Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite shuts down token generation.

Moderate

• Graveyard Reliance: Recursion tools like Victimize and Eternal Witness (not in deck) are sparse, making key creature recovery difficult.
• Mana Constraints: Several taplands (e.g., Nomad Outpost) slow early momentum in a deck needing timely attacks.

Minor

• Flyer Weakness: Limited reach/flying defense outside Shocking Sharpshooter.
• Combo Fragility: Infinite loops require 3+ pieces with minimal protection.

Most Important Cards:

• Isshin, Two Heavens as One (Doubles Mobilize/attack triggers)
• Ashnod's Altar (Mana engine/combo piece)
• Impact Tremors (Primary damage payoff)
• Hero of Bladehold (Token generation + anthem)
• Mirkwood Bats (Life drain synergy)
• Goblin Bombardment (Sac outlet + damage)
• Windcrag Siege (Trigger doubler)
• Adeline, Resplendent Cathar (Scaling token generator)
• Skullclamp (Card draw engine)
• Zurgo Stormrender (Commander engine)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten wins via combat or drain effects by turn 7-8, with occasional explosive T5-6 combos if key pieces align.

Resilience: 4/10

• Vulnerable to board wipes and targeted hate. Limited protection (Grand Crescendo, Valorous Stance) and recursion.

Consistency: 6/10

• Multiple token generators and payoffs, but lacks tutors for combo pieces beyond Buried Alive (not in deck).

Interaction: 5/10

• Efficient targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares, Anguished Unmaking), but minimal counterspells or stax to disrupt opponents.

Rating Justification:

This deck has a focused game plan with multiple synergies but lacks the speed (T7-8 wins) and resilience to handle common disruption. Its combat/drain strategy aligns with Casual/Precon tiers, while its combo potential elevates it slightly.

Power level: 4.0 - 4.5