Overview:

This Temur deck focuses on +1/+1 counter synergies and combat-based wins, leveraging Eshki Dragonclaw's trigger to grow threats while maintaining card advantage. The strategy revolves around casting creatures and noncreature spells each turn to trigger Eshki, supported by counter-doubling effects and trample enablers to overwhelm opponents.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck aims to establish a board of growing threats using +1/+1 counters while maintaining tempo through Eshki's card draw. Key phases:

• Early Setup: Ramp with dorks (Llanowar Elves, Fyndhorn Elves) and land tutors (Three Visits, Farseek). Deploy counter engines like Hardened Scales or Branching Evolution.
• Midgame Value: Cast 1 creature + 1 noncreature spell per turn to trigger Eshki's card draw and counter growth. Use Guardian Project and Beast Whisperer for additional draw.
• Finishers: Overrun with Overwhelming Stampede, Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus-boosted boards, or Kessig Wolf Run pumps. Combat Celebrant enables occasional multi-combat wins.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands + early ramp (dork or 2-mana land tutor).
• Prioritize hands containing either a counter-enhancing enchantment or Eshki protection (Snakeskin Veil).
• Avoid slow starts with multiple taplands or no turn 1-2 plays.

Key Tips:

• Sequence spells carefully to guarantee both creature and noncreature casts each turn.
• Use Ozolith, the Shattered Spire to preserve counters after board wipes.
• Time Inspiring Call as a counter-protected draw spell before blockers.
• Vorel of the Hull Clade doubles counters on key permanents like Eshki or Zopandrel.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• No infinite combos - Relies entirely on combat damage
• Fragile to board wipes - Limited recursion beyond Eternal Witness

Moderate

• Slow mana base - 14+ lands enter tapped
• Counter-specific hate - The Ozolith/Hardened Scales are irreplaceable

Minor

• Limited stack interaction - Only 5 counterspells, no free protection

Most Important Cards:

• Branching Evolution
• Ozolith, the Shattered Spire
• Zopandrel, Hunger Dominus
• Overwhelming Stampede
• Hardened Scales
• Guardian Project
• Beast Whisperer
• Kodama of the West Tree
• Combat Celebrant
• Vorel of the Hull Clade

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10
Theoretical T8-10 combat kills with ideal counter stacking, but no fast combo potential.

Resilience: 4/10
Moderate protection (ward 1 commander, 3 hexproof spells) but weak to repeated wipes.

Consistency: 6/10
12+ card draw engines and 8 ramp pieces enable steady progression, but only 3 tutors for key enchantments.

Interaction: 5/10
10 targeted removal/counters (mix of A/B-tier), lacks free spells or stax elements.

Rating Justification:

The deck executes a clear midrange plan with adequate synergy but lacks cEDH-level speed, protection, or combo finishes. Its tapped lands and creature dependency place it below optimized lists.

Power level: 4.0 - 5.0