Ahhh, Chapter 3… the wind in the hedgerows feels different now, doesn’t it? There’s a new shimmer in the air because this chapter welcomes a fresh face to the fellowship. Our little card-bound journey continues, and I, Meadow Muse, am once again playing solo, tucked in with warm socks and a keen eye on the quest ahead.

Let me tell you about each traveler’s goal: Frodo must win 4 or more Ring cards. Farmer Maggot must collect 2 cards with the number 3—any suit will do. Gildor Inglorion must play a Forest card in the final round. Pippin must win the fewest tricks of the party.

At first glance, Gildor seemed tricky—but it turns out, they don’t even need to win. They simply need to show up at the right time with a Forest card in hand. That’s my kind of elvish grace.

Before we play, we pause. There’s a quote from the book—Chapter 3 of The Fellowship of the Ring: Frodo sat down beside Sam and began to eat. ‘What is the plan for today?’ asked Pippin. ‘To walk in the Bucklebury as quickly as possible,’ answered Frodo, and gave his attention to the food.

A quiet moment before the storm of strategy.

We drew from the stack of four Black Rider cards and fate handed us number 3. This meant Farmer Maggot must end with two cards numbered 3 of any suit. This added urgency and purpose to his quest.

Now, in this solo mode, only one trade is allowed between companions. So Frodo, sweet Frodo, decided to offer a card to Gildor, giving them an extra Forest card. This would help ensure they’d have one left for the final round.

And can we just take a breath for the art? The cards glisten like stained glass in Rivendell’s halls. Every hand feels like holding a page from a living storybook.

We begin. Frodo opens with the 8 of Hills. Gildor responds with a 6 of Hills, Farmer Maggot lays down a 2 of Hills, and poor Pippin, lacking any Hills, places a Forest card.

Frodo wins the round—but alas, not a Ring card. Still, it’s a clean win and a good start. In my solo sessions, I organize won cards neatly beside each character, like little piles of their own growing lore.

The hands weren’t randomly drawn—I matched characters to their starting cards with intention. Gildor has the most Forests. Pippin, the worst hand. It’s all by design in this cooperative tale.

This is a cooperative game, meaning all need to win together. Frodo sees a moment to help Farmer Maggot grab a 3, nudging the game toward success—and it works! Farmer Maggot wins their first three!

Thank goodness Farmer Maggot gets to start the hand, they know that the only card Pippin can play is a 3!

And then, magic: Farmer Maggot starts a hand, knowing Pippin can only play the 3—which means he gets his second 3. Two 3s, and a satisfied win condition. The old farmer earns his token, proudly placed upon his card. Now it’s time for others to shine.

Farmer Maggot plays the 7 of Forest, but Frodo has no Forests to match. So what does he play?

The 1 of Rings. The One Ring to rule them all. This card wins everything, every time. It’s the crown jewel of the deck, and Frodo claims his first Ring. This is a very special card. Think of it this way, this card is the one ring to rule them all. So Frodo wins the round and gets his first Ring card.

Next, Frodo plays the 4 of Rings, causing both Pippin and Farmer Maggot to follow suit.

This brings Frodo’s Ring count to four; enough to fulfill his destiny. His token joins Farmer Maggot’s in a gleeful little line. Now, two companions’ quests are done. Time to support the others.

Frodo plays the 8 of Mountains—and wins again. That’s ideal, because it ensures Pippin stays winless. No tricks for our mischievous hobbit. It’s all part of the plan.

A few more rounds pass—quiet ripples on the river—until at last we arrive at the final round. And now it’s Gildor’s time to step into the light.

Their last card? A Forest. Perfect. It doesn’t matter whether they win or lose—just playing it completes their journey. A token for Gildor. Sweet success.

All four companions met their win conditions. Frodo with his Rings, Farmer Maggot with his pair of 3s, Gildor with their final Forest, and Pippin by graciously staying out of the limelight. And then… we check in on Pippin. He hasn’t won a single trick, so that is a win for him!

Chapter 3 is complete. Until we meet again in Chapter 4—may your cards fall kindly and your adventures always be shared.

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