Overview:

This Yuriko, the Tiger's Shadow deck focuses on leveraging unblockable creatures and ninjutsu to repeatedly trigger Yuriko's damage-to-life-loss ability. The strategy revolves around deploying evasive attackers, using ninjas to replace them mid-combat, and manipulating the top of the library to maximize life loss through high mana value cards. Key elements include extra turn spells for multiple triggers, wheel effects paired with draw restriction, and efficient interaction to protect the engine.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck aims to flood the board with evasive 1-drops (Mist-Cloaked Herald, Changeling Outcast), then ninjutsu in Yuriko and other ninjas for repeated card advantage and life drain. Win conditions include:

• Cumulative Yuriko triggers amplified by high MV spells (Shadow of Mortality, Temporal Trespass)
• Extra turn chains (Walk the Aeons, Karn's Temporal Sundering)
• Draw denial locks with Narset, Parter of Veils/Notion Thief + wheel effects

Key Lines:

1. T1: Evasive creature (Gingerbrute, Tormented Soul)
2. T2: Ninjutsu Yuriko, dealing 1 damage and triggering first reveal
3. T3+: Chain ninjas like Mistblade Shinobi (bouncing blockers) and Ingenious Infiltrator (drawing cards)
4. Use topdeck manipulation (Brainstorm, Scroll Rack) to ensure high MV reveals
5. Close with extra turns or Thassa's Oracle-style effects from deck depletion

Mulligan Priorities:

• At least 1 evasive creature
• 2-3 lands (preferably untapped)
• Ninjutsu enabler or protection spell Reject hands without early game presence

Critical Interactions:

• Sakashima's Student copying high-power creatures for surprise Yuriko triggers
• Whispering Madness cipher on unblockable creature for repeated wheels
• Mystic Sanctuary recurring key counterspells or extra turn spells

Optimization Tips:

• Time extra turn spells after multiple ninja triggers
• Save counterspells for Yuriko protection over general interaction
• Use Tainted Isle and River of Tears for color fixing without slowing tempo

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Relies heavily on maintaining 1-2 evasive creatures (vulnerable to repeated board wipes)
• Limited recovery if Yuriko is removed 3+ times

Moderate:

• Struggles against flying/reach-heavy boards
• No innate graveyard recursion for key ninjas

Minor:

• Weak to Cursed Totem-style effects shutting off ninjutsu

Most Important Cards:

• Narset, Parter of Veils
• Notion Thief
• Mystic Sanctuary
• Walk the Aeons
• Shadow of Mortality
• Brainstorm
• Windfall
• Drown in the Loch
• Thassa's Oracle
• Sakashima's Student

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10

• Can threaten lethal through cumulative triggers by T5-6
• Extra turn spells enable pseudo-infinite combat phases

Resilience: 6/10

• 10+ counterspells protect key plays
• Multiple evasive creature redundancies
• Folds to back-to-back board wipes

Consistency: 8/10

• 8 evasive 1-drops ensure early ninjutsu
• 5 tutors (including transmute) for key pieces
• Strong card selection via cantrips

Interaction: 7/10

• 14 instant-speed answers (Counterspell, Dismember)
• Grafdigger's Cage hoses common strategies
• Lacks board wipes for wide threats

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at cEDH-adjacent levels with its fast mana, free counterspells, and deterministic win lines through Thoracle. However, it lacks the true T1-T2 win consistency of top-tier cEDH decks. The reliance on combat damage and extra turn sequencing places it solidly in the "Focused Competitive" tier. Key strengths mirror 7.5-level decks, but the absence of Demonic Consultation/Tainted Pact redundancy holds it back slightly.

Power level: 7.0 - 7.5