Overview:

This Niv-Mizzet, Parun deck leverages the commander's card-draw synergy to execute a combo-focused strategy. The primary win condition involves pairing Niv-Mizzet with Curiosity effects (Curiosity, Ophidian Eye) to create infinite damage loops. Backup plans include incremental damage via Glint-Horn Buccaneer, Tandem Lookout, and Archmage Emeritus, supported by robust card draw and efficient interaction. While the deck has strong tutors and protection, its reliance on the commander and limited redundancy for combo pieces caps its consistency.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck aims to resolve Niv-Mizzet, Parun by turns 4–5 using artifact ramp and cost reducers like Treasonous Ogre. Once in play, it seeks to attach Curiosity or Ophidian Eye to Niv-Mizzet, creating an infinite damage loop via his draw/damage triggers. Backup plans include grinding value through Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora, and instant/sorcery synergies while disrupting opponents with counterspells.

Key Lines:

1. Primary Combo: Niv-Mizzet, Parun + Curiosity/Ophidian Eye = Infinite damage via draw triggers.
2. Alternative Engines: Glint-Horn Buccaneer attacking + discard outlets, Tandem Lookout soulbonded to Niv-Mizzet.
3. Value Backup: Rhystic Study/Mystic Remora for card advantage, Solve the Equation/Mystical Tutor to find combo pieces.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3+ lands, early ramp (e.g., Arcane Signet, Izzet Signet), and at least one card draw or tutor effect.
• Avoid slow starts without ramp or interaction.

Key Tips:

• Protect Niv-Mizzet with free counters (Fierce Guardianship, Mental Misstep) when assembling the combo.
• Use Drift of Phantasms to transmute for Curiosity (3 CMC) if needed.
• Gamble strategically, prioritizing redundancy (e.g., fetch Ophidian Eye if Curiosity is in hand).

Avoid Traps:

• Overcommitting to the board before securing combo protection.
• Holding up mana for reactive spells without a clear threat to counter.

Weaknesses:

• Critical: Heavy reliance on Niv-Mizzet (folds to 3+ removals).
• Moderate: Limited redundancy for Curiosity effects (only 3 enablers).
• Minor: Vulnerable to Blood Moon effects due to nonbasic land density.

Most Important Cards:

• Curiosity
• Ophidian Eye
• Glint-Horn Buccaneer
• Rhystic Study
• Mystical Tutor
• Gamble
• Drift of Phantasms
• Swan Song
• Arcane Denial
• Mystic Remora

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10

• Theoretical T4–5 wins via Curiosity combo with optimal ramp/tutors. Slower without fast mana (e.g., Mana Crypt).

Resilience: 6/10

• Counterspells protect key plays, but commander dependency and limited recursion reduce recovery potential.

Consistency: 6/10

• 5 tutors (Solve the Equation, Mystical Tutor, etc.) and heavy card draw offset but don’t eliminate variance.

Interaction: 8/10

• 12+ counterspells (Counterspell, Flusterstorm) and targeted removal (Abrade, Lightning Bolt), though lacks board wipes beyond Blasphemous Act.

Rating Justification:

The deck operates at a 6.0–6.5 power level. It matches "Focused" (T7–8 wins) with efficient combos and interaction but lacks the redundancy and speed of higher-tier lists. While faster than casual decks, it’s outpaced by cEDH’s T3–4 win thresholds. Its reliance on commander-centric combos and moderate resilience place it below optimized tiers.

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5