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Author Topic: LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists  (Read 2955 times)

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August 19, 2022, 09:21:07 AM
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TelTura

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LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists
« on: August 19, 2022, 09:21:07 AM »
The top 2 have previously been posted on TLHH here: https://lotrtcgwiki.com/forums/index.php?topic=5766.0

However, the top 16 have not.  Enjoy!


Taken from the Wayback machine here: http://web.archive.org/web/20050306212241/http://dgma.com/content/default.asp?id=492


Michael Dalton - World Champion
"Fear This"

Frodo, Tired Traveller
The One Ring, Answer to All Riddles

Eastemnet Gullies
Wold of Rohan
Stables
Westemnet Hills
Deep of Helm
Great Hall
King's Room
Valley of Saruman
Orthanc Balcony

Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark
Elite Rider
Frying Pan
Eowyn, Lady of Rohan
We Left None Alive
Rider's Spear x2
Eomer's Spear
Rider's Mount
Brego
Firefoot
Hrethel
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Rohirrim Bow
Arrow-slits x3
An Honorable Charge x2
Thundering Host x3
Simbelmyne x4
Sam, Proper Poet
Legolas, Greenleaf
Leod
Hlafwine
Fortress Never Fallen x2

Ugluk, Servant of Saruman x3
Lurtz, Servant of Isengard x3
Uruk Hunter
Mauhur, Patrol Leader x3
Uruk Chaser x4
Broad-Bladed Sword x2
The Palantir of Orthanc (3R67)
Uruk Spear x3
Uruk Runner x3
Saruman's Power
Saruman's Staff, Wizard's Device x2
Saruman, Servant of the Eye x2
Saruman, Black Traitor x2
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul
What Did You Discover?



Robert Schiermeyer - Runner Up
"I Have a Bad Feeling About This"

Frodo, Old Bilbo's Heir
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane
The Riddermark
Plains of Rohan Camp
Streets of Edoras
White Rocks
Hornburg Parapet
Hornburg Armory
Cavern Entrance
Valley of Saruman
Palantir Chamber

Merry, Friend to Sam
Pippin, Hobbit of Some Intelligence
Sam, Son of Hamfast
Aragorn, Ranger of the North x2
Boromir, Defender of Minas Tirith x2
Gandalf, The White Wizard x4
Albert Dreary
Farmer Maggot, Chaser of Rascals
A Wizard is Never Late
Hobbit Sword
Frying Pan
Escape
Glamdring, Lightning Brand
Shadowfax
Gandalf's Staff, Walking Stick
Ranger's Sword, Blade of Aragorn
Aragorn's Bow
Blade of Gondor
Athelas
Armor
Trust Me As You Once Did x2
Mysterious Wizard x4
Servant of the Secret Fire x3
Grown Suddenly Tall x2

Isengard Smith x2
Isengard Warrior x4
Isengard Forger x4
Isengard Shaman x4
Grima, Chief Counselor
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x3
Goblin Runner x4
Moria Scout x3
Goblin Sneak x4
Tower Assassin x2
The Palantir of Orthanc 3R67 x2
Dark Places
Can You Protect Me From Yourself x2



Casey Barson

Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
The One Ring, Answer to All Riddles

Eastemnet Gullies
Wold of Rohan
Golden Hall
White Mountains
Helm's Gate
Hornburg Armory
Cavern Entrance
Nan Curunir
Palantir Chamber

Sam, Son of Hamfast
Merry, Friend to Sam
Pippin, Hobbit of Some Intelligence
Legolas, Dauntless Hunter
A Promise x4
Severed His Bonds x3
Frying Pan
Swiftly and Softly x4
Mithril Coat
Bill the Pony x2
There and Back Again
A Talent for Not Being Seen x2
Hobbit Sword x2
Fearing the Worst x2
Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad x3
Secret Sentinels x3
Vilya
Galadriel, Lady of the Golden Wood
Thrarin, Dwarven Smith
Escape
Cliffs of Emyn Muil x2
Power According to His Stature

Orc Insurgent x2
Cave Troll of Moria, Scourge of the Black Pit x4
Cave Troll's Hammer x2
Cave Troll's Chain
Relics of Moria x3
They are Coming x2
Goblin Swarms x2
Goblin Runner x4
Goblin Scavengers x4
Goblin Scimitar x4
Goblin Sneak x4
Troll's Keyward
Guard Commander
Dark Places
Goblin Armory x4



