Come on lads! 1.0

• Versions
• 2.0
• 1.0

I've had a lot of fun with this solo deck as of late. I like that it relies on Hobbits as opposed to really powerful non-Hobbit allies (although the non-Hobbit allies included here are pretty important). I'm still unsure about the optimal opening hand but I do find myself using the mulligan to get either Hobbit Cloak or Ring Mail. The deck needs to engage enemies to succeed and, therefore, a strong defense (afforded by a beefed-up Tom Cotton) - although other options are available (Feint, Gaffer Gamgee, Andrath Guardsman).

Once Tom Cotton has some defensive help, getting a Fast Hitch on Pippin paired with a Dagger of Westernesse (or two) is great. This allows Pippin to help with attack, otherwise, he is always questing. Sam Gamgee can also benefit from a Dagger of Westernesse since he will often be readying following engagement.

Halbarad and Mablung, paired with Pippin's ability help to ensure that you can reaps the rewards associated with engaging enemies with higher engagement costs. Faramir provides a nice willpower boost. Rosie Cotton with a Fast Hitch is also very good as she can effectively contribute +4 to the quest, if needed.

Given the cost of Faramir, Halbarad and Rosie Cotton, I tend to put Steward of Gondor on Sam Gamgee (although you can use Tom's resource smoothing to get Rosie into play if low on resources). If I get a Gaffer Gamgee out early, I will consider Steward of Gondor on Pippin instead of Sam, but so long as the engaged enemy's threat exceeds your own, you can use other sphere resources to get him back into play after using his action.

I love Raise the Shire and pairing it with Halfast Gamgee as he becomes incredibly cheap (given his Response). It is also a nice combo with Farmer Maggot as he will deal 2 direct damage to most enemies and also have a +4 due to Tom Cotton's response.

I haven't played this on many quests but here's how it has performed so far (all solo):

• Journey Down the Anduin - 3 attempts, 3 wins
• The Hunt for Gollum - 1 attempt, 1 win
• Conflict at the Carrock - 3 attempts, 2 wins
• Trouble in Tharbad - 2 attempts, 2 wins
• The Nin-In-Eilph - 2 attempts, 1 win
• Celebrimbor's Secret - 1 attempt, 1 win
• 1st Scenario of Black Riders Saga Expansion - 1 attempt, 0 wins (lack of early willpower)
• The Hills of Emyn Mail - 1 attempt, 0 wins (early location lock)

One issue can be getting enough willpower early on, especially in location-heavy scenarios (Hills of Emyn Muil). This deck thrives with engaging enemies and reaping the rewards.

Enjoy and let me know if you have any suggestions!