Overview:

This artifact-centric combo deck leverages Dargo, the Shipwrecker's cost reduction and Silas Renn's recursion to execute infinite loops with artifact ETB/damage triggers. The primary wincon involves assembling Battered Golem + Retraction Helix + 0-cost artifact for infinite ping damage via Reckless Fireweaver/Kessig Flamebreather. Secondary lines use Hullbreaker Horror/Tidespout Tyrant bounce locks and Bolas's Citadel storm. The deck operates at high velocity with artifact tutors/transmute cards but shows fragility to common interaction.

Primer:

Core Strategy:
Sacrifice artifacts to cast Dargo for R, then recur them with Silas Renn to fuel infinite combos. Three-phase plan:

1. Artifact Dumping: Play 0-1 mana artifacts (baubles, Tormod's Crypt) as sac fodder while drawing via Ichor Wellspring/Windfall
2. Combo Assembly: Tutor Retraction Helix (via Solve the Equation/transmute) and Battered Golem/Steelfin Whale
3. Loop Execution: Generate infinite artifact ETBs for damage triggers or lock opponents with Hullbreaker Horror bouncing

Mulligan Priorities:

• 2+ artifacts (preferably 0-1 mana)
• Tutor/transmute card (Fabricate, Muddle the Mixture)
• Mana accelerants (Dark Ritual, Springleaf Drum)
  Reject hands without early artifact plays or card selection

Key Tips:

• Cast Dargo post-sacrifice for R using Impulsive Pilferer/Prized Statue Treasures
• Use Paradoxical Outcome to reset artifacts while drawing into combo
• Silas Renn attacks should target artifact recursion over damage
• Hullbreaker Horror makes all spells into Cyclonic Rift triggers

Avoid Traps:

• Overextending artifacts before combo protection
• Wasting tutors on non-combo pieces
• Letting Silas Renn die before combat damage

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Dies to common artifact hate (Collector Ouphe, Stony Silence)
• No protection for key 2-card combos (0 free counterspells)

Moderate:

• Weak to graveyard exile (shuts off Silas Renn recursion)
• Limited redundancy for Battered Golem effect

Minor:

• Low creature count for Dargo sacrifice scaling

Most Important Cards:

• Retraction Helix
• Battered Golem
• Paradoxical Outcome
• Hullbreaker Horror
• Solve the Equation
• Fabricate
• Reckless Fireweaver
• Silas Renn (non-commander slot)
• Muddle the Mixture
• Dark Ritual

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10
Theoretical T3 win (T1 Ritual + artifacts, T2 Battered Golem, T3 Retraction Helix + 0-drop). Average goldfish win T4-5 through tutors.

Resilience: 4/10
No free protection spells; combos die to instant-speed removal. Silas provides some artifact recursion but requires combat damage.

Consistency: 6/10
11 tutors/transmute cards (including 3x CMC 2 tutors for Retraction Helix). High artifact density enables multiple lines.

Interaction: 5/10
8 counterspells (4 at 1-2 mana) and 3 targeted removal. Lacks board wipes and permanent answers.

Rating Justification:

This deck straddles Focused (T7-8) and Optimized (T6-7) tiers. Its goldfish speed approaches 6.5 territory, but interaction scarcity and combo fragility drop it to 6.0. Key differentiators from 7.0 decks:

• No free counterspells (vs cEDH's Force of Will/Fierce Guardianship)
• Relies on vulnerable 3-card combos (vs Thoracle/Consultation's 2-card)
• Limited stax resistance (dies to Rule of Law effects)

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5