Recent Posts

21

Expanded / Dwarven Choke - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 08:53:00 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:

Dwarven Choke - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This is a classic Dwarven choke.

Starting:
The One Ring, The Ring of Rings
Gimli, Bearer of Grudges
Linnar, Dwarven Lord
Durin III, Dwarven Lord

Possessions:
Ring of Fury
Ring of Retribution
Ring of Guile
Gimli's Helm
Dwarven Axe x3
Hand Axe x3
Dwarven Bracers x3
Belt of Erebor x3
Dwarven Armor

Events:
Delving x2
Axe Strike x4
Sharp Defense x4

Conditions:
Stalwart Support x2
Till Durin Wakes Again x2
Proud and Able x2


Notes:
It is a simple yet effective strategy.  Ring of Fury goes on Gimli, and the rest is simple.  The point is to choke twilight.  A friend of mine used something like this 20 years ago.  It was tough to beat.

I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

22

Expanded / Moria Swarm - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 08:45:47 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 Swarm - Shadow (Expanded)
This is a classic Moria swarm.

Minions:
The Balrog, Terror of Flame and Shadow
Host of Moria x2
Goblin Scavengers x4
Goblin Wallcrawler x4
Goblin Runner x4
Goblin Sneak x4

Possessions:
Goblin Scimitar x4

Events:
Host of Thousands x4

Conditions:
Relics of Moria
Goblin Armory x3
Goblin Swarms x2
The Underdeeps of Moria
They are Coming


Notes:
This is a basic Moria swarm.  Relics of Moria and Goblin Armory, along with Goblin Scavengers and Goblin Scimitar, are the bread and butter.  The Underdeeps of Moria with Goblin Sneak can keep a good swarm up if you're short on cards.

It could use more cards, but the rules for this collection is 35, so sacrifices had to be made.
The Guard Commander is vital in practice, so it might be good to add another one.  Another Goblin Armory is always an option too.  Relics of Moria is r-listed.
I have had Foul Things in here at times for the ability to retrieve a big boy when I want, but I found that just using Host of Thousands and Guard Commander was deadly too.
I have a Cave Troll of Moria, Scourge of the Black Pit and a Guard Commander that I am considering tossing in, but I don't have room.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

23

Expanded / Wraith Enduring - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 08:31:16 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:

Wraith Enduring - Shadow (Expanded)

Minions:
The Witch-King, Captain of the Nine Riders x3
Ulaire Enquea, Thrall of the One x2
Ulaire Toldea, Thrall of the One x2
Ulaire Attea, Thrall of the One x2
Ulaire Cantea, Thrall of the One x3
Ulaire Nelya, Thrall of the One x3
Ulaire Lemenya, Thrall of the One x3
Ulaire Otsea, Thrall of the One x3

Possessions:
Ring of Rancor x3
Fell Beast x3

Events:
Minas Morgul Answers x2

Conditions:
Black Marshal x2
Flung Into the Fray x2
Out of Sight and Shot x2


Notes:
It's simple.  If you're playing against beatdown, take advantage of enduring minions and the many ways to exert them.  If you're playing against wounding, take advantage of the heavy vitalities and healing.  Everyone is unique, so use the conditions to recall minions that you have already played or ones that worked well against your opponent.

I'm considering adding two Wreathed in Shadow.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

24

Expanded / Gandalf Ent Horde - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 08:23:38 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:

Gandalf Ent Horde - Free Peoples (Expanded)
The typical 8-companion start deck with Gandalf, Leader of the Company rounding it out.

Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Weary From the Journey
Merry, In the Bloom of Health
Pippin, In the Bloom of Health
Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish
Quickbeam, Bregalad
Skinbark, Fladrif
Host of Fangorn
Ent Horde

Companions:
Gandalf, Leader of the Company x4
Huorn x3

Followers:
Meneldor, Misty Mountain Eagle
Alatar, Final Envoy
Pallando, Far-Travelling One
Radagast, Tender of Beasts

Possessions:
Hobbit Sword
Gandalf's Staff, Ash-Staff
Glamdring, Elven Blade
Shadowfax, Greatheart

Events:
Warmed Up a Bit x4

Conditions:
G for Grand x4
Stern Words
Ent Draught x2
Watch and Wait x2


Notes:
The obvious trick is starting 8 companions with spotting Ents and Hobbits.  Use Warmed Up a Bit to get rid of the unbound Hobbits and replace them with Huorn companions.  You can let Ents die off, but keep Gandalf alive until the end, where he becomes a beast.

Without a doubt, Fredegar Bolger, Fatty is better than Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish, but I can't get my hands on him.
Some cards I like but didn't find room:  Narya, Moment of Respite, Salve.
I'm aware that The One Ring, The Great Ring would be better.  I shy away from it for this set.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

25

Expanded / Gondor Wraiths - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 08:06:02 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 Wraiths - Free Peoples (Expanded)
Old-school invincible wraiths deck.

Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Hope of Free Peoples
Dead Man of Dunharrow
OathBreaker

Companions:
Aragorn, Driven by Need x3
King of the Dead
Shadow Host
Sleepless Dead x2
Cursed of Erech

Possessions:
Sting, Bane of the Eight Legs
Phial of Galadriel, The Light of Earendil
Ranger's Sword
Banner of Westernesse x2

Events:
Gondor Will See It Done x4
Banner of the White Tree x4
Swordarm of the White Tower x4

Conditions:
The Saga of Elendil
Strength in My Blood x3
Swept Away x2
Stronger and More Terrible x2


Notes:
The trick is using Swept Away and Stronger and More Terrible to make the companions nearly invincible.  I've had this deck for over 20 years, and found that having Gondor Will See It Done events is vital against many shadow strategies to get to a point where those conditions will work.

One card I don't have that would help is Sting, Elven Long Knife.
I am also considering swapping a Strength in My Blood for another Aragorn, Driven by Need.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

26

Expanded / Orc Spurred to Battle - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 07:57:53 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:

Orc Spurred to Battle - Shadow (Expanded)
An uncommon strategy that bombs the opponent over and over again in the late game.

Minions:
Cave Troll of Moria, Savage Menace
Ordnance Grunt x3
Orc Artisan x4
Champion Orc x3
Mordor Aggressor x3
Emboldened Orc x3
Isengard Underling x2

Possessions:
Orc Spear x4

Events:
Unreasonable Choice x2
Armed for Battle x2

Conditions:
Spurred to Battle x4
Retribution x3
Goblin Hordes


Notes:
The strategy is to strike hard every turn late in the game.  Build up Spurred to Battle conditions, play an Orc Artisan or two, use a Retribution plus Armed for Battle to pull Orc Spear weapons for more twilight to bomb the opponent with Ordnance Grunt trolls from the discard pile.
It may make more sense to remove the Cave Troll of Moria, Savage Menace to add another Isengard Underling, Armed for Battle, or Ordnance Grunt instead.  Although if you can pull it with Goblin Hordes, you can exert the Grunts and other minions to get it out for nothing.

I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

27

Expanded / Gollum Ninja - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 07:45:06 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:

Gollum Ninja - Shadow (Expanded)
This one works best when paired with the Solo Smeagol shadow deck.

Minions:
Gollum, Dark as Darkness
Gollum, Vile Creature
Gollum, Hopeless
Gollum, Threatening Guide
Shelob, Her Ladyship x4

Possessions:
Web

Events:
Captured by the Ring x4
Sudden Strike x2
Horribly Strong x2
Unseen Foe x2

Conditions:
Slippery as Fishes x4
Fat One Wants It x2
Not This Time! x2
Plotting x2
Promise Keeping x2
Incited x2
They Stole It
Hidden Even From Her


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

28

Expanded / Smeagol Solo - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 07:37:38 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:

Smeagol Solo - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This one works best when paired with the Ninja Gollum or a Ulaire Nelya site control shadow deck.

Starting:
The One Ring, Answer To All Riddles
Smeagol, Bearer of Great Secrets
Faramir, Captain of Gondor (Early damage sponge)
Ranger of Ithilien (Early damage sponge)

Possessions:
Fishing Boat

Events:
Naked Waste x4
Nasty x4
One Good Turn Deserves Another
Still Far Ahead x3
Not Listening x2
Gladden Homestead x2

Conditions:
Poor Wretch x4
There's Another Way x4
Follow Smeagol
Nice Fish x2
Don't look at Them x2
Come Away x2
O Elbereth! Gilthoniel!

Notes:
Use Dammed Gate-stream to get Follow Smeagol out early.  Then replace sites with low twilight ones from 2-6.  At sites 7-9, use There's Another Way to regain and replace the next site with Caras Galadhon each time.

I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

29

Expanded / Rohan Merry Men - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 07:27:35 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:

Rohan Merry Men - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This is a pretty typical Merry, Swordthain with Merry's Sword wounding strategy.

Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Resolute Hobbit
Eomer, Eored Captain
Merry, Swordthain

Companions:
Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien x4
Theoden, Lord of the Mark
Gamling, Defender of the Hornburg
Riders of the Mark

Possessions:
Merry's Sword
Riddermark Javelin x4
Eomer's Spear
Firefoot, Eomer's Steed
Brego
Rohirrim Mount
Rider's Bow
Rohirrim Shield x2
Spear of the Mark x2

Events:
Simbelmyne x4

Conditions:
Shadowplay
Sword Rack x3
Weapon Store
Cast from the Hall x2
Golden Glimmer


One card I've considered is Home and Hearth to help with burdens.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

30

Expanded / Isengard Wargs - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 07:26:53 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:

Isengard Wargs - Shadow (Expanded)
This isn't a strong shadow deck, but it brings back memories of playing in the early 2000s.

Minions:
Saruman, Master of Foul Folk x2
Sharku, Warg-Captain x3
Foul Horde x3
Isengard Rider x4
Warg-Master x4
Isengard Scout Troop x4

Possessions:
Sharku's Warg x2
War-Warg x3
Warg x4
Isengard Scimitar x4

Conditions:
Wolves of Isengard x2


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.