Overview:

Ghave, Guru of Spores pilots a synergistic Abzan deck focused on +1/+1 counters and token generation, leveraging infinite combos with high redundancy. The deck combines aristocrats payoffs, token multipliers, and efficient tutors to assemble game-ending loops as early as turn 4-5. While resilient to single disruptions, it remains vulnerable to commander-focused removal and stax effects.

Primer:

Core Strategy: This deck uses Ghave's counter/token conversion abilities to fuel infinite combos with cards like Ashnod's Altar and Doubling Season. Secondary wincons include aristocrat drain via Blood Artist/Cruel Celebrant and token swarms amplified by Mondrak, Glory Dominus. Key phases:

1. Ramp & Setup: Deploy mana accelerants (Cryptolith Rite, Smothering Tithe) and token/counter engines (Chatterfang, Squirrel General, Good-Fortune Unicorn).
2. Combo Assembly: Tutor for pieces like Skullclamp or Pitiless Plunderer, using Ghave to cycle counters/tokens for value.
3. Finishers: Infinite loops (e.g., Ghave + Ashnod's Altar + Doubling Season = infinite tokens/mana) into Exsanguinate-style effects or combat overruns.

Key Tips:

• Protect Ghave with Tamiyo's Safekeeping; his 5 starting counters enable immediate combo potential.
• Use Aura Shards to control artifacts/enchantments while generating tokens.
• The Great Henge provides card draw and counters to fuel recursion loops.

Weakness Mitigation:

• Malakir Rebirth and Evolution Witness recover key pieces.
• Inkshield punishes combat-focused decks attempting to pressure life totals.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Relies on Ghave for most combos (3+ removals cripple the deck).
• Limited stack interaction against counterspells.

Moderate:

• Graveyard recursion is sparse beyond Evolution Witness.
• Struggles vs. Torpor Orb effects disabling ETB triggers.

Minor:

• Basic-heavy mana base weak to Blood Moon, but Chromatic Lantern mitigates.

Most Important Cards:

• Ashnod's Altar
• Doubling Season
• Parallel Lives
• Chatterfang, Squirrel General
• Skullclamp
• Pitiless Plunderer
• Vampiric Tutor
• Enlightened Tutor
• Mondrak, Glory Dominus
• The Great Henge

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10

• T4-5 deterministic wins possible with ideal hands (e.g., T1 ramp → T2 Cryptolith Rite → T3 Ghave + Ashnod's Altar).

Resilience: 6/10

• 5+ protection spells and redundant combo pieces, but folds to repeated commander removal.

Consistency: 8/10

• 7 tutors (Worldly Tutor, Eladamri's Call, etc.) and overlapping combo enablers.

Interaction: 5/10

• Targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares, Path to Exile) but lacks free counterspells.

Rating Justification:

The deck operates at 6.0-6.5 - faster than "Optimized Casual" (T8-10) but lacks the free interaction and compact wincons of true cEDH. It matches "Focused" tier (T7-8 wins) with strong redundancy but loses steam against heavy disruption.

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5