Nathaniel Boggs
"Same as Day 1 and Day 2"

Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
The One Ring Answer to All Riddles

The Riddermark
Wold of Rohan
Barrows of Edoras
Westemnet Hills
Deep of Helm
Hornburg Armory
Hornburg Wall
Nan Curunir
Palantir Chamber

Cliffs of Emyn Muil
Frying Pan
Power According to His Stature x4
Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad
The Tale of Gil-Galad
Haldir, Emissary of the Galadhrim
Galadriel, Lady of the Golden Wood
Company of Archers
Arwen, Daughter of Elrond
Legolas, Greenleaf
Gwemegil x2
The Last Alliance of Elves and Men x2
Secret Sentinels x2
Asfaloth x2
Aragorn, King in Exile x3
Sword of Gondor
Faramir, Son of Denethor
The Saga of Elendil
Boromir, Son of Denethor
Aragorn's Bow x2
Swordsman of the Northern Kingdom x3

Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2
Uruk Runner x4
Saruman, Servant of the Eye x2
Lurtz, Servant of Isengard x3
Uruk Chaser x4
Ugluk, Servant of Saruman x3
Uruk Hunter
Uruk Captain
What Did You Discover?
The Palantir of Orthanc (3R67)
Mauhur, Patrol Leader x2
Saruman's Power x2
Broad-Bladed Sword x4
Uruk Spear x3



Brian Fred
"Southron Hate"

Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Eastemnet Gullies
Derndingle
Streets of Edoras
White Mountains
Helm's Gate
Hornburg Hall
Hornburg Causeway
Valley of Saruman
Palantir Chamber

A Promise x4
Escape x2
There and Back Again x2
A Talent for Not Being Seen x2
Severed his Bonds x4
Swiftly and Softly x4
Mithril Coat
Frying Pan
Hobbit Sword x2
Legolas, Dauntless Hunter
Sam, Son of Hamfast
Merry, Friend to Sam
Pippin, Hobbit of Some Intelligence
Fearing the Worst x2
Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad x3
Vilya x2
Bill the Pony x2
Thrarin, Dwarven Smith

Under the Watching Eye x4
Orc Bowmen x4
Orc Scouting Band x4
Hate x4
Orc Cutthroat x3
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2
Orc Assassin x4
Southron Bowman x4
Desert Lord x3
Orc Patrol x3
Grishnakh, Orc Captain



Mitch Kimmes
"Places to Hide"

Frodo, Reluctant Adventurer
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Eastemnet Gullies
Wold of Rohan
Golden Hall
White Rocks
Hornburg Parapet
Caves of Aglarond
Cavern Entrance
Valley of Saruman
Palantir Chamber

Sam, Son of Hamfast
Pippin, Hobbit of Some Intelligence
Merry, Friend to Sam
Severed His Bonds x4
Swiftly and Softly x4
A Promise x4
Bill the Pony x2
A Talent for Not Being Seen x2
Frying Pan
Hobbit Sword x2
Escape
There and Back Again
Cliffs of Emyn Muil
Mithril-Coat
Legolas, Dauntless Hunter
Aragorn, Wingfoot
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Boromir, Son of Denethor
Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad x2
Vilya
Secret Sentinels x2
Foul Creation x2
Curse Their Foul Feet
Fearing the Worst x2

Goblin Runner x4
Moria Scout x3
Goblin Scavengers x4
Goblin Armory x4
Goblin Scimitar x4
Guard Commander
Troll's Keyward
Cave Troll of Moria, Scourge of the Black Pit x3
The Balrog, Terror of Flame and Shadow x2
Goblin Swarms x2
They are Coming x2
Durin's Tower x2
Dark Places
Fill with Fear
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x3
Orc Insurgent x2
Grima, Wormtongue



Benoit Lemaire
"Fury of the White, The Riders and the Uruks"

Frodo, Tired Traveller
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Horse-Country
Derndingle
Stables
White Rocks
Deeping Wall
Great Hall
Hornburg Causeway
Valley of Saruman
Fortress of Orthanc

Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark
Eowyn, Lady of Rohan
Rohirrim Bow
Servant of the Secret Fire x4
Simbelmyne x2
Trust Me As You Once Did x2
Sleep, Caradhras
Roll of Thunder
A Wizard is Never Late x2
Gandalf, The White Wizard x4
Sam, Proper Poet
King's Mail
Lindenroot
Frying Pan
Firefoot
Eomer's Spear
Eowyn's Sword
Brego
Albert Dreary
Barliman Butterbur, Prancing Pony Proprietor x2
Gandalf's Staff 2R22
Glamdring 1R75
Down From the Hills
Power According To His Stature x2

Uruk Captain x2
Uruk Vanguard
Uruk Warrior x4
Uruk Follower x2
Uruk Spear x2
Uruk Fighter x4
Advance Uruk Patrol x4
Broad-Bladed Sword x4
Saruman, Servant of the Eye
Saruman's Ambition x4
Saruman's Power
The Palantir of Orthanc 3R67
Ferocity x2
Lurtz, Servant of Isengard x2
Lurtz's Battle Cry



Mike Long
"Brochu Running Rangers"

Frodo, Tired Traveller
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

East Wall of Rohan
Wold of Rohan
Golden Hall
Westemnet Hills
Hornburg Parapet
Hornburg Armory
Hornburg Wall
Valley of Saruman
Palantir Chamber

Gandalf, Friend of the Shirefolk
Legolas, Greenleaf
Lindenroot
Sam, Son of Hamfast
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Faramir, Ithilien Ranger
Boromir, Lord of Gondor
Anborn
A Wizard is Never Late
Grown Suddenly Tall
Power According to His Stature x4
Severed His Bonds x3
Swiftly and Softly x3
Cliffs of Emyn Muil
Frying Pan
Defend it and Hope x4
Gondor Bowmen x2
Citadel of the Stars
Stone Tower
Faramir's Bow x2

The WitchKing, Lord of Angmar x4
Ulaire Attea, Keeper of Dol Guldur x4
Ulaire Toldea, Winged Sentry x3
Ulaire Toldea, Messenger of Morgul
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2
Ulaire Nelya, Ringwraith in Twilight
Ulaire Cantea, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur x2
Grima, Chief Counselor
Fell Beast x3
Black Steed x2
Bill Ferny, Swarthy Sneering Fellow x2
All Veils Removed
Frozen by Fear
The Pale Blade x2
Nazgul Sword x3



Patrick Malboeuf

Frodo, Son of Drogo
The One Ring, Answer to All Riddles

Plains of Rohan
Fangorn Forest
Golden Hall
White Mountains
Hornburg Parapet
Caves of Aglarond
Cavern Entrance
Nan Curunir
Palantir Chamber

Grimir, Dwarven Elder
Gimli, Dwarf of Erebor
Thrarin, Dwarven Smith
Fror, Gimli's Kinsman
Sam, Proper Poet
Merry, Learned Guide x2
Frying Pan x2
Delving x4
Mithril Shaft x3
Quickbeam, Bregalad
Severed His Bonds x4
Swiftly and Softly x4
Gandalf's Staff
Enraged x3
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Lindenroot
Treebeard, Earthborn
Grown Suddenly Tall x2
Pippin, Just a Nuisance
Gandalf, The Grey Pilgrim x4
Forest Guardian

Goblin Sneak x4
Goblin Scavengers x4
Moria Scout x3
They are Coming x2
Goblin Scimitar x4
Dark Places
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2
Guard Commander
Goblin Armory x4
Goblin Swarms x2
The Underdeeps of Moria x2
Relics of Moria
Orc Insurgent x2
Isengard Shaman x2
Isengard Warrior x2
Goblin Runner x4



Paul Mazur
"Dan's Deck And No It's Not a Joke"

Frodo, Old Bilbo's Heir
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Eastemnet Gullies
Rohirrim Village
Stables
White Mountains
Deeping Wall
Hornburg Armory
King's Room
Ring of Isengard
Caverns of Isengard

Elite Rider x2
Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark
Eowyn, Lady of Rohan
Hrethel
Eomer's Spear
Rider's Spear x3
Firefoot
Brego
Rider's Mount x2
Simbelmyne x4
Work for the Sword x2
An Honorable Charge x4
We Left None Alive
Thundering Host x4
Arrow-slits x2
Fortress Never Fallen x2
Legolas, Greenleaf
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Sam, Proper Poet
Bounder
Hobbit Sword
Frying Pan

