Overview:

This Mardu deck leverages Isshin, Two Heavens as One to amplify attack-trigger effects, focusing on token generation, combat-step manipulation, and value engines. The primary win condition is overwhelming combat damage through exponential token armies (e.g., Adeline, Resplendent Cathar, Ainok Strike Leader) amplified by extra combat phases (Combat Celebrant, All-Out Assault). Secondary wins include burst damage from Devilish Valet or Within Range, and late-game locks with Luminous Broodmoth recursion. Isshin is critical as the engine multiplier—without him, the deck loses significant potency. While vulnerable to removal, his 3CMC allows reasonable recasting.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Prioritize ramping with signets (Boros Signet, Rakdos Signet), Sol Ring, or land-fetching creatures (Stoic Farmer). Deploy value engines like Tocasia's Welcome or Idol of Oblivion. Protect Isshin with Lightning Greaves or Selfless Spirit.
2. Establish Triggers (Turns 3-6): Cast Isshin alongside attack-trigger creatures: Adeline, Resplendent Cathar, Zurgo Stormrender, Goldlust Triad, or Ainok Strike Leader. Use Eerie Interlude or Cosmic Intervention to dodge removal and double ETBs.
3. Overwhelm (Turns 5-8):
   • Token Swarm: Attack with token generators. Isshin doubles tokens from Adeline, Ainok, or Voice of Victory, creating massive armies.
   • Extra Combats: Deploy Combat Celebrant (exerted) or All-Out Assault for multiple attack phases. Devilish Valet doubles power repeatedly for lethal.
   • Finishers: Use Within Range for direct damage, Ruinous Ultimatum to clear defenses, or Jacked Rabbit for exponential tokens.
4. Recursion/Value: Recur key pieces with Sun Titan or Luminous Broodmoth. Pitiless Plunderer and Deadly Dispute provide sac outlets and card draw.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including color-fixing like Command Tower), early ramp, and at least one attack-trigger creature (e.g., Adeline, Zurgo).
• Prioritize Isshin + protection (Greaves, Path to Exile for threats) or a value engine (Tocasia's Welcome, Idol of Oblivion).
• Avoid slow hands lacking ramp or low threat density.

Key Tips:

• Sequence Triggers: Deploy token generators before attacking to maximize Isshin. E.g., Play Adeline, then attack to create 4+ tokens (doubled to 8+).
• Protect Isshin: Equip Greaves immediately. Hold Eerie Interlude for board wipes.
• Exploit Sac Outlets: Viscera Seer or Deadly Dispute with tokens fuels draw and Sephiroth, Fabled SOLDIER transforms.
• Extra Combats: Combat Celebrant untaps your board—ensure Isshin survives to double subsequent triggers.
• Goad Wisely: Vengeful Ancestor disrupts opponents but can backfire; use when ahead.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Board Wipes: Mass removal (e.g., Cleansing Nova) decimates the token army with minimal recovery outside Cosmic Intervention.
• Commander Reliance: Isshin removal cripples the deck's output, and protection is limited.
• Stax Effects: Cursed Totem/Linvala shuts down mana dorks and key abilities (Viscera Seer, Agate Instigator).

Moderate

• Graveyard Hate: Disrupts Sun Titan, Luminous Broodmoth, and Sephiroth recursion.
• Token Hoser: Rakdos Charm or Ethereal Absolution decimates wide boards.
• Slow Ramp: Mana base has tapped lands (e.g., Savai Triome), delaying Isshin/combos.

Minor

• Fliers/Evasion: Struggles against aerial defenses without trample enablers.
• Artifact/Enchantment Removal: Hits key pieces like Hammer of Purphoros or Idol of Oblivion.

Most Important Cards:

• Isshin, Two Heavens as One (Strategy enabler/damage multiplier)
• Adeline, Resplendent Cathar (Primary token generator)
• Combat Celebrant (Extra combat phases)
• Devilish Valet (Exponential damage threat)
• Lightning Greaves (Commander protection)
• Eerie Interlude (Board wipe protection)
• Within Range (Scaling direct damage)
• Luminous Broodmoth (Recursion engine)
• Pitiless Plunderer (Sacrifice synergy/Treasure ramp)
• Zurgo Stormrender (Token generation + card draw)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten wins via token swarms or Devilish Valet on T7-8 with ideal draws, but lacks fast mana for earlier combos.

Resilience: 5/10

• Limited protection beyond Greaves/Eerie Interlude; struggles to rebuild after wipes. Recursion (Sun Titan, Broodmoth) helps but is slow.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong card draw (Gix, Yawgmoth Praetor, Painful Truths, Zurgo) and redundant token generators ensure Isshin triggers are frequent. Few tutors for combo pieces.

Interaction: 6/10

• Efficient spot removal (Terminate, Path to Exile, Chaos Warp) and board wipes, but minimal stack interaction or stax. Goad (Vengeful Ancestor) disrupts opponents tactically.

Rating Justification:

The deck consistently threatens T7-8 wins through combat synergies amplified by Isshin, placing it in the "Optimized Casual" tier. While resilient to spot removal, its vulnerability to board wipes and commander dependence prevents higher resilience scores, capping its ceiling.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5