Would like to play this standard RAC+Whisper build competitively:

RAC

Veteran Instincts

Gunner

Darth Vader

Engine Upgrade

Whisper

Veteran Instincts

Adv Cloaking Device

Adv Sensors

Intelligence Agent

Can the community spout forth their tried and true approaches (opening turns) and priority targets against meta-strong lists..?

Slow-roll? Abandon Whisper? Rush with RAC?

Go after the biggest, hardiest ship or the arc-dodger first?

S.O.S. and thanks

Well I like it...I'm looking over the build and it looks like a classic "hammer and anvil" strategy.

Think Vader might be a mistake on the very expensive Decimator, though appreciate its use if used sparingly on aces!

You definitely want Fire-control system on Whisper. And while Intelligence agent is a solid choice, most people seem to prefer Agent Kallus as crew these days.

As for strategy, that would depend largely on what kind of list you are facing. But a common denominator is that you should expect to lose Chiraneau in every game.

Against aces, I would play RAC aggressively to try to take out the biggest threats to Whisper as soon as possible (Vader is really useful in this matchup). Once they are dead, Whisper can wrap things up.

Against swarms, try to arc dodge as much as possible with RAC to maximize his time on the table. Whittle them down until they are few enough for Whisper to handle on her own. And try to disrupt their formation before the first engagement. You will probably not use Vader at all, possibly only for Howlrunner.

I prefer Adaptability +1 on RAC and Agent Kallus on Whisper for the same points. Plus it lets you decide which order to activate and fire (can be crucial for stuff like Rebel Captive and activating Vader). The key, I've found, is knowing when to Vader (e.g. after Whisper strips shields) and how to kite and dodge with RAC. Also 9/10 times your opponent will focus RAC first, which should help you set up shots for Whisper if you flank properly.

And, yes, FCS on Whisper.

Not sure how this list will fare against the massive amount of triple Jumpmaster lists you will face, I mean, one round of a triple salvo and you may be removing RAC from the board.

Whisper will then be taking shots, every single turn and a bump will likely be the end of Whisper.

If they fortress against you in the corner like they normally do against Imperial lists, avoid engaging at all costs.

My advice would be to practise this list, A LOT.

If you can find a Vassal or live recording of Phildo playing, or even ding him on the forums, he is the master of this list. Pretty Much? Dance with that Engine Upgrade, make them chase RAC but fail every time.

https://geordanr.github.io/xwing/?f=Galactic%20Empire&d=v4!s!99:170,-1,45,-1,21,-1:-1:3:;79:27,36,142:-1:9:&sn=Unnamed%20Squadron

You'll want the 1pt init bid for Whisper over VI.

RAC is an arc-dodger, his actions are usually TL, or Boost. His goal is to kill the biggest threat to Whisper before he dies - I usually send him in first as he cannot be ignored. Focus firing is key.

Whisper, with Kallus and FCS

(I usually designate the ship that is most likely to make it to the endgame vs Whisper, or the most damaging enemy ship). If you already have a target lock from the previous round and are facing fire from multiple ships, taking the evade action is preferable as you'll get to enjoy 4 agi and a nice token stack.

Deployment and obstacles entirely depend on what you are up against / your meta is full of.

e.g. I use 3 large rocks vs swarms and circle RAC around two of them, I favour the use debris in ace-heavy events.

Any advice here will always be general advice/vague, as this part will become known to you with practice and familiarity with the list.

Play it, play it a lot and practice openings vs various "meta typical" lists and archetypes.

It is a fun list with fairly complex triggers that you need to remember & make use of.