Isengard Servant x3
Isengard Retainer x4
Isengard Plodder x4
Isengard Warrior x4
Isengard Smith x3
Isengard Artisan x4
Isengard Mechanics x2
Orc Commander x2
Saruman's Power
Servants to Saruman x4
Gnawing, Biting, Hacking, Burning x3
Trapped and Alone x2
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2




Adam Molnar
"The Next-to-Last Alliance of Steak and Shake"

Frodo, Tired Traveller
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

The Riddermark
Rohirrim Village
Westemnet Plains
White Rocks
Deeping Wall
Hornburg Hall
Cavern Entrance
Ring of Isengard
Palantir Chamber

Arwen, Daughter of Elrond
Legolas, Greenleaf
Haldir, Emissary of the Galadhrim
Calaglin, Elf of Lorien
Galadriel, Lady of the Golden Wood
Elrond, Herald to Gil-Galad
Secret Sentinels x2
Elven Sword
The Last Alliance of Elves and Men x3
Sting, Baggins Heirloom
Merry, Friend to Sam
Severed His Bonds
Faramir, Son of Denethor x3
Aragorn, Ranger of the North x3
Boromir, Lord of Gondor x2
Alcarin
Sentinels of Numenor
Swordsman of the Northern Kingdom
Defend it and Hope
Banner of the White Tree x2
Ranger's Sword
Sword of Gondor x2
Citadel of the Stars
The Saga of Elendil

Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul
Wild Man Raid
Saruman, Rabble Rouser
Dark Fury
Burn Every Village x2
No Refuge x2
War Club x4
Dunlending Ransacker x2
Hillman Tribe x4
Wulf x2
Hillman Horde x2
Hillman Rabble x4
Dunlending Looter x4
Hides x4




Matt Olsen

Frodo, Son of Drogo
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

The Riddermark
Wold of Rohan
Stables
White Mountains
Deep of Helm
Hornburg Armory
King's Room
Valley of Saruman
Palantir Chamber

Help in Doubt and Need
Boromir, Defender of Minas Tirith
Defend it and Hope x2
Ranger's Sword, Blade of Aragorn
Frying Pan
Sam, Son of Hamfast
Aragorn, Defender of Free Peoples x2
Grown Suddenly Tall x2
Gandalf, Friend of the Shirefolk x2
Firefoot
Brego
Horse of Rohan
Rider's Mount
Hrethel
Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark
Elite Rider
Eowyn, Lady of Rohan
Simbelmyne x3
Thundering Host x3
Eomer's Spear
Rider's Spear x2
King's Mail
Fortress Never Fallen x2
We Left None Alive
Arrow-slits x2

What did you Discover?
Ugluk, Servant of Saruman x4
Uruk Hunter x2
Saruman's Power x3
Ulaire Toldea, Messenger of Morgul
Broad-Bladed Sword x4
The Palantir of Orthanc 3R67
Uruk Spear x3
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul
Lurtz, Servant of Isengard x3
Can You Protect Me From Yourself
Uruk Chaser x4
Mauhur, Patrol Leader x3
Uruk Runner x4
Saruman, Servant of the Eye




Scott Poster
"To my Homies in Cellblock 6"

Frodo, Son of Drogo
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

The Riddermark
Wold of Rohan
Golden Hall
White Rocks
Hornburg Parapet
Hornburg Hall
Hornburg Wall
Nan Curunir
Palantir Chamber

Aragorn, Wingfoot
Birchseed
Ent Horde
Gandalf, Greyhame
Lindenroot
Merry, Impatient Hobbit
Pippin, Woolly-footed Rascal
Quickbeam, Bregalad
Sam, Son of Hamfast
Skinbark, Fladrif
Albert Dreary
Barliman Butterbur, Prancing Pony Proprietor
Treebeard, Earthborn
Frying Pan
Glamdring x2
Sting, Baggins Heirloom
Thror's Map
Fearing the Worst x2
A Wizard is Never Late x3
Grown Suddenly Tall x2
Severed His Bonds x4
Swiftly and Softly x4

