Despair (1R243)
The Dark Lord's Summons (1U242) | Back to Fellowship of the Ring Index |
Desperate Defense of the Ring (1R244) |
Despair (1R243) is a Event from the Fellowship of the Ring set.
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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