Rulebooks - Revision history

Teltura at 20:17, 11 April 2025

2025-04-11T20:17:13Z

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	* [[Media:Tournament-EN-1.0.pdf\|Official Tournament Guidelines 1.0]] (22 July 2004) - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>		* [[Media:Tournament-EN-1.0.pdf\|Official Tournament Guidelines 1.0]] (22 July 2004) - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>


			----


			{{Rules_Table}}

Teltura: Updated links to wiki articles.

2021-11-26T23:12:46Z

Updated links to wiki articles.

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	* '''''Comprehensive Rules''''', that combined all of the above into a single comprehensive document, also distributed online as a PDF.		* '''''Comprehensive Rules''''', that combined all of the above into a single comprehensive document, also distributed online as a PDF.
	* '''''Official Tournament Guidelines''''', which included instructions on how to run an official tournament and included several common ruling concerns.		* '''''Official Tournament Guidelines''''', which included instructions on how to run an official tournament and included several common ruling concerns.

	~~(If you are looking for the most recent version of the rules, please see [[Comprehensive Rules 4.0]] and [[Current Rulings Document]].)~~

	All physical rulebooks were also distributed online as PDFs, but old versions tended to be removed shortly after they were superseded by a subsequent edition. As a result, there are holes in the digital record, and not all rulebooks which were physically produced exist here.		All physical rulebooks were also distributed online as PDFs, but old versions tended to be removed shortly after they were superseded by a subsequent edition. As a result, there are holes in the digital record, and not all rulebooks which were physically produced exist here.

	'''''<big>If you have any files not listed below, please help us complete our collection! [[Special:Upload\|Upload them here]], or contact the PC at [https://lotrtcgpc.net/discord the PC Discord server here].</big>'''''		'''''<big>If you have any files not listed below, please help us complete our collection! [[Special:Upload\|Upload them here]], or contact the PC at [https://lotrtcgpc.net/discord the PC Discord server here].</big>'''''

			== Wiki Rulebooks==
			Some of the documents Decipher distributed have been converted to wiki articles for convenience when linking and sharing (and arguing over rules). These are below:

			* [[Comprehensive Rules 4.1]] - a complete, all-encompassing fan-made document that consolidates every ruling from every document that we could get our hands on into one article.
			* [[Comprehensive Rules 4.0]] - the last Comprehensive Rules produced in 2004, which has many entries missing that were included in prior versions, and which did not include later supplementary entries.
			* [[Current Rulings Document]] - the last CRD produced in 2007, which was the last rules document ever issued by Decipher.
			* [[Tournament Guidelines]] - a document outlining how to run an official tournament event.

			All of these documents (except for 4.1) are available for download in their original PDF version in the appropriate section below.

	== Starter Rulebooks ==		== Starter Rulebooks ==
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	== Official Tournament Guidelines ==		== Official Tournament Guidelines ==

	Some details of structured play that were more about ensuring fair play than specific mechanics were compiled into the '''Official Tournament Guidelines'''. This includes things such as draft procedures, pairing instructions, playtime length, and other details that for non-tournament play were usually up to gentleman's agreements between the players. This document's rulings were never incorporated into the Comprehensive Rules due to their ancillary nature.		Some details of structured play that were more about ensuring fair play than specific mechanics were compiled into the '''Official Tournament Guidelines'''. This includes things such as draft procedures, pairing instructions, playtime length, and other details that for non-tournament play were usually up to gentleman's agreements between the players. This document's rulings were never incorporated into the Comprehensive Rules due to their ancillary nature. A wiki version of this document can be found at [[Tournament Guidelines]]

	One notable ruling concerns the practice of performing a [[Mulligan]] on your opening hand, which has since been widely adopted for casual play by the community.		One notable ruling concerns the practice of performing a [[Mulligan]] on your opening hand, which has since been widely adopted for casual play by the community.

	* [[Media:Tournament-EN-1.0.pdf\|Official Tournament Guidelines, 22 July 2004]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>		* [[Media:Tournament-EN-1.0.pdf\|Official Tournament Guidelines 1.0]] (22 July 2004) - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>

Teltura at 02:44, 15 November 2021

2021-11-15T02:44:49Z

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	As the game matured, Decipher of course found themselves making more and more varied rulings over specific card wordings, combos, or mechanics. Sometimes a card would need to be reworded, clarified, or in some circumstances even modified from its original form (called thereafter an ''errata''). Other times the rules themselves would have to be altered to fix issues only discovered (or fully respected) after a set's release.		As the game matured, Decipher of course found themselves making more and more varied rulings over specific card wordings, combos, or mechanics. Sometimes a card would need to be reworded, clarified, or in some circumstances even modified from its original form (called thereafter an ''errata''). Other times the rules themselves would have to be altered to fix issues only discovered (or fully respected) after a set's release.