Grima, Wormtongue
Ulaire Attea, Keeper of Dol Guldur x4
Ulaire Cantea, Lieutenant of Dol Guldur x3
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x3
Ulaire Toldea, Messenger of Morgul x2
The WitchKing, Lord of Angmar x3
Ulaire Nelya, Ringwraith in Twilight
Black Steed x2
Nazgul Sword x2
The Pale Blade x2
Black Breath x3
Blade Tip x2
All Blades Perish
Morgul Gates x2
Threshold of Shadow x2




Alan Sagan
"Al's Good Deck"

Frodo, Tired Traveller
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Horse-Country
Fangorn Forest
Golden Hall
Westemnet Hills
Deeping Wall
Great Hall
Cavern Entrance
Valley of Saruman
Orthanc Balcony

Gandalf, The Grey Pilgrim
Eomer, Third Marshal of Riddermark
Eowyn, Lady of Rohan
Hrethel
Pippin, Just a Nuisance
Merry, Friend to Sam
Sam, Son of Hamfast
Lindenroot
A Wizard is Never Late x4
Barliman Butterbur, Prancing Pony Proprietor
Albert Dreary
Erland, Advisor to Brand
Treebeard, Earthborn
Simbelmyne x4
Brego
Firefoot
Eomer's Spear
Rider's Spear
Leod
Hlafwine
Servant of the Secret Fire x4
An Honorable Charge x3
Questions That Need Answering x3
Grown Suddenly Tall x2
Glamdring, Lightning Brand x2
Hobbit Sword

Goblin Runner x3
Goblin Sneak x4
Goblin Scavengers x4
Guard Commander
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul x2
Saruman, Black Traitor
Orc Insurgent x2
Isengard Shaman x2
Isengard Warrior x3
The Palantir of Orthanc 3R67 x2
Saruman's Snows
Goblin Armory x4
Goblin Scimitar x4
They are Coming x3
Goblin Swarms x2
Relics of Moria
Saruman's Staff, Wizard's Device
Grima, Chief Counselor



Corbin Schey

Frodo, Tired Traveller
The One Ring, Isildur's Bane

Eastemnet Gullies
Wold of Rohan
Barrows of Edoras
White Rocks
Deep of Helm
Great Hall
Hornburg Causeway
Valley of Saruman
Fortress of Orthanc

Rohirrim Bow x2
An Honorable Charge x4
Thundering Host x2
Arrow-slits x2
We Left None Alive
Brego
Firefoot
Rider's Mount
Rider's Spear
Eomer's Spear
Eowyn's Sword
Sword of Rohan
Simbelmyne x4
Sam, Proper Poet
Legolas, Greenleaf
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Eomer, Rohirrim Captain
Gamling, Warrior of Rohan
Eowyn, Daughter of Eomund
Household Guard
Hrethel
Sting, Baggins Heirloom
Let Us Be Swift x4

Broad-Bladed Sword x3
Uruk Spear x3
Saruman's Ambition x4
Ferocity x4
Saruman's Power x2
Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul
Grima, Chief Counselor
Lurtz, Servant of Isengard x3
Advance Uruk Patrol x4
Uruk Fighter x4
Uruk Runner x4
Uruk Captain x2



Ian Vincent

Frodo, Courteous Halfling
The One Ring, Answer to All Riddles

Eastemnet Gullies
Plains of Rohan Camp
Barrows of Edoras
White Rocks
Hornburg Parapet
Hornburg Hall
Cavern Entrance
Valley of Saruman
Orthanc Library

The Tale of Gil-Galad
Naith Longbow x3
Alliance Reforged x4
Secret Sentinels x2
Gift of Foresight
Company of Archers
Elven Sword x2
Elrond, Keeper of Vilya x3
Pengedhel
Erethon
Haldir, Emissary of the Galadhrim
Legolas, Greenleaf
Arwen, Daughter of Elrond
Forewarned x4
Naith Warband
Taurnil
Aragorn, Ranger of the North
Frying Pan

Goblin Scavengers x4
Goblin Armory x4
Goblin Sneak x4
Isengard Warrior x2
Isengard Shaman x2
Goblin Scimitar x4
Orc Insurgent
Goblin Swarms
The Underdeeps of Moria x2
Goblin Runner x4
Saruman's Snows
Southron Commander
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August 19, 2022, 09:22:04 AM
Reply #1

