Recent Posts

41

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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

Allies:
Thrarin, Dwarven Smith

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

Events:
Delving x3
Axe Strike x4
Sharp Defense x4

Conditions:
Dark Ways x2
Till Durin Wakes Again x2
Proud and Able x2


Strategy:
It is a simple yet effective strategy.  Ring of Fury goes on Gimli, and the rest is simple.  The point is to choke twilight.

I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

42

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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
Guard Commander

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


Strategy:
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 36, 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.
Cave Troll of Moria, Scourge of the Black Pit is also an option in this.

I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

43

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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
Wreathed in Shadow


Strategy:
If you're playing against tanks, 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 would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

44

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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
Huorn x3

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

Possessions:
Sting, Weapon of Heritage
Gandalf's Staff, Walking Stick
Shadowfax

Events:
Diversion x4
A Wizard Is Never Late x3

Conditions:
G for Grand x4
Stern Words
Ent Draught x2
Watch and Wait x3
The Tale of the Great Ring


Strategy:
The obvious trick is starting 8 companions with spotting Ents and Hobbits.
Use Diversion to get rid of the unbound Hobbits and replace them with Huorn companions.


Without a doubt, Fredegar Bolger, Fatty is better than Farmer Maggot, Hobbit of the Marish, but I can't get my hands on him.
Treebeard, Enraged Shepherd would also replace a Huorn, but he is really difficult to get.  Possibly a Leaflock, Finglas.
Narya, Moment of Respite might be good in this deck.
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.

45

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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 x4
King of the Dead
Shadow Host
Sleepless Dead x2
Cursed of Erech

Possessions:
Sting, Bane of the Eight Legs
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
Spectral Sword x2
Swept Away x2
Stronger and More Terrible x3
The Tale of the Great Ring


Strategy:
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 would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

46

Expanded / Orc Grunts- 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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Orc Grunts - 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 x4
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


Strategy:
The goal is to strike hard every move late in the game.
Build up Spurred to Battle conditions, play an Orc Artisan, 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.
Then throw down Champion Orc or a Cave Troll of Moria, Savage Menace to further bomb using their Toil.
Use Goblin Hordes to pull what you need.


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

47

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2

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
They Stole It
Hidden Even From Her


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

48

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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
Clever Hobbits x2

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


Strategy:
Faramir, Captain of Gondor and Ranger of Ithilien are only there to help get you set up.  They are cannon fodder later.
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.
The whole point is to choke hard as you set up for the last region.  Use Nasty to overwhelm or Poor Wretch and Clever Hobbits to kill on the first move of a turn, then take it in the face on the second.  Caras Galadhon is fantastic after that, but consider using Follow Smeagol or Still Far Ahead here to prevent Mount Doom from coming out.


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.

49

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, 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

Allies:
Leowyn

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


Strategy:
This uses Merry, Swordthain to retrieve Javelins or anything else while pairing it with Merry's Sword and Shadowplay to exert minions.  Merry comes back fully healed each time.
Sword Rack and Weapon Store are to ensure you get Merry's Sword back.
You have to plan each turn.  You want to end up with just the right amount of wounds on the minions so that Eomer, Eored Captain and Eowyn, Lady of Ithilien can do their thing (and in the right order).
Spear of the Mark is incredibly good on Eowyn, especially when she has a mount.
Simbelmyne ensures you can get everything set up quickly.  Leowyn, Brego, Rohirrim Shield, Theoden, Lord of the Mark, and multiple copies of Eowyn are to keep her healed up.  Golden Glimmer helps prevent wound shenanigans.

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

50

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.
The decks are split into free peoples and shadow sides, all interchangeable at 35 (36 as I added more cycling and discard decks) cards each.  There are some obvious drawbacks to doing it this way, but it is 100% worth it to allow mixing/matching.  It allows enough combinations to keep each game unique and interesting.  The idea is to have thematic and fun strategies while maintaining a balance.  These are built with physical cards, so any in the $150+ range are not always going to make it in due to the costs and to maintain balance among the decks.  I follow the Expanded format and rules before errata, but some decks might also fit into other formats.  This is one of those decks:

Isengard Wargs - Shadow (Expanded)
It brings back memories of playing this game 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 x4
Warg x4
Isengard Scimitar x4

Conditions:
Wolves of Isengard x2


Strategy:
It mostly centers around Wolves of Isengard and sites like Ettenmoors.
These are high-vitality minions that don't go down easily.  You're less focused on winning skirmishes and more focused on wounding the fellowship after or preventing them from moving again.
Prioritize wargs on Isengard Scout Troop to get any sites you can.  That makes Isengard Scimitar better.


I would love to hear any feedback/suggestions.