Overview:

A counter-based clone strategy that aims to create value through copying creatures with counters while utilizing Volrath's ability to become powerful copied versions of creatures on the battlefield. The deck focuses on evasive threats and creature-based value engines.

Primer:

The deck revolves around Volrath, the Shapestealer's ability to become copies of creatures with counters while maintaining a 7/5 body. The strategy involves placing counters (primarily -1/-1 counters from Volrath's trigger) on valuable targets and then using Volrath to become the best creature on the battlefield while maintaining evasion through various unblockable creatures.

The deck builds its advantage through a combination of counter synergies (Master Biomancer, Forgotten Ancient) and clone effects (Evil Twin, Stolen Identity). It can create overwhelming board states through creatures like Nacatl War-Pride and Scute Swarm, while maintaining card advantage through effects like Cold-Eyed Selkie and Fathom Mage. The deck aims to win through combat damage, typically after establishing a strong board presence around turns 8-10.

Weaknesses:

The deck is heavily reliant on its commander and creature-based strategies, making it vulnerable to repeated board wipes and targeted removal. It lacks protection for key pieces beyond Swiftfoot Boots, and its mana base, while functional, could be more optimized. The deck also struggles against heavy control strategies and can have difficulty recovering if Volrath becomes too expensive to cast.

Most Important Cards:

• Master Biomancer
• Cold-Eyed Selkie
• Forgotten Ancient
• Hadana's Climb
• Nacatl War-Pride
• Invisible Stalker
• Herald of Secret Streams
• Stolen Identity
• Scute Swarm
• Mirage Mirror

Attribute Ratings:

• Speed: 5/10
• Resilience: 6/10
• Consistency: 6/10
• Interaction: 5/10

Rating Justification:

This deck falls into the 5.0-5.5 range due to its focused strategy but relatively fair gameplay patterns. While it can create powerful board states, it typically doesn't threaten wins before turn 8-9 and relies on combat damage as its primary win condition. It's more focused than a typical casual deck (4.0) but lacks the explosive potential and consistency of higher-powered decks (6.0+).

Final power level rating: 5.0 - 5.5

The deck shows clear synergies and has a defined gameplan, placing it firmly in the optimized casual category. It has the tools to create powerful board states but operates at a fair pace and gives opponents time to interact. The inclusion of some efficient interaction and card advantage engines prevents it from falling lower, while the lack of fast mana and reliance on combat damage keeps it from reaching higher power levels.