Mulligan

A Mulligan (or "do-over") refers to re-drawing your opening hand if you deem it too poor. Within the context of the LOTR-TCG, it is a rule specifically made for tournaments which permits players to shuffle their starting hand back into their deck at a penalty (redrawing only 6 cards instead of the usual 8). This was done as in other card games to try and alleviate poor luck somewhat and reduce friction in a tournament setting. It was first introduced in October 2001, just prior to Worlds 2002.

This ruling has since been widely adopted for casual play within the community.

From the Official Tournament Guidelines:

After all players have drawn their starting hands (before the first turn begins), each player (in player order) may shuffle his or her hand into his or her draw deck and draw 6 cards.

The cards in the original hand are not revealed to anyone. This redraw may be for any reason. Each player may redraw only once per game. A player who passes on the opportunity to redraw may not change his mind.

- Redrawing your hand section

See also this thread on the old CobraCards forums for tips regarding mulligan strategy.

References

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Game Concepts

Play Area
Piles	Draw Deck	Adventure Deck	Discard Pile	Dead Pile
Other	Fellowship	Support Area	Twilight Pool	Adventure Path

The Turn Sequence
Fellowship Phase	Shadow Phase	Maneuver Phase	Archery Phase	Assignment Phase	Skirmish Phase