Overview:

This Temur (G/U/R) deck leverages Loot, the Pathfinder as a versatile value engine, combining flicker/untap synergies with explosive mana generation and card advantage. The strategy focuses on resetting Loot's exhaust abilities via blink effects (Displacer Kitten, Ghostly Flicker) and untap enablers (Seedborn Muse, Kiora's Follower), enabling repeated activations for ramp, draw, and removal. Win conditions include overwhelming board states with massive creatures (Craterhoof Behemoth, Etali, Primal Conqueror), infinite mana combos, and control locks with Hullbreaker Horror. Loot acts as both a value accelerator and combo piece, though the deck can function independently through its robust creature toolbox.

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4):
   • Ramp with dorks (Elvish Mystic), land tutors (Three Visits), and mana rocks (Sol Ring).
   • Deploy Loot by turn 3-4 using Lightning Greaves/Swiftfoot Boots for protection.
   • Use flicker spells (Essence Flux, Planar Incision) to reset Loot’s exhaust abilities.

2. Midgame Value (Turns 4-6):

   • Generate explosive mana via Seedborn Muse + Kiora's Follower or Deadeye Navigator combos.
   • Draw into key pieces with Loot’s blue exhaust or The Great Henge.
   • Deploy threats like Etali, Primal Conqueror or Hullbreaker Horror to disrupt opponents.

3. Win Conditions (Turns 6-8+):

   • Combat Overkill: Craterhoof Behemoth + wide board or Unnatural Growth-boosted creatures.
   • Infinite Mana: Deadeye Navigator + Kiora's Follower (untap Loot for infinite colored mana) → Cast Walking Ballista or Earthquake for X=∞.
   • Control Lock: Hullbreaker Horror + low-cost spells to bounce all opposing permanents.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 2-3 lands (including color fixes like Command Tower).
• Prioritize early ramp (Cultivate, Arcane Signet) or protection (Swiftfoot Boots).
• Ensure access to at least one flicker effect or untap enabler.

Key Tips:

• Use Displacer Kitten to flicker Loot after exhausting its abilities, resetting all three activations.
• Seedborn Muse enables untapping Loot during each opponent’s turn, pairing with flickers for exponential value.
• Save counterspells (Saruman's Trickery, Refute) to protect combo turns or disrupt opponents’ win attempts.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Commander Dependency: Loot’s exhaust abilities are central to the deck’s engine. Repeated removal (e.g., Darksteel Mutation) cripples momentum.
• Graveyard Vulnerability: Limited recursion outside Eternal Witness; exiled key pieces (e.g., Seedborn Muse) are irreplaceable.

Moderate

• Artifact/Enchantment Reliance: Cursed Totem or Stony Silence shuts down mana dorks, flicker loops, and equipment.
• Slow Board Development: Many high-CMC threats (e.g., Craterhoof, Hullbreaker) require significant setup.

Minor

• Limited Stack Interaction: Few counterspells and no free protection (e.g., Force of Will) leave combos exposed.
• Tap-Land Clog: 12+ tapped lands (e.g., Hinterland Harbor) slow early turns.

Most Important Cards:

• Seedborn Muse (Untap engine for Loot and permanents)
• Displacer Kitten (Flicker enabler for Loot’s exhaust resets)
• Deadeye Navigator (Infinite mana/combo facilitator)
• Craterhoof Behemoth (Primary combat finisher)
• Hullbreaker Horror (Control lock piece)
• The Great Henge (Card draw and +1/+1 counter synergy)
• Dramatic Reversal (Untap combo with mana rocks/creatures)
• Eldritch Evolution (Tutor for key creatures)
• Kiora's Follower (Mana untapping for combos)
• Swiftfoot Boots (Critical commander protection)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can threaten wins via combat or combo by turns 6-8, but lacks fast mana (e.g., Mana Crypt) for earlier explosive plays.

Resilience: 5/10

• Moderate protection (hexproof equipment, counterspells) but struggles against repeated board wipes or commander hate.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong card draw (Loot’s blue exhaust, Mulldrifter) and tutors (Eldritch Evolution) ensure access to key pieces.

Interaction: 5/10

• Limited to spot removal (Reality Shift, Blasphemous Act) and a few counterspells; struggles against resolved stax.

Rating Justification:

The deck’s T6-8 win potential and combo resilience align with Focused tiers, but its reliance on commander-enabled value and vulnerability to disruption caps its ceiling. Speed and consistency outpace casual decks, but it lacks the redundancy and protection of high-power builds.

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5