Overview:

This Jeskai spellslinger deck leverages Shiko and Narset's Flurry ability to copy targeted spells or draw cards, supported by instant/sorcery payoffs like token generation and damage amplification. The strategy focuses on incremental value through spellcasting rather than infinite combos, aiming to overwhelm opponents with copied spells and accumulated board presence.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck chains low-cost instants/sorceries to trigger Shiko's Flurry ability, creating value through copied spells (e.g., duplicated removal/burn) or card advantage. Key payoffs include token generators (Young Pyromancer, Monastery Mentor), damage amplifiers (Guttersnipe, Caldera Pyremaw), and value engines (Archmage Emeritus, Whirlwind of Thought). Win conditions involve either overwhelming with token armies, burning opponents through spell copies, or casting high-impact spells amplified by cost reducers like Goblin Electromancer.

Key Lines:

1. Early Game: Cast cantrips (Opt, Consider) to dig for engines while developing mana rocks
2. Midgame: Deploy payoff creatures and begin chaining 2+ spells per turn
3. Endgame: Amplify spell effects through Shiko copies or cast finishers like Magma Opus/Electrodominance

Mulligan Priorities:

• 3 lands with color balance
• At least 1 early cantrip or ramp piece
• 1 payoff creature or engine Reject hands without early plays or color fixing

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• No infinite combos/alternate wincons makes closing games slow
• Fragile creature-based engines (Guttersnipe/Archmage die to incidental removal)

Moderate:

• Limited protection for key pieces (only 3 counterspells)
• Weak to board wipes after token overextension

Minor:

• Mana base has 8 tapped lands slowing early turns
• Graveyard reliance on Lier/Flashback without recursion

Most Important Cards:

• Guttersnipe
• Monastery Mentor
• Young Pyromancer
• Veyran, Voice of Duality
• Archmage Emeritus
• Storm-Kiln Artist
• Whirlwind of Thought
• Lier, Disciple of the Drowned
• Haughty Djinn
• Electrodominance

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Can establish engines by T3-4 but needs 2-3 turns to build lethal pressure. Fastest theoretical win ~T7 with perfect storm turns.

Resilience: 4/10
Minimal protection for key pieces. Relies on 3 counterspells and 2 defensive enchantments. Recovers poorly from multiple wipes.

Consistency: 6/10
12 cantrips and 8 draw engines provide gas, but only 3 tutors. Multiple redundant payoff creatures.

Interaction: 6/10
13 targeted removal (5 instant), 3 board wipes, 3 counters. Efficient but not abundant interaction.

Rating Justification:

This deck sits between Optimized Casual (5.0) and Focused (6.0) on the rubric. While it has strong card selection and synergistic payoffs, it lacks:

• The speed of T6-7 wins expected at 6.0
• The interaction density/protection of higher tiers
• Alternate wincons to bypass stalled boards
  Comparable to upgraded precons (4.5) but with better synergy. Falls short of Focused decks' redundancy and protection.

Power level: 4.5 - 5.0