TelTura

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Re: LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists
« Reply #1 on: August 19, 2022, 09:22:04 AM »
I'm stricken by how aptly named the top 2 decks were.
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August 19, 2022, 09:39:26 AM
Reply #2

JamesCB

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Re: LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists
« Reply #2 on: August 19, 2022, 09:39:26 AM »
I'm struck by how many singles these decks have, especially on the shadow side. With only 1 Grima, (for example) it seems you would have trouble continuously countering stacked companions/many-racial companionships. A few of these only have 1 What Did You Discover, which (although there's not a ton of benefit to having multiple copies out, it seems you would want at least 2 to aid in drawing it.
But, these people obviously performed much better in this contest than did I, so I suppose I'm not one to judge their deck-building.

Also, "Al's good deck" is definitely my favorite deck name, maybe ever.

August 19, 2022, 09:42:29 AM
Reply #3

JamesCB

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Re: LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists
« Reply #3 on: August 19, 2022, 09:42:29 AM »
I'm struck by how many singles these decks have, especially on the shadow side. With only 1 Grima, (for example) it seems you would have trouble continuously countering stacked companions/many-racial companionships. A few of these only have 1 What Did You Discover, which (although there's not a ton of benefit to having multiple copies out, it seems you would want at least 2 to aid in drawing it.

Just realized this might be a by-product of my ignorance of what cards are on the R-list.

August 19, 2022, 09:50:16 AM
Reply #4

TelTura

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Re: LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists
« Reply #4 on: August 19, 2022, 09:50:16 AM »
The R-list was very rarely used, only really getting mileage during the post-Shadows Expanded era.  At that time they let the community vote on what should be R-listed, but it didn't exist for this tournament. 

In general I think a lot of these finalists did a ton of fine-tuning that involved only one copy of a card. 
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September 05, 2022, 02:45:23 PM
Reply #5

Phallen Cassidy

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Re: LOTR Worlds 2003 Top 16 Decklists
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2022, 02:45:23 PM »
I'm struck by how many singles these decks have, especially on the shadow side. With only 1 Grima, (for example) it seems you would have trouble continuously countering stacked companions/many-racial companionships. A few of these only have 1 What Did You Discover, which (although there's not a ton of benefit to having multiple copies out, it seems you would want at least 2 to aid in drawing it.

I haven't actually checked these, but most tournament decks are 30/30 - 33/33 and only going larger with heavy cycling from Moria or something. By the end of the game there's just a few cards left in the deck if any. All of the cards you mentioned are best drawn towards the end when the opponent is more likely to have all their cards stacked / cultures out or be prepared to make riskier doubles. Wormtongue and Chief Counselor in particular can be game ending since you often stop your opponent in their tracks and also clog their hand up for a free double on your turn. Remember, there are only 8 moves in the game: you don't have to "continuously" do or counter anything. You just need to make sure that when you make your move it counts without tripping yourself up in all the other matchups.

Generally fear of getting hit by Grima is enough alone to keep players from doing those things similar to how the possibility of Enquea stops many players from playing (sometimes even adding) a 6th companion. Which in turn means you're less likely to use their text, making them easily the worst card in most decks. Never add more copies of your worst card. Notice how many players take advantage of the fact that any deck could have Grima and don't run Grima at all! Economists call this a positive externality, you can bet on the benefit (no stacked / multicultural opponents) without paying the costs (deck space for an otherwise lackluster minion).

On What Did You Discover?, you may also notice that each of the decks with have multiple copies of Saruman's Power -- you want to spend as little of the game as possible fighting against yourself. The effect has very limited use at 1-4 since your minions are roaming and you shouldn't have a good selection of minions in your discard pile at this point anyway, then Uruk-hai always need to be able to play a strong site 5 which stops a double and ensures the stop at 6 so the earliest opportunity to really get something out of it is a double from 7-8. There's more that could be said, maybe I'll throw it up on the wiki one day :P Anyway, I'm not saying that you should only ever include 1 copy (in fact I run 4x in a particular deck where the Shadow side is only there to cycle and discourage doubles), but there's good reason for singles in general and especially for the cards you've called out. Every card in a deck should have a purpose, and that purpose informs how many copies to have.