Overview:

This Varina, Lich Queen deck combines Zombie tribal synergies with a discard/value engine, leveraging the commander's ability to generate card advantage and Zombie tokens. The strategy focuses on incremental value through token swarms, discard payoffs, and alternative win conditions like Approach of the Second Sun. While lacking infinite combos, it employs strong interaction and redundancy in token generation.

Primer:

Core Strategy:
This deck aims to flood the board with Zombie tokens through Varina's attack triggers and synergistic enablers like Anointed Procession, then win via combat or Approach of the Second Sun. Key phases:

1. Early Setup: Ramp with signets/talismans and establish discard payoffs (Archfiend of Ifnir, Feast of Sanity).
2. Midgame Engine: Attack with Zombies to fuel Varina's draw/discard engine, stockpiling tokens and graveyard resources.
3. Win Conversion: Overwhelm with anthems (On Wings of Gold), leverage Kindred Discovery for massive draw, or cast Approach twice.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with 3 lands and 1-2 ramp pieces
• Prioritize early discard outlets (Careful Study) or protection (Swiftfoot Boots)
• Avoid hands without zombie generators or card flow

Key Tips:

• Use Training Grounds to spam Varina's token ability
• Reconnaissance lets you attack without losing creatures
• Library of Leng turns discards into topdeck manipulation
• Save free counterspells (Fierce Guardianship) for critical threats

Avoid Traps:

• Overextending into board wipes without Flawless Maneuver
• Casting Approach prematurely without protection
• Wasting graveyard exiles before Varina activations

Weaknesses:

Critical:

• Heavy reliance on Varina for engine (folds to 3+ removals)
• Limited combo protection (no Teferi's Protection)

Moderate:

• Vulnerable to graveyard hate (Rest in Peace hurts discard payoffs)
• Slow recovery from board wipes

Minor:

• Some color-intensive spells strain mana base

Most Important Cards:

• Anointed Procession
• Kindred Discovery
• Training Grounds
• Approach of the Second Sun
• Cryptcaller Chariot
• Archfiend of Ifnir
• Feast of Sanity
• Fierce Guardianship
• Flawless Maneuver
• Akroma's Will

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 5/10

• No fast mana/cheats, aims for T6-8 wins via combat or Approach recursion

Resilience: 6/10

• 10+ protection spells and recursion (Undying Evil, Malakir Rebirth)
• Struggles against layered disruption targeting commander

Consistency: 7/10

• 8+ cantrips/draw engines and 4 tutors (Proteus Staff, Polymorph)
• Redundant token generators mitigate Varina dependence

Interaction: 8/10

• 14 targeted removal, 5 board wipes, 7 counterspells including free casts
• Force of Despair and Vanquish the Horde handle wide boards

Rating Justification:

This deck operates at Optimized Casual (5.0) levels with Focused (6.0) elements in interaction. Compared to 5.5 decks:

• Lacks T8 win consistency of true combo decks
• Outperforms precons in interaction quality
• Matches 6.0 resilience in protection density
• Lacks cEDH speed/compact wincons

Power level: 5.0 - 6.0