Recent Posts

11

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 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
Still Far Ahead x4
Not Listening x2
Gladden Homestead

Conditions:
Poor Wretch x4
There's Another Way x4
Follow Smeagol x2
Nice Fish x2
Don't look at Them x2
Come Away x2
Safe Passage


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

12

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)

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.

13

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.

14

Expanded / Gondor Ranger Beatdown - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 07:15:07 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 Ranger Beatdown - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This is the weakest free people's deck I have.  It was slapped together with old cards I had lying around.

Starting:
The One Ring, The Ring of Rings
Boromir, Bearer of Council
Faramir, Captain of Gondor
Ranger of Ithilien

Companions:
Gondorian Ranger x4

Possessions:
Faramir's Cloak
Boromir, My Brother
Shield of Boromir
Gondorian Blade x4

Events:
Swordsman of the Northern Kingdom x4
War and Valor x4
While We Yet Live x4
Concealment x4

Conditions:
Ancient Roads x4
Invigorated x2


One card that I have considered adding is No Stranger to the Shadows.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.  Of all the decks I'm posting, this one needs the most help.

15

Expanded / Uruk-hai Beatdown - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 05:57:04 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:

Uruk-hai Beatdown - Shadow (Expanded)

Minions:
Saruman, Agent of the Dark Lord x3
Sentinel Uruk x4
Crushing Uruk x4
Uruk Decimator x4
Uruk-hai Guard x4
Swarming Uruk x4

Possessions:
Spear of the White Hand x4
Weapon of Opportunity x4

Events:
War Machine x2

Conditions:
Pikes Upon Pikes x2


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

16

Expanded / Gondor Ranger Wounding - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 05:49:32 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 Ranger Wounding - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This one is an old-school ranger deck.

Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Tired Traveller
Pippin, Wearer of Black and Silver
Faramir, Son of Denethor

Compansions:
Aragorn, Guide and Protector (pull with Prancing Pony site)
Mablung, Soldier of Gondor
Madril, Faramir's Aide
Gondorian Ranger x3

Possessions:
Faramir's Bow x2
Aragorn's Bow x2
Ranger's Bow x2

Events:
New Errand x4

Conditions:
Boromir, My Brother
Shadowplay x3
Ancient Roads x4
Citadel of Minas Tirith x2
Gondor Bowmen x2
Hardy Garrison
Henneth Annun x2
Cliffs of Emyn Muil x2


Faramir's Bow, Ithilien Longbow would be better, but they are hard to get a hold of.
There are a lot of new ranger cards that might improve this post-reflections, but the initiative and shadowplay tricks here work well as is.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

17

Expanded / Orc Corruption - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 05:25:21 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 Corruption - Shadow (Expanded)

Minions:
Porter Troll x3
Mocking Goblin x3
Morgul Tormentor x4
Orc Tormentor x4
Orc Miscreant x4
Picket Denizen x3
Isengard Underling x4

Events:
Bound to Its Fate x4
Dread and Despair x2
Massing Strength x2

Conditions:
The Beckoning Shadow
Goblin Hordes


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

18

Expanded / Shire Pippen Fighter/Pipeweed - Free Peoples (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 05:11:21 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:

Shire Pippen Fighter/Pipeweed - Free Peoples (Expanded)

Starting:
The One Ring, Such a Weight to Carry
Frodo, Old Bilbo's Heir
Pippin, Brave Decoy
Merry, Friend to Sam
Quickbeam, Bregalad

Allies:
Hobbit Party Guest x2
Farmer Maggot, Chaser of Rascals x2
The Gaffer, Sam's Father

Possessions:
Frodo's Pipe
Bilbo's Pipe
The Gaffer's Pipe
Horn of the Mark x2
Hobbit Sword x3
Old Toby x3

Conditions:
Halfling Leaf x4
Hornblower Leaf x4
Everyone Knows x4
Escape x2
Ent Draught x2

I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

19

Expanded / Dunland Two-Site - Shadow (Expanded)

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 04:58:34 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:

Dunland Two-Site - Shadow (Expanded)

Minions:
Freca x3
Wulf x3
Hillman Tribe x4
Hill Chief x3
Dunlending Elder x4
Hillman Horde
Saruman, Rabble-Rouser x3

Possesions:
Hides x4
War Club x3

Events:
Burn Every Village x4

Conditions:
Ready to Fall x2
Bound by Rage


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

20

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

« Last post by wrigh516 on August 15, 2025, 03:37:59 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:

Elven Twins/Telepathy - Free Peoples (Expanded)
This is the strongest free peoples deck of the collection.  I may have to make changes to balance it while keeping it fun to play.

Starting:
The One Ring, The Binding Ring
Galadriel, Bearer of Wisdom
Elrohir, Son of Elrond
Elladan, Son of Elrond

Companions:
Gandalf, Manager of Wizards x3
Elrond, Witness to History x3
Celeborn, The Wise x3
Cirdan, The Shipwright

Followers:
Woodhall Elf, Exile

Possessions:
Nenya
Banner of Elbereth x2
Lembas x2

Events:
Forearmed x4
Still Needed x4
Uncertain Paths x4

Conditions:
Glimpse of Fate x2
Hope Comes
Shadow Between
Brooding on Tomorrow


One card I don't have that may help is Gil-galad, High King of the Noldor.
Other cards I've considered are Watch and Wait or Into the West to control burdens or threats.
I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.