	With the release of the [[Two-Player Trading Card Game]] product around the release of [[The Two Towers]], Decipher released a more exhaustive rulebook that was a combination of the Starter Rulebook, Deluxe Rulebook, and all the card erratas and rulings. Paired with the [[QuickStart Tutorial CD-ROM]], this rulebook was dubbed the ''QuickStart Tutorial Rulebook'' on the front cover, although the pages of the manual called itself the '''Comprehensive Rulebook'''.		With the release of the [[Two-Player Trading Card Game]] product around the release of [[The Two Towers]], Decipher released a more exhaustive rulebook that was a combination of the Starter Rulebook, Deluxe Rulebook, and all the card erratas and rulings. Paired with the [[QuickStart Tutorial CD-ROM]], this rulebook was dubbed the ''QuickStart Tutorial Rulebook'' on the front cover, although the pages of the manual called itself the '''Comprehensive Rulebook'''. Unlike starter rulebooks which were the size of a standard card (3.5" x 2.5"), the QuickStart manual was 7" x 5".

	With the release of [[The Return of the King]], the Comprehensive Rulebook was updated to include all information released in the FAQ documents, and Version 2.0 of the rulebook was born (it was at this time that the FAQ document was rebranded the CRD as well). Thus combined with the CRDs, this rulebook became the be-all end-all for card rulings that could be referenced during high-end tournament disputes.		With the release of [[The Return of the King]], the Comprehensive Rulebook was updated to include all information released in the FAQ documents, and Version 2.0 of the rulebook was born (it was at this time that the FAQ document was rebranded the CRD as well). Thus combined with the CRDs, this rulebook became the be-all end-all for card rulings that could be referenced during high-end tournament disputes.

Teltura at 20:40, 13 November 2021

2021-11-13T20:40:58Z

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	With the release of [[The Return of the King]], the Comprehensive Rulebook was updated to include all information released in the FAQ documents, and Version 2.0 of the rulebook was born (it was at this time that the FAQ document was rebranded the CRD as well). Thus combined with the CRDs, this rulebook became the be-all end-all for card rulings that could be referenced during high-end tournament disputes.		With the release of [[The Return of the King]], the Comprehensive Rulebook was updated to include all information released in the FAQ documents, and Version 2.0 of the rulebook was born (it was at this time that the FAQ document was rebranded the CRD as well). Thus combined with the CRDs, this rulebook became the be-all end-all for card rulings that could be referenced during high-end tournament disputes.

	Version 3.0 was released sometime around [[Reflections]], and version 4.0 shortly before [[Shadows]]. Version 4.0 was the last version officially released by Decipher, and from that point on it was the job of the Current Rulings Documents to contain any further rulings after that point. A Wiki version of version 4.0 can be found at [[Comprehensive Rules 4-0]].		Version 3.0 was released sometime around [[Reflections]], and version 4.0 shortly before [[Shadows]]. Version 4.0 was the last version officially released by Decipher, and from that point on it was the job of the Current Rulings Documents to contain any further rulings after that point. A Wiki version of version 4.0 can be found at [[Comprehensive Rules 4.0]].

	* [[Media:Rules-Comprehensive-EN-1.0.pdf\|QuickStart Tutorial Rulebook (Comprehensive Rules 1.0)]] (June 2003, [[Battle of Helm's Deep]] era)		* [[Media:Rules-Comprehensive-EN-1.0.pdf\|QuickStart Tutorial Rulebook (Comprehensive Rules 1.0)]] (June 2003, [[Battle of Helm's Deep]] era)

Morvael: info about lost One Ring entry

2021-11-13T16:25:26Z

info about lost One Ring entry

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	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam did not make it into the following CRD due to an oversight)		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam and taking off the One Ring at the end of the regroup phase did not make it into the following CRD due to an oversight)
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>

Teltura at 07:10, 13 November 2021

2021-11-13T07:10:28Z

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	[[File:Rules-Starter-EN_Set-01.pdf\|right\|thumb\|500px\|The cover to the first Starter Rulebook for [[The Fellowship of the Ring]]]]		[[File:Rules-Starter-EN_Set-01.pdf\|right\|thumb\|500px\|The cover to the first Starter Rulebook for [[The Fellowship of the Ring]]]]

