Overview:

This Elsha deck is a high-powered storm/combo build leveraging noncreature spell synergy and top-deck manipulation. The primary win conditions involve generating infinite storm counts or casting loops through Sensei's Divining Top + Isochron Scepter imprinted with a 0-1 mana instant (e.g., Brainstorm), enabled by Elsha's ability to cast noncreature spells from the top of library. Secondary paths include Underworld Breach recursion loops with Lion's Eye Diamond/Brain Freeze, Thassa's Oracle wins after deck depletion, and Aetherflux Reservoir life-based kills. Elsha serves as a critical combo engine and value generator, though the deck functions without her through alternative storm payoffs.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Acceleration (Turns 0-2): Deploy fast mana (Mox Diamond, Chrome Mox, Mana Vault) and tutors (Enlightened Tutor, Mystical Tutor). Prioritize establishing Rhystic Study/Mystic Remora for card advantage.
2. Engine Setup (Turns 2-4): Cast Elsha or assemble Top/Scepter. Use cantrips (Ponder, Preordain) to set up top deck. Protect with free counters (Fierce Guardianship, Force of Will).
3. Combo Execution (Turns 3-5):
   • Top/Scepter Loop: With Elsha and Scepter (imprinted with ≤1MV instant), activate Top to draw, then cast it from top for free. Repeat to draw deck/generate infinite storm.
   • Breach Lines: Cast Wheel of Fortune/Windfall to fill graveyard. Use Underworld Breach + Lion's Eye Diamond for infinite mana, then loop Brain Freeze to mill opponents.
4. Win Conversion: Cast Thassa's Oracle with empty library, Aetherflux Reservoir with infinite storm, or Grapeshot for lethal damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 1-2 lands, fast mana, and at least one: tutor, card draw engine, or combo piece (Top/Scepter/Breach).
• Prioritize blue sources for counters. Avoid hands lacking acceleration or interaction in known-stax metas.
• Hands with Lion's Eye Diamond + Underworld Breach + draw spell are near-automatic keeps.

Key Tips:

• Stack Control: Use free counters (Deflecting Swat, Force of Negation) to protect combos. Silence/Orim's Chant prevent disruption during critical turns.
• Top Deck Mastery: Brainstorm/Scroll Rack effects synergize with Elsha. Mystic Sanctuary recurs key interaction.
• Alternative Lines: Displacer Kitten blinks Top/Scepter for value. Ral, Crackling Wit emblem enables storm wins without combos.
• Graveyard Management: Underworld Breach requires precise graveyard setup; prioritize milling/discard early.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Graveyard hate (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void) cripples Underworld Breach lines and recursion.
• Drannith Magistrate/Stranglehold prevents casting from exile/top of library, disabling Elsha and Breach.
• Cursed Totem/Null Rod shuts off mana rocks and Top/Scepter activations.

Moderate

• Tax effects (Thalia, Guardian of Thraben, Trinisphere) slow the deck's low-curve storm plan.
• Rule of Law effects limit spell chains, though the deck runs answers (Vandalblast, counters).
• Aggressive decks can pressure life total before Aetherflux/combos stabilize.

Minor

• Discard-heavy decks may disrupt hand-based combo pieces.
• Blood Moon impacts the greedy mana base but doesn't fully lock the deck.

Most Important Cards:

• Sensei's Divining Top (Primary combo engine with Elsha/Scepter)
• Isochron Scepter (Core combo piece enabling infinite loops)
• Underworld Breach (Recursion engine for graveyard-based wins)
• Lion's Eye Diamond (Mana source enabling Breach loops)
• Enlightened Tutor (Finds Top/Scepter/Aetherflux)
• Mystical Tutor (Searches Breach/counters/storm payoffs)
• Thassa's Oracle (Compact win condition)
• Force of Will (Free protection for combos)
• Mox Diamond (Critical early acceleration)
• Brain Freeze (Primary storm mill wincon)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 9/10

• Capable of T2-3 wins with perfect draws (e.g., LED + Breach + Freeze) and consistently threatens T3-5 victories through multiple redundant combo lines.

Resilience: 8/10

• Runs 12+ free/low-cost interaction spells (counters/removal) and protection like Teferi's Protection, but combos remain vulnerable to layered hate targeting multiple angles (graveyard/exile/top-deck).

Consistency: 9/10

• 10+ tutors, 8+ cantrips, and powerful draw engines (Rhystic Study, The One Ring) ensure reliable access to combo pieces and interaction.

Interaction: 9/10

• Exceptional stack control with 14 counterspells (7 free), targeted removal (Swords to Plowshares, Chain of Vapor), and proactive stax (Drannith Magistrate, Grand Abolisher).

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at cEDH viability with explosive T2-3 win potential, backed by robust tutoring, free interaction, and redundant combo lines. Its resilience to disruption is high but not absolute, as dedicated hate can temporarily halt its primary engines. The speed and consistency align with Tier 2 cEDH benchmarks.

Power level: 8.5 - 9.0