Recent Posts

11

Expanded / Re: Galadriel tank - 2 shadow builds

« Last post by Shelobplayer on September 27, 2025, 09:15:01 AM »

I played this deck almost exclusively for the few match I had these past months. It is doing way above my original expectations, and it is insanely consistent.

I have a pretty spectacular 18-2 with the Ninja/Sudden Strike shadow (pretty sure the losses were both site 2 overextensions) and a respectable 12-5 with the Eater of Light shadow (with a loss at Ettenmoors to Enquea, ToTo after I took its enduring keyword with Northwoman ).

Overall I think this build is up there with the more commonly used top expanded strategies at this point. It covers all angles a deck has to in a competitve expanded enviroment.

12

Expanded / Gondor Knights - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 09:29:02 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Gondor Knights - Free Peoples (Expanded)
Typical Knight wounding deck fitted for 35 cards.

Starting:
The One Ring, The Ring of Rings
Isildur, Bearer of Heirlooms
Alcarin, Warrior of Lamedon
Turgon, Man of Belfalas

Companions:
Faramir, Defender of Osgiliath x2
Aragorn, Captain of Gondor
Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth
Ingold
Boromir, Hero of Osgiliath
Garrison of Gondor

Possessions:
Banner of Westernesse x4
Gondor Bow x3
Knight's Mount x2

Events:
Men of Numenor x2

Conditions:
Citadel of the Stars x2
Stone Tower x2
Fourth Level x4
Fifth Level x2
Sixth Level x4
Garrison of Osgiliath


One card I don't have that may help is Elendil, High-King of Gondor, but it isn't essential.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

13

Expanded / Rainbow Wounding - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 09:17:43 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Rainbow Wounding - Free Peoples (Expanded)
A Preparations / Slaked Thirsts version of rainbow wounding.

Starting:
The One Ring, The Ring of Rings
Gimli, Bearer of Grudges
Faramir, Son of Denethor
Aragorn, Strider

Companions:
Eowyn, Lady of Rohan x4
Legolas, Greenleaf x2 (or Legolas, Son of Thranduil x2 works)

Allies:
Leowyn x2

Possessions:
Spear of the Mark
Rohirrim Shield
Brego x2
Athelas x2
Knife of the Galadhrim
Aragorn's Bow x2
Faramir's Bow x2
Faramir's Sword
Gimli's Battle Axe, Trusted Weapon
Gimli's Helm
Hand Axe
Ring of Fury

Conditions:
Preparations x2
Slaked Thirsts x3
Gondor Bowmen x4


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

14

Expanded / Men Beatdown - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 09:00:51 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Men Beatdown - Shadow (Expanded)
I wanted to make an incredibly versatile Evil Men deck.  It leaves you with a lot of options for countering different Free People strategies.

Minions:
The Mouth of Sauron, Messenger of Mordor x3
Saruman, Coldly Still x3
Armored Easterling x4
Easterling Dispatcher x4
Easterling Shield Wall x4
Rampaging Easterling x4

Possessions:
Pavise x3
Poleaxe x2
Grima's Dagger
Henchman's Dagger x3

Conditions:
Countless Companies x2
Lathspell x2


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

15

Expanded / Raider Corsairs - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 08:35:37 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Raider Corsairs - Shadow (Expanded)
This is the typical Corsair swarm strategy fitted for 35 cards.

Minions:
Castamir of Umbar x4
Corsair Marauder x4
Corsair Ruffian x2
Corsair Plunderer x3
Corsair Boatswain x3
Corsair Lookout x4

Possessions:
Black Sails of Umbar x4
Corsair War Galley x3
Ships of Great Draught x2
Raider Halberd x2

Events:
Wind That Sped Ships x2
Fierce in Despair x2


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

16

Expanded / Elven Archery - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 08:28:40 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Elven Archery - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This is an attempt at an elven archery deck.  They are never very good without going full wounding with something like Eowyn, Lady of Rohan and are weak to things that skip archery, but this sometimes works.