	In the Lord of the Rings TCG, [[Rulebooks]] were collections of, well, ''rules'' that outlined both general and specific guidelines of how the game was to be played. ~~Though there~~ were several ~~flavors of each type of rulebook, each iteration composed Decipher's last word at any given era. There were three general~~ types of ~~rulebooks~~:		In the Lord of the Rings TCG, [[Rulebooks]] were collections of, well, ''rules'' that outlined both general and specific guidelines of how the game was to be played. There were several different types of rule documents:

	* '''''Starter Rulebooks''''', included with [[Starter Decks]] that included an overview of the game rules and some simplified starter rules.		* '''''Starter Rulebooks''''', included with [[Starter Decks]] that included an overview of the game rules and some simplified starter rules.

Teltura at 06:59, 13 November 2021

2021-11-13T06:59:28Z

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	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam did not make it into the ~~Comprehensive Rules 4.0~~)		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam did not make it into the following CRD due to an oversight)
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>

Teltura: Overhauled article to refer to hosted wiki links. Completely rewrote all the editorialized descriptions.

2021-11-13T06:53:57Z

Overhauled article to refer to hosted wiki links. Completely rewrote all the editorialized descriptions.

Show changes

Teltura at 06:18, 13 November 2021

2021-11-13T06:18:24Z

Show changes

Teltura at 05:21, 13 November 2021

2021-11-13T05:21:28Z

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	'''''<big>If you have any files not listed below, please help us complete our collection! [[Special:Upload\|Upload them here]], or contact the PC at [https://lotrtcgpc.net/discord the PC Discord server here].</big>'''''		'''''<big>If you have any files not listed below, please help us complete our collection! [[Special:Upload\|Upload them here]], or contact the PC at [https://lotrtcgpc.net/discord the PC Discord server here].</big>'''''

	==Starter Rulebooks==		== Starter Rulebooks ==
	There was one '''Starter Rulebook''' for each set that included the bare minimum of explanation of game rules for the cards released with the two Starter Packs for that set. It is a good starting point for new players, but be advised that some of the rules were simplified for use of those packs (for instance, if a player ever runs out of cards in their deck, that player could shuffle their discard pile into a new deck once per game, a concept that has no equivalent in regular constructed play).

	~~<div hide>DO NOT update~~ the ~~links below to~~ the ~~wiki versions;~~ some of the ~~wiki versions are not working~~, ~~I have changed the broken links to my personal dropbox --TelTura~~		There was one '''Starter Rulebook''' for each set that included a pared-down explanation of game rules, which focused on covering the mechanics pertinent for the cards included in the [[Starter Decks]] for that set. Starter rulebooks remain a good starting point for new players, but be advised that some of the rules were simplified for use of those decks. For instance, these rules permit that if a player ever runs out of cards in their deck, that player can reshuffle their discard pile into a new deck once per game, a concept that has no equivalent in regular constructed play.
	~~<div hide>Since Dropbox has altered the way they~~ permit ~~access to public files~~, ~~I have moved all dropbox links to Google Drive~~. --~~teltura~~

			[[File:Rules-Starter-CS_Set-04.pdf\|Fellowship of the Ring - English]]
	* [[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0LYycfi-K18bkhiSVF4THlxYVk\|Fellowship of the Ring Starter]]		* [[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0LYycfi-K18bkhiSVF4THlxYVk\|Fellowship of the Ring Starter]]
	* [[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0LYycfi-K18M0dvY25hOUdiU2c\|Mines of Moria Starter]]		* [[https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B0LYycfi-K18M0dvY25hOUdiU2c\|Mines of Moria Starter]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:25, 13 November 2021
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	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam did not make it into the following CRD due to an oversight)		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam and taking off the One Ring at the end of the regroup phase did not make it into the following CRD due to an oversight)
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:59, 13 November 2021
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	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-05-22b.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-05-22 - English (revision B)]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2006-08-07.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2006-08-07 - English]]
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam did not make it into the ~~Comprehensive Rules 4.0~~)		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-01-29.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-01-29 - English]] (Note that a ruling here regarding Sam did not make it into the following CRD due to an oversight)
	* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>		* [[Media:CRD-EN_2007-08-13.pdf\|Current Rulings Document: 2007-08-13 - English]] - <big>'''Most Recent Version'''</big>