Overview:

This Karador, Ghost Chieftain deck leverages graveyard recursion and stax elements to grind value while assembling creature-based combos. The strategy focuses on filling the graveyard with key creatures via self-mill (Hermit Druid) and tutors (Buried Alive), then recurring them through Karador's ability and reanimation spells. Multiple infinite combos using sac outlets like Phyrexian Altar with Karmic Guide/Loyal Retainers enable explosive wins, while stax pieces (Archon of Emeria, Thalia) disrupt opponents. The deck balances fast combo potential with midrange resilience through recursive threats.

Primer:

Core Strategy: The deck operates in three phases:

1. Graveyard Setup: Use Hermit Druid, Entomb, and Survival of the Fittest to stock the graveyard with combo enablers like Karmic Guide and utility creatures.
2. Stax Enforcement: Deploy Thalia, Archon of Emeria, or Deafening Silence to slow opponents while rebuilding through Karador's recursion.
3. Combo Execution: Assemble infinite mana (Karmic Guide + Loyal Retainers + Phyrexian Altar) or death triggers (Ashen Rider loops) to close games. Backup plans include overwhelming value via Tombstone Stairwell or Eerie Ultimatum recursion.

Key Combos:

• Infinite Mana: Karmic Guide + Loyal Retainers + Phyrexian Altar generates infinite colored mana to fuel Finale of Devastation or Corpse Knight drains.
• Permanent Exile Lock: Ashen Rider + Necromancy + free sac outlet exiles all opponents' permanents.
• Stax Overload: Archon of Emeria + Thalia, Guardian of Thraben + Deafening Silence creates a hardcast lockdown.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2+ early mana sources (Birds of Paradise, Llanowar Elves).
• Prioritize graveyard enablers (Entomb, Hermit Druid) over reactive spells.
• Avoid hands lacking black mana for critical reanimation spells.

Critical Sequencing:

1. T1-T2: Ramp/dork > Hermit Druid/Entomb.
2. T3-T4: Activate Hermit Druid or cast Buried Alive to stock graveyard.
3. T5+: Reanimate key combo pieces or deploy stax backed by Karador recursion.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Foldsto graveyard exile (Rest in Peace, Leyline of the Void)
• Relies on fragile combo pieces (Hermit Druid, Survival of the Fittest)

Moderate:

• Slow recovery from multiple wraths
• Limited stack interaction (only Silence/Flawless Maneuver as protection)

Minor:

• Vulnerable to land destruction targeting critical utility lands (Volrath's Stronghold, Phyrexian Tower)

Most Important Cards:

• Survival of the Fittest
• Hermit Druid
• Phyrexian Altar
• Entomb
• Buried Alive
• Karmic Guide
• Loyal Retainers
• Dauthi Voidwalker
• Birthing Pod
• Fiend Artisan

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 7/10
Can assemble T4-T5 kills with ideal draws (Hermit Druid activation into reanimation) but typically wins T6-7 through incremental value. Stax pieces slow opponents to parity.

Resilience: 6/10
Recursive threats and multiple combo lines provide recovery paths, but heavy reliance on graveyard makes it vulnerable to dedicated hate. Limited protection for key creatures.

Consistency: 8/10
11 tutors (Entomb, Survival, Pod) and Karador's recursion ensure redundant access to combo pieces. Mana base supports consistent color fixing.

Interaction: 7/10
Efficient targeted removal (Swords, Trophy) and free spells (Force of Vigor), but lacks counterspell protection for combos. Stax serves as proactive disruption.

Rating Justification:

This deck sits between Optimized (6.5) and Focused Competitive (7.0). It outpaces casual decks with T5-T6 combo potential and has cEDH-grade tutors/stax, but lacks free countermagic and compact wincons seen in higher tiers. Graveyard dependency keeps it below pure cEDH viability despite powerful synergies.

Power level: 6.5 - 7.0