Overview:

This is a highly tuned control/stax deck that aims to establish resource denial through tax effects while accumulating card advantage and eventually winning through either lock pieces or efficient threats. The deck operates at a very high competitive level with multiple layers of interaction and control elements.

Primer:

The deck's primary strategy revolves around establishing resource denial through Grand Arbiter Augustin IV's tax effects, supplemented by additional stax pieces like Back to Basics, Archon of Emeria, and Smothering Tithe. The early game focuses on deploying fast mana (Sol Ring, Mana Vault) and establishing control through counterspells and tax effects. The deck can then leverage powerful card advantage engines like Rhystic Study and Mystic Remora while protecting its position.

The win conditions are varied but primarily rely on establishing complete control through lock pieces like Knowledge Pool combined with Teferi, Time Raveler, or the Rest in Peace/Helm of Obedience combo. The deck can also win through efficient threats like Sun Titan or planeswalkers like Jace, the Mind Sculptor once control is established. The high density of tutors and card selection ensures consistency in finding the necessary pieces.

Weaknesses:

• Vulnerable to early aggressive strategies before establishing its control elements
• Heavily relies on artifacts and enchantments for its lock pieces, making it susceptible to targeted removal
• Can struggle against decks that can deploy multiple threats per turn or operate primarily at instant speed
• May face challenges in multiplayer scenarios where resources need to be spread thin

Most Important Cards:

1. Mana Drain
2. Force of Will
3. Rest in Peace
4. Smothering Tithe
5. Mystic Remora
6. Rhystic Study
7. Teferi, Time Raveler
8. Back to Basics
9. Knowledge Pool
10. Mana Vault

Attribute Ratings:

• Speed: 8/10
• Resilience: 9/10
• Consistency: 9/10
• Interaction: 10/10

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at a very high competitive level, consistently threatening to establish control by turn 3-4 with protection. The presence of efficient tutors, premium interaction, and multiple win conditions puts it firmly in the high-powered category. While it may not consistently threaten turn 1-2 wins like the highest-tier cEDH decks, its ability to control the game and prevent others from winning while assembling its own win conditions makes it a formidable opponent in competitive pods.

Final power level rating: 8.5 - 9.0

This rating reflects the deck's ability to compete at cEDH tables while acknowledging that it's not quite at the absolute highest tier of optimization. The deck's strategy is highly resilient and consistent, with multiple layers of interaction and protection, placing it solidly in the cEDH-viable category.