Starting:
The One Ring, The Binding Ring
Galadriel, Bearer of Wisdom
Legolas, of the Grey Company
Arwen, Queen of Elves and Men

Companions:
Rumil, Brother of Haldir x2
Celeborn, Lord of the Galadhrim x2
Elrond, Venerable Lord x2
Aegnor, Elven Escort
Naith Troop

Possessions:
Nenya, Ring of Adamant x2
Elven Bow x4
Asfaloth, Elven Steed
Hadafang

Events:
Must Be a Dream x4
Still Needed x2
Attunement x4
Inside a Song x3

Conditions:
The Splendor of Their Banners
Uncertain Future x3


Gil-galad, High King of the Noldor would be huge for this deck.  I would find a way to put 2-3 of them in here if I had them.
That would pair well with Into the West.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

17

Expanded / Sauron Roaming Beatdown - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 08:06:12 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Sauron Roaming Beatdown - Shadow (Expanded)
This is the typical roaming Sauron beatdown strategy that has always been strong.

Minions:
Advance Captain x4
Advance Marauder x4
Advance Regular x4
Advance Scout x4
Cirith Ungol Sentinel x4
Cirith Ungol Sentry x3
Shagrat, Captain of Cirith Ungol x2
Troll of Cirith Gorgor x3

Possessions:
Grond, Hammer of the Underworld x2

Conditions:
Rank and File x3
Flames Within x2


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

18

Expanded / Shire Ring-Bound - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 07:58:59 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Hobbit Ring-Bound - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This is the typical Smeagol, Simple Stoor / Deagol and Ring-Bound Hobbit deck fitted for 35 cards.

Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Weary From the Journey
Sam, Great Elf Warrior
Bilbo, Aged Ring-Bearer
Smeagol, Simple Stoor

Followers:
Deagol, Fateful Finder x4
Daddy Twofoot, Next-Door Neighbor
Frodo Gamgee, Son of Samwise
The Gaffer, Master Gardener

Possessions:
Sting, Weapon of Heritage x2
Hobbit Sword x2

Events:
Hope is Kindled x4
A Promise x4
Community Living x3
No Visitors x4
Naked Waste x3

Conditions:
Herbs and Stewed Rabbit x3


I'm aware that The One Ring, The Great Ring would be better.  I shy away from it for this collection.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

19

Expanded / Moria Tentacles - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 07:44:57 PM »

As the physical cards are getting harder to find these days, I gathered a large physical collection of common and nostalgic decks to play with family and friends as a pre-built game.  I'm posting these decks as a reference and for feedback/discussion to improve on them.  The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks in doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching and keeping each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to make thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $100+ range are not always going to make it in for their high costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I include cards from the Expanded format and rules, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Moria Tentacles - Shadow (Expanded)
Tentacles were never seen used until the very last set came out, which made them viable.  Even then, they were hard to get physical copies of.  Here I am now, finally, with a full deck.

Minions:
The Balrog, Demon of Might x2
Gollum, Plotting Deceiver x2
Watcher in the Water, Keeper of Westgate
Watcher in the Water, Many-Tentacled Creature x3
Strong Tentacle x4
Reaching Tentacle x4
Huge Tentacle x4
Foul Tentacle x4

Possessions:
The Balrog's Sword x3

Events:
Foul Things x4

Conditions:
Evil Smelling Fens x4


Going with a full set of The Mouth of Sauron, Messenger of Mordor and Pursuing Horde instead of the Balrogs and Relics is usually a better swarm strategy, but I like to keep these thematic.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

20

Expanded / Re: Elven Twins/Telepathy - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on September 16, 2025, 07:28:32 PM »

I would be interested in buying a Gil-galad, High King of the Noldor, but they are currently going for like $600 each.  It's not that essential to this deck anyway.