Stupid Swarm

Stupid Swarm is a very simple Shadow deck that plays all one-cost minions with relatively low site numbers, in the hopes of swarming the Free Peoples player, generally at site 4. This is a Rainbow shadow with minions from many cultures, and generally few other card types. Depending on the format, this can include Moria, Isengard orcs, Wraith orcs, Raiders, Orcs, and/or Men. Isenorcs in particular are useful because they contribute to the swarm but can also wound characters in the Regroup Phase if they survive. Sauron minions and Uruk-hai from any faction are rare due to their higher site numbers, although, in Fellowship Block, Hollin (2C119) can help with the latter.

It's played in almost every format, and while it's not strong and generally considered gimmicky, it is very straightforward and can occasionally catch opponents unawares. Like most swarm decks, it's generally vulnerable to Archery, Defender +1 companions, skirmish cancellation (especially in formats before Movie Block/King Block), overwhelm protection, large Fellowships, or swarm hate like Power Accroding To His Stature . One Fellowship Block variant uses Pass of Caradhras (1U348) to set up Saruman's Snows (1C138) , sometimes in conjunction with Isengard Warrior (3U61) , to prevent the Free Peoples player from using certain types of activated ability to defend against the swarm.

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