With the morning mist still curling at the windows and a steaming cup of lavender tea in hand, I cracked open a magical little box I’d been saving for just the right day. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Trick-Taking Game is a storytelling card game like no other—cooperative, tricksy, and stitched with the magic of Middle-earth. I began this epic journey alone, wandering into Chapter One with nothing but a curious heart and four familiar friends at my side. This is the solo player version of this game.

This chapter unfolds through photos—each a glimpse into my first solo quest. It begins, fittingly, with a quote from Tolkien’s Chapter One of The Fellowship of the Ring. Already, I could feel the hush of the Shire and the quiet before the journey.

For this opening chapter, four companions joined me: Frodo, Bilbo, Gandalf, and dear Pippin. Each has their own win condition, and to complete the chapter, the whole team must fulfill their goals. A proper fellowship indeed!

Since I played solo, I began by dealing out four cards—one for each character—and giving Gandalf an extra one. That old wizard always seems to have something up his sleeve, doesn’t he?

Frodo led the first trick, bravely playing the 7 of Hills. It turned out to be the winning play. A quiet, solid start for our Ring bearer.

Next came Bilbo. I made sure he got the second trick—he’s got a big goal ahead: win at least three tricks. The little hobbit’s journey was already underway.

After every trick, a new card is dealt to each player, adding layers to the challenge. It keeps you thinking several steps ahead, like a chess match on a winding forest path.

Soon, Bilbo played the 6 of Hills. This was the moment. A Ring card! Our first. With that, I flipped the lovely wooden Ring token—now players could lead with Ring cards. The possibilities opened up.

Speaking of that token, have you seen it? It’s such a pretty little thing. Heavy with meaning and design. I couldn’t help but snap a photo before continuing.

Frodo, ever the earnest soul, played the 5 of Rings and earned his second Ring card. Then another. And another! He was rushing toward his goal of four Ring cards in what felt like no time at all.

Just look at them piling up! But there’s a delicate balance to this game—everyone must meet their condition.

Look at them pile up! But other people need to win and Frodo does not have a lot of options.

In one trick, Frodo played the 4 of Mountains, Pippin followed with the 2 of Mountains, Bilbo dropped the 3, and Gandalf swept in with a 6 of Mountains—his first win. Just what he needed!

The art on the cards is beautiful and has details of the story that will remind you of the Tolkien-like details.

Bilbo, ever the seasoned traveler, went on to win the next couple of tricks. And with that, he reached his goal: three tricks won. Another friend’s journey fulfilled.

Bilbo, ever the seasoned traveler, went on to win the next couple of tricks. And with that, he reached his goal: three tricks won. Another friend’s journey fulfilled.

And to wrap it all up with a bow of elven silk, Frodo won the final trick—playing the 1 of Rings. This card wins any trick, no matter the rest. A quiet but powerful victory for our brave hobbit. With that, Frodo completed his quest, and I placed the little star token on his card.

I took a snapshot of the final layout. Frodo had four Ring cards. Pippin—who needed the fewest tricks—had none at all and met his goal with grace. Bilbo achieved his three-win condition. Gandalf snagged one. With everyone’s goals complete, Chapter One is a success!

This photo has a summary of the goals. I took a snapshot of the final layout. Frodo had four Ring cards. Pippin—who needed the fewest tricks—had none at all and met his goal with grace. Bilbo achieved his three-win condition. Gandalf snagged one. With everyone’s goals complete, Chapter One is a success!

And now, the road stretches onward. Chapter Two awaits—with trickier win conditions and even more storytelling potential. I can’t wait to continue the journey, one carefully played card at a time.


If you’re curious about the game, here’s the link where you can start your own adventure: https://amzn.to/46GrRhE (affiliate link).

Until next time, my fellow travelers.