Overview:

This mono-blue deck helmed by Neerdiv, Devious Diver combines mill synergies with graveyard recursion and untap combos. The primary strategy focuses on tapping/untapping Neerdiv to force opponent mill while leveraging flashback, artifact recursion, and spell-copy effects to generate card advantage. Key win conditions include infinite mill loops with Freed from the Real/Intruder Alarm combos, Thassa's Oracle/Jace, Wielder of Mysteries self-mill victories, and value-driven mill through Bruvac the Grandiloquent and Mesmeric Orb. Neerdiv serves as both a mill engine and value generator, growing through graveyard interactions to enable commander damage as a backup plan.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, Springleaf Drum), self-mill enablers (Millikin, Emry, Lurker of the Loch), and value pieces like Rhystic Study. Use Quiet Speculation to stock graveyard with flashback spells.
2. Engine Activation (Turns 3-6): Cast Neerdiv and protect it with Slip Out the Back. Use untap effects (Retreat to Coralhelm, Freed from the Real) to trigger multiple mill activations per turn cycle. Deploy key mill amplifiers like Bruvac the Grandiloquent and Psychic Corrosion.
3. Win Condition Assembly:
   • Infinite Mill: Combine Freed from the Real on Neerdiv with Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx/Relic of Legends for infinite taps
   • Self-Mill Victory: Use Thassa's Oracle with Increasing Confusion or Tasha's Hideous Laughter to deck yourself
   • Combat Backup: Equip Blackblade Reforged to a pumped Neerdiv for commander damage
4. Control Elements: Utilize Tidespout Tyrant bounce loops and Flood of Tears reset buttons to disrupt opponents' boards.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands including at least one blue source
• Prioritize early mana accelerants (Sol Ring, Springleaf Drum) or self-mill starters (Millikin, Emry)
• Look for protection (Slip Out the Back) or key enablers (Freed from the Real, Intruder Alarm)
• Avoid hands lacking both early plays and card selection

Key Tips:

• Use The Reality Chip to play from the top of library while maintaining graveyard fuel
• Sunken Palace can copy crucial spells like Increasing Confusion for massive mill bursts
• Catalyst Stone enables cheaper flashback while taxing opponents' graveyard strategies
• Lier, Disciple of the Drowned turns all instants/sorceries into recursive threats
• Jin-Gitaxias, Progress Tyrant provides both spell copying and opponent lockdown

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Complete shutdown from graveyard hate (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void)
• Vulnerable to commander removal disrupting the mill engine
• Limited answers to resolved enchantments/artifacts

Moderate

• Struggles against fast creature swarms with minimal blockers
• Cursed Totem/Null Rod effects disable key mana sources
• High dependency on maintaining board presence for mana generation

Minor

• Moderate susceptibility to counterspell wars
• Some win conditions require specific card sequencing
• Limited permanent-based removal for resolved threats

Most Important Cards:

• Freed from the Real (Infinite Neerdiv untaps for mill)
• Bruvac the Grandiloquent (Mill doubler)
• Thassa's Oracle (Primary alt wincon)
• Intruder Alarm (Untap engine with creature spells)
• Lier, Disciple of the Drowned (Graveyard recursion enabler)
• Mesmeric Orb (Passive mill accelerator)
• Nykthos, Shrine to Nyx (Mana for infinite combos)
• Jace, Wielder of Mysteries (Self-mill wincon)
• Tidespout Tyrant (Board control engine)
• Emry, Lurker of the Loch (Artifact recursion)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Capable of T5-7 wins with ideal draws through combo lines, but most victories occur in mid-late game through incremental mill.

Resilience: 5/10

• Moderate protection for Neerdiv and some recursion, but heavily reliant on graveyard access and vulnerable to common hate cards.

Consistency: 6/10

• Multiple redundant mill effects and card selection, but lacks high-velocity tutors for combo pieces.

Interaction: 5/10

• Decent counterspell/bounce package but limited permanent removal and vulnerable to resolved stax pieces.

Rating Justification:

The deck demonstrates focused combo potential with T6-8 win capacity through mill synergies and infinite taps, but its reliance on vulnerable engines and graveyard mechanics keeps it below optimized tiers. While possessing strong value engines, its interaction suite and speed limitations align with upgraded casual play.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5