Chapter 6 is upon us. We have walked a third of this winding road and each chapter grows more cunning than the last. In this adventure Frodo travels with Tom Bombadil, and Pippin, and at last we welcome Goldberry into our circle. I am grateful to be playing alone, for it took three brave attempts to tame this tricky chapter.

I have grown fond of the back of the chapter card. The words pull me in like moonlight through the trees: “On either side ahead of darkness began to loom through the mist; and he guessed that they were at last approaching the gap in the hills, the north‑gate of the Barrow‑downs. If they could pass that, they would be free.”

I chose Frodo, Tom Bombadil and Goldberry as the required companions, and I invited Pippin to round out our fellowship. Goldberry, our newest friend, carries a delicate challenge. She must win exactly three tricks in a row—no more, no fewer—and it makes every hand pulse with possibility.

This chapter unfolds in a curious way. At the initial deal Tom Bombadil receives five extra cards, while Goldberry is handed her entire hand for the whole game before it even begins. Frodo and Pippin draw the usual four cards each. Their different fates set the stage for what is to come.

In solo play only one trade may be swapped among friends. I decided that Frodo would share his 2 of Mountains with Tom Bombadil in exchange for Tom’s 7 of Shadows. Frodo needs Rings, and I knew Tom would use that Shadow card to good effect in the first trick.

Frodo opened with the 1 of Shadows. True to form, Tom claimed that round. His win condition requires him to hold at least three cards matching the final suit at the end of the game, so he plans to hoard Shadows for that very purpose

As a solo player I see every card in every hand, yet coordinating their strengths remains a challenge. In the next trick Tom led with the 1 of Forest but Goldberry rose to the moment and won.

Frodo and Pippin could not follow suit and shed their low cards, preparing themselves for what lay ahead. That victory marked Goldberry’s first of three consecutive wins.

She pressed on with an 8 of Hills and secured the second win, her eyes shining with determination

Goldberry then began the next round with a 6 of Mountains. Frodo held the 1 of Rings but held it close to his chest. In this cooperative quest every voice must be heard, and Goldberry needed her streak intact.

With that 6 of Mountains she completed her trio of victories. I placed her token gently on her card as a promise that she has met her goal, though I will double‑check at the end.

Goldberry played the 5 of Mountains in the next round, intentionally stepping aside so Pippin and Tom Bombadil could play their high Mountains.

Frodo then unveiled the 1 of Rings and claimed the trick, sparing Pippin another win and keeping him at the bottom where he must remain. I usually try to make sure Pippin does not win any, if I can.

That play opened the way for the Ring suit. Only once a Ring appears may anyone lead with it, and so Frodo’s 1 of Rings unlocked that door. He now stands with his first Ring card, and three more lie ahead.

He followed with the 5 of Rings, and each companion bowed to the new suit, leaving Frodo to claim all five Ring cards by the round’s end. His heart must have soared at the sight of them. This means he satisfied his win condition! Check out all his Rings.

I placed Frodo’s token on his card to mark his triumph. To recap, all we need to do is make sure that Pippin does not win much and that Tom Bombadil ends up with a Mountain card.

Frodo led the penultimate trick with the 7 of Hills and won with assured grace. For the final round he played the 3 of Forest. It may be small, but he knew it would carry the day.

Here is Tom Bombadil’s hand: with Pippin’s gift of the 2 of Shadows he now holds five Shadows in total and fulfills his win condition. Placing his token felt like watching sunlight through the canopy.

Pippin, dear Pippin, did not win a single trick and that means victory for him in the gentlest way.

All four companions met their win conditions. Frodo with his Rings, Pippin by graciously staying out of the limelight, Tom Bambadil won at least three cards in a suit and he needs to have a card from that suit in his hand and Goldberry won three tricks, only three tricks, in a row. Since all of the team won their win conditions, we can move on.

Chapter 6 is complete. Until we gather again for Chapter 7, may your cards align in your favor and your tales always find a happy ending.

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