Description
Will you lead the Fellowship of the Ring, defend the free peoples and destroy the One Ring? Or will you, as Sauron, hunt Frodo and Sam and send your hordes to the gates of enemy cities? In The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth the fate of Middle-earth lies in the hands of two players. The game is based on the popular 7 Wonders Duel, but brings its own story and three different paths to victory.
How to play The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth
The game is played over three chapters. Cards are laid out in the middle of the table, some face up, others face down. You take turns taking a card that is not covered by any other card, and either play it or discard it for coins. Cards give you abilities, coins, races of Middle-earth, units in regions or a step along the path of the Ring; instead of taking a card, you can buy a landmark and build a fortress.
You win immediately when you meet one of three conditions: you complete the path of the Ring (the Fellowship brings Frodo and Sam to Mount Doom, or the Nazgûl of Sauron catch them), you gather the support of six different races, or you are present in all seven regions. If nobody succeeds by the end of the third chapter, the player present in more regions wins.
Why you will like it
- Every card you take is a card your opponent won't get - you often take a card just to stop them.
- Three paths to victory mean you always have to watch which goal your opponent is closest to.
- On the path of the Ring, the Nazgûl keep closing in on Frodo and Sam - the hunt stays tense until the very last move.
- From the second chapter on, you play cards with a matching symbol for free, so early decisions pay off.
Who is The Lord of the Rings: Duel for Middle-Earth for
The game is for 2 players aged 10 and up, and a game takes about 30 minutes. It is moderately easy: the rules are short, but the symbols on the cards take a while to learn. It is the right choice for couples and for fans of The Lord of the Rings or 7 Wonders Duel.
What you might not like
The game is a direct duel in which your opponent often thwarts your plans, so it may not suit those who prefer calmer games in which everyone builds for themselves.
What is in the box
- 69 chapter cards and 7 landmark tiles
- main board and a path of the Ring track made of 4 parts
- units and fortresses for the Fellowship and Sauron
- 30 coins and 18 alliance tokens
- player aid and rules
