Overview:

This Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph deck is a spell-slinging "pingers" build that amplifies 1-damage effects into lethal threats. The strategy revolves around deploying creatures and artifacts that deal 1 damage per noncreature spell (e.g., Kessig Flamebreather, Firebrand Archer) or activated ability (e.g., Goblin Sharpshooter, Thermo-Alchemist), then using Ghyrson Starn to triple their output. The deck includes an infinite combo with Isochron Scepter + Dramatic Reversal + mana-positive rocks, enabling game-ending loops. Secondary win conditions include Grafted Exoskeleton infect kills, storm via Grapeshot, and Repercussion board wipes. Ghyrson is critical to the strategy, acting as a damage multiplier and card draw enabler via Curiosity effects.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-3): Deploy mana rocks (Sol Ring, Arcane Signet), 1-damage engines (Thermo-Alchemist, Erebor Flamesmith), and cantrips (Consider, Preordain). Prioritize casting Ghyrson T3 with protection (Swiftfoot Boots, Slip Out the Back).
2. Midgame Amplification (Turns 4-6): Chain cheap spells (Opt, Playful Shove) to trigger pingers. Tutor for key pieces like Isochron Scepter or Grafted Exoskeleton with Gamble/Mystical Tutor. Deploy Propaganda/Caltrops for defense.
3. Win Conditions:
   • Infinite Mana Combo: Isochron Scepter (imprinting Dramatic Reversal) + 2+ mana rocks (e.g., Sol Ring + Ruby Medallion). Untap pingers infinitely (e.g., Thermo-Alchemist).
   • Infect Blitz: Equip Ghyrson with Grafted Exoskeleton (3 poison per trigger) or Basilisk Collar (deathtouch lifelink).
   • Storm Finish: Cast Grapeshot with Ghyrson on board (each copy deals 3 damage).

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands, 1-2 ramp pieces, and at least one pinger or cantrip.
• Prioritize hands with T3 Ghyrson + protection (Swiftfoot Boots, Slip Out the Back).
• Avoid hands lacking red mana or with only high-CMC spells.

Key Tips:

• Use Repercussion + Blasphemous Act to nuke opponents’ boards and deal 13 damage per creature to their controllers.
• Display of Power can copy opponents’ game-winning spells or duplicate your own storm triggers.
• Stuffy Doll + Ghyrson turns any damage source into a 3-damage laser targeting the doll’s chosen player.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander Dependency: Removing Ghyrson Starn cripples the deck’s damage output. Lacks reliable recursion for him beyond Irenicus's Vile Duplication.
• Anti-Damage Effects: Torpor Orb, Leyline of Sanctity, or The Wanderer nullify key mechanics.
• Board Wipes: Struggles to recover from mass removal like Farewell due to low creature recursion.

Moderate

• Graveyard Reliance: Flashback (Faithless Looting) and Exalted Flamer of Tzeentch are vulnerable to grave hate.
• Artifact Fragility: Cursed Totem shuts off activated abilities from key pieces like Goblin Sharpshooter.

Minor

• Limited Combat Presence: Relies on noncombat damage; struggles against lifegain decks.
• Mana Constraints: High density of colorless rocks makes color-fixing crucial for U/R requirements.

Most Important Cards:

• Isochron Scepter (Dramatic Reversal combo enabler)
• Ghyrson Starn, Kelermorph (Damage tripler and deck linchpin)
• Grafted Exoskeleton (Infect wincon)
• Repercussion (Board wipe amplifier)
• Curiosity/Ophidian Eye (Card draw engine with Ghyrson)
• Dramatic Reversal (Combo piece)
• Goblin Sharpshooter (Repeatable 1-damage machine)
• Mana Geyser (Mana burst for storm turns)
• Blasphemous Act (Board clear + Repercussion synergy)
• Rhystic Study (Primary card advantage)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10
Can threaten T4-5 wins with ideal draws (T1 Sol Ring → T2 Scepter + Dramatic Reversal), but typically closes via accumulated damage around T6-7.

Resilience: 4/10
Heavily reliant on Ghyrson staying alive. Limited protection beyond 5-6 spells; struggles against repeated removal.

Consistency: 6/10
Strong cantrip density (12+), but tutors are limited to Gamble/Mystical Tutor. Many redundant pingers provide fallback plans.

Interaction: 5/10
Efficient counterspells (Mana Drain, Swan Song) and targeted removal (Vandalblast), but lacks board wipes beyond Blasphemous Act.

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at a Focused power level, threatening T6-7 wins through synergistic damage amplification and a compact infinite combo. While it lacks the redundancy and protection of optimized lists, its speed in ideal scenarios and moderate consistency place it just below optimized tiers.

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5