Overview:

This Boros (R/W) deck helmed by Shadowfax, Lord of Horses focuses on aggressive combat strategies with extra attack phases, leveraging Shadowfax's ability to cheat creatures into play while attacking. The deck combines multiple combat enablers, equipment-based value, and haymaker creatures to overwhelm opponents through sheer board presence and combat damage. While it has some combo potential and efficient interaction, its reliance on the commander and vulnerability to common disruption place it in the optimized casual tier.

Primer:

Core Strategy:
The deck aims to swarm the board by attacking with Shadowfax to cheat high-impact creatures like God-Eternal Oketra or Port Razer into play, then chain extra combats via cards like Aurelia, the Warleader and Relentless Assault. Key equipment (Sword of the Animist, Umezawa's Jitte) provides ramp and removal while enhancing combat pressure. Win conditions include:

1. Combat Overload: Multiple combat steps amplified by Blade Historian or Akroma's Will.
2. Helm of the Host Combos: Copying Combat Celebrant or Port Razer for infinite attack phases.
3. Token Swarms: God-Eternal Oketra and Crested Sunmare generating overwhelming board states.

Mulligan Priorities:

• 3+ lands with red/white sources.
• Early ramp (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet) or equipment to accelerate Shadowfax.
• At least one combat enabler or protection spell (Boros Charm, Unbreakable Formation).

Key Tips:

• Cast Shadowfax on curve (T4) to start cheating threats immediately.
• Prioritize equipping Helm of the Host on Combat Celebrant or Port Razer for infinite combat loops.
• Use Akroma's Will as a finisher or protection against board wipes.

Avoid Traps:

• Overcommitting to the board without protection.
• Holding back attackers—Shadowfax’s ability triggers on every combat phase.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Heavy reliance on Shadowfax (3+ removals cripples the deck).
• Limited recovery from board wipes (only 3 mass protection spells).

Moderate:

• Vulnerable to stax effects like Ghostly Prison or Authority of the Consuls.
• No graveyard recursion outside Emeria, the Sky Ruin.

Minor:

• Mana base slightly slow (8 enters-tapped lands).

Most Important Cards:

• Helm of the Host
• God-Eternal Oketra
• Port Razer
• Aurelia, the Warleader
• Akroma's Will
• Combat Celebrant
• Elesh Norn, Grand Cenobite
• Sword of the Animist
• Boros Charm
• Iroas, God of Victory

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten wins via infinite combats by T7-8. Early pressure with Shadowfax cheats, but lacks fast mana for explosive starts.

Resilience: 4/10

• Folded to 2+ commander removals. Limited recursion/protection outside key instants.

Consistency: 5/10

• 3 tutors (Axgard Armory, Horn of the Mark, War of the Last Alliance) and moderate draw. Redundant combat enablers but no infinite mana.

Interaction: 6/10

• Efficient spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, Chaos Warp) and board wipes (Austere Command), but lacks counterspells.

Rating Justification:

The deck sits between "Optimized Casual" (T8-10 wins) and "High-Power Casual" (T8-9) due to its combo potential and focused game plan. However, its reliance on Shadowfax and vulnerability to disruption prevent it from reaching higher tiers. It lacks the redundancy, protection, and speed of true cEDH decks but outpaces precons through synergistic combat loops.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5