Overview:

This Jeskai (U/R/W) deck helmed by Arthur, Marigold Knight focuses on leveraging combat-triggered creature cheating and extra combat phases to overwhelm opponents. The strategy revolves around deploying Arthur early (supported by mana rocks and efficient ramp) to repeatedly cheat high-impact creatures into play during attacks. Key themes include temporary creature deployment (via Arthur's ability, Sneak Attack, Ilharg, the Raze-Boar), extra combats (Port Razer, Combat Celebrant, Aurelia, the Warleader), and value-generating ETB effects. Arthur acts as both an enabler and payoff, synergizing with flicker effects (Brago, King Eternal, Ephemerate) to maximize attack triggers. Secondary win conditions include stax-lite elements (Grand Abolisher, Esper Sentinel) and opportunistic theft (Agent of Treachery).

Primer:

Core Strategy Execution:

1. Early Setup (Turns 1-4): Prioritize ramping with Sol Ring, Arcane Signet, and Talismans to cast Arthur by turn 3-4. Protect him with Lightning Greaves/Swiftfoot Boots or Mother of Runes. Deploy value engines like Rhystic Study, Smothering Tithe, or Esper Sentinel.
2. Attack Triggers (Turns 4-6): Attack with Arthur + another creature to cheat in threats like Terror of the Peaks, Medomai the Ageless, or Agent of Treachery. Use flicker effects (Ephemerate, Cloudshift) to reset Arthur's trigger.
3. Combat Synergy (Mid-Late Game): Chain extra combats via Port Razer/Combat Celebrant to multiply ETB/damage triggers. Leverage Brago, King Eternal to flicker mana rocks/creatures for sustained value.
4. Finishers: Close games with Gisela, Blade of Goldnight amplifying damage, Trumpeting Carnosaur’s discover 5, or infinite combat loops with Combat Celebrant + Flamerush Rider.

Mulligan Priorities:

• Ensure 3+ lands with color fixing (prioritize fetchlands/dual lands).
• Include at least 1 ramp artifact and 1 protection piece (greaves, boots, Teferi's Protection).
• Prioritize hands with Arthur + a low-CMC creature (e.g., Loyal Apprentice) for early triggers.

Key Tips:

• Use Reconnaissance to safely attack with Arthur while avoiding unfavorable blocks.
• Sneak Attack synergizes with flicker effects to permanently retain cheated creatures.
• Medomai the Ageless’s extra turns enable multiple Arthur triggers but require careful sequencing due to its attack restriction.

Weaknesses:

Critical

• Heavy reliance on Arthur’s survival; repeated removal can stall the deck.
• Limited recovery from board wipes (only Eerie Interlude/Teferi's Protection as mass protection).

Moderate

• Vulnerable to Torpor Orb/Hushbringer, nullifying ETB value from cheated creatures.
• Struggles against flyer-heavy boards without consistent trample/flying enablers.

Minor

• High-CMC finishers (e.g., Astral Dragon) can clog hands if ramp is disrupted.

Most Important Cards:

• Arthur, Marigold Knight (Strategy enabler)
• Sneak Attack (Alternative cheat engine)
• Port Razer (Extra combat generator)
• Medomai the Ageless (Extra turn value)
• Terror of the Peaks (Damage amplifier)
• Brago, King Eternal (Flicker value engine)
• Rhystic Study (Card advantage)
• Teferi's Protection (Mass protection)
• Grand Abolisher (Combat protection)
• Combat Celebrant (Infinite combat enabler)

Attribute Ratings:

Speed: 6/10

• Can deploy threats by turn 4-5 and threaten wins via combat chains by turns 7-8, but lacks fast mana for explosive starts.

Resilience: 5/10

• Moderate protection (greaves, counterspells) but over-reliant on Arthur; struggles to recover from repeated wipes.

Consistency: 7/10

• Strong card draw (Rhystic Study, Faerie Mastermind) and tutors (Enlightened Tutor, Mystical Tutor) ensure access to key pieces.

Interaction: 6/10

• Efficient spot removal (Swords to Plowshares, An Offer You Can’t Refuse) and counterspells (Mana Drain, Fierce Guardianship), but lacks board wipes beyond Farewell.

Rating Justification:

The deck’s focused combat/cheat strategy and strong consistency place it in the optimized casual tier, but its reliance on combat phases and moderate resilience cap its speed. It typically threatens wins via combat value around turns 7-8, aligning with the "Focused" tier (6.0-6.5).

Power level: 6.0 - 6.5