The time has come to venture deeper into Middle-earth with Chapter 5 of our Fellowship’s card-bound quest.

On this leg, Frodo journeys with the merry trio of Tom Bombadil, Merry, and Pippin. Their bright hearts and steady hands must each fulfill a personal goal if our shared tale is to press onward.

“There was not as yet any sign of a path, and the trees seemed constantly to bar their way. Pippin suddenly felt that he could not bear it any longer, and without warning let out a shout. ‘Oi! Oi!’ he cried. ‘I am not going to do anything. Just let me pass through, will you!’”

In this Old Forest chapter, the rules bend like willow branches. All Forest cards are set aside, and the 9 of Forest is woven into the main deck. Now each trick’s winner must spar with Old Man Willow’s card—unless someone plays the 1 of Rings, which, of course, triumphs above all.

Tom Bombadil holds the first hand, bearing a curious burden: he must collect three cards matching the final suit of each trick. This quest shifts with every round’s color and creature, and it makes his path delightfully unpredictable

In this solo mode, only one trade may be whispered among the fellowship. I decided Pippin would part with his 3 of Rings in exchange for Frodo’s 2 of Mountains. Frodo’s heart yearns for Rings and Pippin’s gentle journey calls for no wins at all, so that sturdy mountain card will help him slip through unseen

Frodo opens the first trick with the 4 of Shadows, and every companion dutifully follows suit. Tom, with a merry spark in his eye, claims the Shadow trick with his own card. I can almost hear the laughter in the leaves

When Tom’s 5 of Shadows meets Old Man Willow’s 5 of Forest, our bright‑hearted Bombadil is declared the winner. Ties go to the challenger, after all

Next, Tom leads with the 4 of Hills, but Old Man Willow’s 9 of Forest sweeps the board. None of us held the only card that could rival that mighty nine, so we use the round to shed our smaller treasures and steel ourselves for what is to come

Old Man Willow’s 9 of Forest sweeps the board. None of us held the only card that could rival that mighty nine, so we use the round to shed our smaller treasures and steel ourselves for what is to come

Because Old Man Willow claimed that trick, Frodo begins the next. He plays the 6 of Mountains. Merry answers with his 7 of Mountains and secures the trick.

Afterward, Merry’s winning card outshines Old Man Willow’s 3 of Forest, earning him a second victory and the shining token that marks his success

Then Frodo reveals the 1 of Rings—the One Ring to rule them all—and claims both the trick and Old Man Willow’s challenge in one glorious sweep. His first Ring card joins his growing collection

That triumph brings Frodo three Ring cards, a splendid stride toward his four‑card destiny.

When he next plays the 4 of Rings, no one else dares follow suit, and Frodo’s ring bests Old Man Willow’s 4 of Forest, adding a fourth Ring to his proud collection

Frodo played the 3 of Rings and he feels extremely good about this round. There are so few Ring cards and Frodo knows he will win, since he has them all.

He finishes the chapter by playing the 3 of Rings against Old Man Willow’s 1 of Forest, securing his fifth Ring card and completing his personal quest with quiet joy

Tom Bombadil, having gathered four Shadow cards, places his token with a merry flourish. Merry stands tall with his single winning trick, and Pippin remains undefeated—his path of zero wins a gentle triumph indeed

Frodo was so fortunate to win all five of the Ring cards. That means he won his win condition.

Here are all of the win conditions showed off at once. Notice all of the beautiful tokens. It took a couple of times to win, but I did it!

Congratulations team! All four companions sparkle with success. Chapter 5 is complete. Until our next wander among the ancient trees of Chapter 6, may your cards fall kindly and your adventures always be shared

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