Overview:

Edgar Markov Vampire tribal focuses on swarming with Vampire tokens via Edgar's eminence ability, amplifying them through +1/+1 counters and tribal synergies. Secondary wincons include the Exquisite Blood + Sanguine Bond infinite lifedrain combo. The deck aims to overwhelm via combat by mid-game (T7-9) but can pivot to combo finishes with tutor support.

Primer:

Core Strategy: Deploy low-cost Vampires (e.g., Vicious Conquistador, Indulgent Aristocrat) to generate token swarms via Edgar's eminence. Buff the board with lords (Stromkirk Captain, Coat of Arms) and +1/+1 counters (Cordial Vampire, Edgar Markov attacks). Alternate wincon: Assemble Exquisite Blood + Sanguine Bond for instant lifedrain combo.

Key Lines:

• T1-3: Cast 1-2 mana Vampires to build token presence.
• T4-5: Drop key lords (Metallic Mimic, Welcoming Vampire) or card engines (Skullclamp, Phyrexian Arena).
• T6+: Overwhelm with Cathars' Crusade/Coat of Arms or tutor for combo pieces.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands and early Vampires.
• Prioritize Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, or 1-drop Vampires.
• Reject slow hands lacking early plays or color fixing.

Interaction & Protection:

• Spot removal: Swords to Plowshares, Go for the Throat
• Board wipes: Merciless Eviction, Olivia's Wrath
• Combo protection: Limited; rely on speed over shields.

Weakness Mitigation:

• Rebuild post-wipe via Edgar's eminence and recursion (Bloodline Necromancer).
• Tutor redundancy: Vampiric Tutor, Demonic Tutor, Forerunner of the Legion.

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• No protection for combo enchantments (Exquisite Blood/Sanguine Bond vulnerable).
• Limited recursion for key pieces.

Moderate:

• Slow recovery from early wipes (relies on Edgar's passive).
• Mana base enters tapped frequently (Temple cycle, guildgates).

Minor:

• Combat-focused plan struggles against flyers/evasion.

Most Important Cards:

• Exquisite Blood
• Sanguine Bond
• Skullclamp
• Cathars' Crusade
• Coat of Arms
• Vampiric Tutor
• Demonic Tutor
• Stromkirk Captain
• Metallic Mimic
• Phyrexian Arena

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10
Early token generation enables T5-7 combat wins. Combo potential exists but requires setup (T6-8).

Resilience: 5/10
Recovers from 1-2 wipes via eminence tokens but folds to repeated interaction. Combo lacks redundancy/protection.

Consistency: 7/10
12+ 1-2 mana Vampires ensure early pressure. 3 tutors and card engines (Skullclamp, Welcoming Vampire) dig for key pieces.

Interaction: 5/10
Efficient spot removal (A-tier) but lacks counterspells. Board wipes are situational (B-tier).

Rating Justification:

Outperforms precons (4.0-4.5) with tribal synergy and combo threat but lacks the speed (T7-9 wins vs. T5-7) and protection of optimized decks (6.0+). Comparable to upgraded tribal lists with moderate combo potential.

Power level: 5.0 - 5.5