Lotr01243

Despair (1R243)

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Despair (1R243) Wiki

General Strategy

A "winner takes all" event, Despair creates an instant win when certain !conditions are met by the !Shadow player. Despair requires [2] !twilight in the Maneuver phase, a [Sauron] Orc in play, and a combination of twelve burdens or companions in the dead pile. In theory, the !event sounds reasonable enough--such a complete attack should have the opponent against the ropes. In practice, the card is not very playable. While the [2] twilight and Orc are easy enough spotting requirements, the combination of burdens and dead companions is remarkably high at 12. At even numbers, 6 burdens and 6 companions in the dead pile suggests the !Shadow player is already incredibly close to winning the game in most cases. In fact, many decks--particularly in Fellowship Block format--do not contain more than 5 companions in total, meaning the !Shadow player would need eight burdens and the four companions killed.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Versus...

 * Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul can spot burdens to weaken or kill companions
 * Desperate Defense of the Ring, Thin and Stretched, and The Ring Is Mine are solid [Sauron] burden cards

Weak Versus...

 * Hand clog early in the game
 * Incredibly situational
 * Alternate Ring-Bearers are often corrupted long before the card can be played