Overview:

This Phage the Untouchable deck combines commander-centric combat kills with a backup infinite damage combo. The primary strategy revolves around cheating Phage into play safely via Command Beacon/Netherborn Altar, protecting her with shroud/hexproof equipment, and enabling unblockable attacks. A Mikaeus + Triskelion combo serves as an alternate wincon, supported by strong black mana acceleration and tutors. While capable of explosive plays, the deck struggles with commander reliance and limited interaction.

Primer:

Core Strategy:

1. Phage Delivery: Use Command Beacon, Netherborn Altar, or Campfire to bypass Phage's "lose the game" clause. Protect her with Lightning Greaves/Whispersilk Cloak and enable evasion via Rogue's Passage.
2. Combo Backup: Assemble Mikaeus, the Unhallowed + Triskelion for infinite damage. Tutor pieces with Vampiric Tutor/Beseech the Mirror.
3. Mana Amplification: Ramp aggressively with Cabal Coffers/Crypt Ghast to fuel Torment of Hailfire/Exsanguinate as secondary wincons.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Keep hands with Phage enablers (Command Beacon/Netherborn Altar) or combo tutors
• Require either fast mana (Chrome Mox/Jet Medallion) or land-based ramp (Cabal Coffers)
• Reject hands without Phage protection or recursion

Key Tips

• Sequence Phage Carefully: Always have a sac outlet for Command Beacon before casting Phage to avoid losing to removal.
• Combo Protection: Tutor for Boseiju, Who Shelters All before assembling Mikaeus+Triskelion against blue decks.
• Mana Timing: Use Deserted Temple to double-tap Cabal Coffers/Nykthos for explosive turns.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Phage becomes unplayable after 3+ removals without Command Beacon recursion
• No graveyard protection for Mikaeus+Triskelion combo against Soul-Guide Lantern
• Relies entirely on artifacts for Phage protection (weak to Vandalblast)

Moderate

• Limited instant-speed interaction (only 7 targeted removals)
• Slow recovery from Blood Moon-like effects shutting off Coffers/Urborg

Minor

• Life loss from Necropotence/K'rrik can race Phage damage

Most Important Cards:

• Mikaeus, the Unhallowed
• Triskelion
• Cabal Coffers
• Command Beacon
• Beseech the Mirror
• Vampiric Tutor
• Lightning Greaves
• Urborg, Tomb of Yawgmoth
• Phyrexian Altar
• Netherborn Altar

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10
Can win via T6 Mikaeus combo or T7 Phage swing with optimal ramp, slowed by commander setup requirements.

Resilience: 5/10
Multiple Phage recursion tools but folds to repeated combo piece removal. Limited free protection spells.

Consistency: 7/10
11 tutors and strong card draw (Necropotence/Sheoldred) enable reliable combo assembly despite singleton nature.

Interaction: 4/10
Minimal instant-speed answers and no board wipes. Relies on targeted removal and Torpor Orb for defense.

Rating Justification:

The deck's T6-7 combo potential and strong tutoring place it in optimized casual ranges, but critical vulnerabilities to common disruption and commander dependency prevent higher tiers.

Power level: 5.5 - 6.5