Overview:

This Niv-Mizzet, Parun deck is a high-velocity Izzet combo-control build centered around leveraging the commander's card-draw synergy to execute instant-win combos. The primary strategy involves deploying Niv-Mizzet as a card-draw engine and damage amplifier, then assembling one of several efficient two-card combos (e.g., Curiosity effects) to create infinite draw/damage loops. Secondary win conditions include Glint-Horn Buccaneer discard synergies and Isochron Scepter + Dramatic Reversal infinite mana into draw-based kills. Niv-Mizzet is the linchpin – enabling the deck's velocity while serving as the primary combo piece, though its high CMC and color requirements create vulnerability to disruption.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Acceleration & Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy fast mana (Mox Diamond, Chrome Mox, Sol Ring) and early card advantage engines (Rhystic Study, Mystic Remora). Use tutors like Mystical Tutor or Imperial Recruiter to find combo pieces or protection.
2. Commander Deployment (Turns 3-5): Cast Niv-Mizzet using ritual effects (Jeska's Will) or artifact mana. Protect it with free counterspells (Fierce Guardianship, Deflecting Swat). Activate its draw-damage triggers via cantrips.
3. Combo Execution (Turns 4-6):
   • Primary: Attach Curiosity, Ophidian Eye, or pair with Tandem Lookout to Niv-Mizzet. Draw a card to trigger infinite damage.
   • Secondary: Generate infinite mana with Isochron Scepter imprinted with Dramatic Reversal, then draw the deck via Niv-Mizzet and kill with Glint-Horn Buccaneer's discard ability.
   • Tertiary: Resolve massive wheel effects (Windfall + Teferi's Ageless Insight) for burst damage.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2+ lands (including U/R sources), at least one fast-mana artifact, and either a tutor or card-draw engine.
• Prioritize hands containing free protection (Force of Will, Fierce Guardianship) if Niv-Mizzet is castable by turn 4.
• Reject hands lacking blue mana or without early plays.

Key Tips:

• Hold free counterspells exclusively for protecting combo turns or stopping game-winning opposition.
• Use Transmute Artifact sacrificially to cheat Isochron Scepter into play early.
• Dress Down can break opposing combos while cycling itself.
• Sequence wheels carefully: Cast after establishing Niv-Mizzet but before going infinite.
• Gamble prioritizes finding Curiosity effects or Imperial Recruiter for combo redundancy.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander-reliant combos: Repeated removal of Niv-Mizzet cripples the primary win condition due to high recast costs.
• Enchantment removal: Instant-speed destruction of Curiosity/Ophidian Eye disrupts the core combo during resolution.
• Anti-draw stax: Narset, Parter of Veils or Hullbreacher nullifies the engine.

Moderate

• Graveyard hate: Disrupts Treasure Cruise, Frantic Search, and Faithless Looting recursion.
• Taxing effects: Thalia, Guardian of Thraben/Trinisphere slow the low-CMC spell density.
• Discard pressure: Early hand disruption can delay combo assembly.

Minor

• Creature swarms: Limited board wipes beyond Cyclonic Rift challenge fast aggro.
• Permanent-based combos: Minimal artifact/enchantment removal for resolved noncreature threats.

Most Important Cards:

• Curiosity (Primary combo enabler with Niv-Mizzet)
• Isochron Scepter (Infinite mana engine with Dramatic Reversal)
• Imperial Recruiter (Tutors Glint-Horn Buccaneer/Tandem Lookout)
• Mystical Tutor (Fetches Curiosity, protection, or combo pieces)
• Force of Will (Free protection for combo turns)
• Rhystic Study (Critical early card advantage)
• Windfall (Mass draw trigger for Niv-Mizzet)
• Jeska's Will (Ramps into early Niv-Mizzet)
• Glint-Horn Buccaneer (Alternative win condition)
• Dramatic Reversal (Infinite mana half with Scepter)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 8/10

• Consistently threatens T4-5 wins via Curiosity combo or Scepter/Reversal, with T3 possible using optimal fast-mana sequences.

Resilience: 6/10

• Robust stack interaction protects combos, but heavy reliance on the commander and minimal recursion create recovery challenges after repeated disruption.

Consistency: 8/10

• Extensive tutors (11+), high card draw density, and redundant combo pieces ensure frequent access to win conditions.

Interaction: 9/10

• Exceptional stack control with 20+ counterspells (including 7 free spells) and targeted removal, though permanent-based answers are sparse.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at cEDH-viable speeds with T3-4 win potential through efficient combos and unparalleled stack interaction, but its commander dependency and vulnerability to resolved stax place it below top-tier lists. The balance of high speed and moderate resilience aligns with optimized high-power strategies.

Power level: 8.0 - 8.5