So far, this travel through the Fellowship of the Rings Trick Taking Game takes us on our journey with dear Frodo. Chapter 4 is the Conspiracy in Crickhollow. Our traveling party includes Frodo, Fatty Bolger, and Merry. And for this venture, I invited Pippin to come along. His win condition was the least fussy of the choices, and sometimes, that’s just what a journey calls for. As always, each companion must meet their own condition if we wish to continue the tale.

Let’s peek at those win conditions, like flipping over parchment maps. Frodo seeks four Ring cards to fulfill his destiny. Fatty Bolger needs to win exactly one trick—no more, no less (he’s very particular that way). Merry must win either one or two tricks (he’s got a sweet spot to hit), and dear Pippin must end with the fewest wins—or be tied for the bottom. Fatty is a curious fellow—he begins with nine cards, then shares one each with the others, a gift-giver at heart. But no one returns the favor. I let this be the one and only trade this round.

This quote from Chapter 4 sets the stage so sweetly. Fatty Bolger halts and says, “Good-bye, Frodo! I wish you were not going into the Forest. I only hope you will not need rescuing before the day is out. But good luck to you—today and every day!” Oh, my heart.

Let the adventure begin!

Here’s our opening scene: Fatty’s full hand of cards. Because he’ll gift three away, he’ll end up playing fewer rounds. That’s no cause for alarm—it’s just the way his story flows.

Fatty, generous as ever, gives Frodo the 5 of Rings, hands Merry the 2 of Rings, and passes the 6 of Forest to Pippin. These quiet gifts will ripple through the journey, just you wait. Remember, Fatty won’t draw again—these are the only cards he’ll play.

Frodo sets things in motion with the 8 of Hills and wins his first trick right away—hooray! Since Merry had no Hills to offer, Frodo swept it up. Then Frodo leads with the 6 of Mountains and Merry, ever steady, claims it with his 8 of Mountains. That’s Merry’s first trick—exactly what we hoped.

Merry, always the helper, has Frodo’s journey in mind. Knowing what cards are in every friend’s hand, he lays down the 5 of Shadows. Frodo dances in with the 8 of Shadows and takes the trick.

Frodo also gathers the 4 of Rings from Pippin, who let it go. That’s Frodo’s second Ring card. With the needs of the team in view, it seems Frodo may carry the heaviest load this round.

Sure enough, Frodo wins again while Merry and Pippin slough off a pair of 7s. Fatty only has two chances left to meet his one-win goal. The table is changing shape.

Frodo plays the 2 of Forest and—surprise!—Pippin wins. This counts as Pippin’s only win so far, which suits his condition just fine. But he mustn’t win again.

Ever the team player, Pippin now sets up a moment for Fatty Bolger to shine. And shine he does!

Fatty swoops in with a win on his second-to-last play—just what he needed. We gently place the token on Fatty’s card. A satisfying moment.

Then Frodo begins again, this time with the 5 of Rings. And look—he wins his third Ring! Take a breath and notice the purple backs of the cards. Aren’t they enchanting?

Frodo, determined and sure-footed, presses onward. No other Rings surface, which means his next plays are safe. He captures his fourth Ring card and completes his win condition with grace.

From here, Frodo’s aim is to guard Pippin from winning again. Each chapter deepens the challenge. The way is not easy, but it’s wondrous. This game is a joy to play—each moment another step through Middle-earth.

On his final hand, Frodo brings out the 1 of Rings—the card to rule them all. A fitting end to his personal quest. His token now rests proudly upon his card.

Now we take a quiet moment to reflect on the journey of Chapter 4. Frodo met his goal with five Ring cards. Fatty Bolger won exactly one trick, no more and no less. Merry, our steady lad, took just one win. And Pippin, dear mischievous Pippin, tied for the lowest wins with his single victory.

May your own travels be merry and your teacups full until we meet again for Chapter 5 of the Lord of the Rings Trick-Taking Game. If you feel the call of the cards, here’s a little magic door to begin your own adventure: https://amzn.to/46GrRhE (affiliate link).