Overview:

This Mardu (R/W/B) deck helmed by Zurgo Stormrender focuses on aggressive token generation through attack triggers and sacrifice synergies. The strategy revolves around creating swarms of tokens (primarily Warriors, Soldiers, and Treasures) that fuel life-drain effects via Zulaport Cutthroat, Mirkwood Bats, and Elas il-Kor, Sadistic Pilgrim. Secondary win conditions include combat overruns with anthem effects (Shared Animosity, Warleader's Call) and infinite combos using Ashnod's Altar/Pitiless Plunderer loops. Zurgo provides incremental card advantage through token deaths but shares the spotlight with "hidden commanders" like Isshin, Two Heavens as One and Teysa Karlov that amplify trigger effects.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet), token generators (Rumor Gatherer, Ophiomancer), or key engines like Skullclamp.
2. Midgame Pressure (Turns 4-6): Cast commanders or key doublers (Isshin, Teysa), then attack with token producers like Adeline, Resplendent Cathar or Hero of Bladehold to flood the board. Use Reconnaissance to protect attackers while still triggering "on attack" effects.
3. Win Conversion (Turns 5-8):
   • Drain: Sac tokens to Goblin Bombardment/Ashnod's Altar with Mirkwood Bats or Zulaport Cutthroat in play.
   • Combat: Boost tokens with Shared Animosity or Warleader's Call, then swing wide.
   • Infinite Combos: Loop Pitiless Plunderer + Ashnod's Altar + token generator (e.g., Ophiomancer) for infinite mana/damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (prioritize untapped sources) and at least one token generator (Rumor Gatherer, Viscera Seer + sac outlet).
• Prioritize early plays that enable card draw (Skullclamp, Idol of Oblivion).
• Avoid hands lacking token production or with only high-CMC cards.

Key Tips:

• Use Reconnaissance post-combat to untap blockers or preserve key attackers.
• Hold Inkshield as a surprise blocker-clearer and token generator.
• Windcrag Siege set to Mardu doubles attack triggers (e.g., Zurgo's Mobilize, Bone-Cairn Butcher).

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Token Wipes: Hour of Reckoning and Ruinous Ultimatum lack protection against mass exile (Farewell, Merciless Eviction).
• Combo Disruption: Removing Ashnod's Altar or Pitiless Plunderer cripples infinite loops.
• Anti-Token Tech: Cursed Totem/Tocatli Honor Guard nullify key death triggers and Mobilize abilities.

Moderate

• Graveyard hate (Rest in Peace) disrupts Sun Titan/Pyretic Rebirth recursion.
• Rule of Law effects limit token-spam turns.
• Limited flyer defense beyond Selfless Spirit.

Minor

• Slow mana base with tapped lands (Nomad Outpost, Myriad Landscape).
• Minimal stack interaction (only 3 counterspell-like effects).

Most Important Cards:

• Ashnod's Altar (Combo enabler, mana acceleration)
• Pitiless Plunderer (Infinite combo piece, Treasure generation)
• Isshin, Two Heavens as One (Trigger doubler for attack effects)
• Teysa Karlov (Doubles death triggers, grants lifelink/vigilance)
• Zulaport Cutthroat (Primary life-drain engine)
• Shared Animosity (Combat overrun enabler)
• Skullclamp (Card draw from 1-toughness tokens)
• Adeline, Resplendent Cathar (Token generation powerhouse)
• Mirkwood Bats (Scalable life-drain from tokens)
• Inkshield (Board wipe protection + token generator)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten T6-8 wins via combat/drain or T5-7 infinite combos with optimal draws.

Resilience: 5/10

• Limited protection outside Flawless Maneuver; relies on rebuilding via recursive engines (Sun Titan, Thalisse, Reverent Medium).

Consistency: 7/10

• Redundant token generators and key tutors (Lagomos, Hand of Hatred, Windbrisk Heights) ensure strategy execution.

Interaction: 4/10

• Spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Anguished Unmaking) is efficient but lacks counterspells or stax.

Rating Justification:

The deck demonstrates focused aggression with multiple win paths and strong synergy, but its reliance on vulnerable token boards and modest interaction keeps it below cEDH tiers. Its T6-8 win potential aligns with "Focused" (6.0), while resilience issues cap it at 6.5.

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5