Overview:

This Derevi deck utilizes a flicker/blink strategy focused on generating value through enter-the-battlefield (ETB) triggers and leveraging Derevi's tap/untap ability for control and mana acceleration. The commander enables repeated value by cheating commander tax via its ability, synergizing with the deck's flicker effects to reset triggers and maintain board presence. Win conditions revolve around incremental value accumulation, stealing permanents with Agent of Treachery, and combat supported by +1/+1 counters from cards like Emiel the Blessed and Arwen, Mortal Queen. Key engines include Displacer Kitten, Soulherder, and Conjurer's Closet for recurring ETB effects.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Prioritize ramping with Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, Farseek, or Three Visits. Deploy low-cost flicker enablers like Cloudshift or Ephemerate, and value creatures like Spirited Companion or Network Disruptor. Cast Derevi early to start generating tap/untap value.
2. Engine Activation (Turns 4-6): Establish repeatable flicker sources: Displacer Kitten (with noncreature spells), Eldrazi Displacer, or Emiel the Blessed. Use Derevi's combat trigger to untap mana sources or tap opponents' threats. Draw cards via Aether Channeler, Sharae of Numbing Depths, or Hylda of the Icy Crown.
3. Value Maximization (Turns 5-7): Blink high-impact ETB creatures: Agent of Treachery (steal permanents), Reclamation Sage (remove artifacts/enchantments), Eternal Witness (recur spells), or Restoration Angel (protect/flicker others). Accumulate counters with Soulherder or Emiel.
4. Win Condition Execution (Turns 8+):
   • Combat: Overwhelm with creatures buffed by Arwen, Mortal Queen or Emiel the Blessed. Use Derevi's evasion (flying) for commander damage.
   • Control/Value: Lock down opponents with repeated tap effects (e.g., Hylda of the Icy Crown, Sharae) and stolen permanents via Agent of Treachery.
   • Alternate: Deck opponents via Agent of Treachery's draw-three trigger with sufficient stolen permanents.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including color-fixing like Flooded Strand).
• Prioritize early ramp (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, or a 2-mana ramp spell) and at least one flicker effect (e.g., Ephemerate, Cloudshift).
• Value hands with a low-cost ETB creature (e.g., Network Disruptor, Spirited Companion) or Derevi.
• Avoid hands lacking ramp or with only high-CMC cards.

Key Tips:

• Sequence Flickers Wisely: Use instant-speed blinks (Ephemerate, Displace) defensively to dodge removal or offensively to retrigger ETBs during opponents' turns.
• Abuse Derevi's Ability: Recast Derevi from the command zone for {1}{G}{W}{U} to retrigger ETBs or untap Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx/mana dorks.
• Protect Engines: Teferi's Protection, Heroic Intervention, and Flawless Maneuver safeguard against wipes. Counterspell and An Offer You Can't Refuse disrupt key opponent plays.
• Maximize Tap Synergies: Hylda of the Icy Crown and Sharae reward tapping opponents' creatures—pair with Celestial Regulator or Merfolk Trickster for added value.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board Wipes: Mass removal (e.g., Damnation) cripples the creature-dependent strategy, forcing slow recovery despite recursion.
• Anti-ETB Effects: Torpor Orb or Hushbringer nullifies the deck's primary value engine and win conditions.
• Graveyard Hate: Rest in Peace shuts down Eternal Witness, Archaeomancer, and Against All Odds recursion.

Moderate

• Stack Interaction: Limited counterspells leave combo decks unchecked; relies on An Offer You Can't Refuse and Counterspell.
• Artifact/Enchantment Removal: Key pieces like Conjurer's Closet or Hylda's Crown of Winter are vulnerable.
• Mana Constraints: Color-intensive costs (e.g., Derevi’s ability, Emiel) strain the mana base under pressure.

Minor

• Single-Target Removal: Flicker effects can mitigate this, but repeated removal on Derevi or engines slows the deck.
• Fast Aggro: Early pressure can overwhelm if setup is delayed.

Most Important Cards:

• Displacer Kitten (Engine: Flickers permanents on noncreature casts)
• Agent of Treachery (Win Condition: Steals permanents/draws cards)
• Teferi's Protection (Protection: Phases out board)
• Eldrazi Displacer (Engine: Repeatable flicker)
• Hylda of the Icy Crown (Value/Tool: Generates tokens/counters/card draw)
• Emiel the Blessed (Engine: Flicker + counter synergy)
• Derevi, Empyrial Tactician (Commander: Enabler for taps/untaps and recursion)
• Ephemerate (Efficiency: Low-cost flicker with rebound)
• Soulherder (Value: Grows and flickers creatures)
• Conjurer's Closet (Engine: End-step flicker every turn)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• Wins typically occur turns 8-10 through incremental value or combat; lacks fast combos but can stall opponents.

Resilience: 6/10

• Flicker effects dodge removal, and protection spells mitigate wipes, but reliance on creatures leaves it vulnerable.

Consistency: 7/10

• Abundant flicker spells and tutors (Eladamri's Call, Mystical Tutor) ensure access to key pieces, though win conditions are sparse.

Interaction: 7/10

• Strong suite of targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares), counterspells, and tap effects, but lacks board wipes.

Rating Justification:

The deck operates efficiently with consistent value engines and interaction, aiming for T8-10 wins through incremental advantage and combat. Its resilience against spot removal is offset by vulnerability to wipes and hate pieces, placing it in the optimized casual tier.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5