Gollum, Scheming Guide⁚ A Comprehensive Guide
Gollum, Scheming Guide is a legendary creature card from the Magic⁚ The Gathering set The Lord of the Rings⁚ Tales of Middle-earth. He is a Halfling Horror with a unique ability that can disrupt your opponent’s strategy and provide you with a significant advantage in the game. This guide will delve into Gollum, Scheming Guide’s abilities, his role in the game, deck building strategies, and his impact on the Magic⁚ The Gathering meta.
Introduction
Gollum, Scheming Guide, a legendary creature card from the The Lord of the Rings⁚ Tales of Middle-earth set, introduces a unique element of deception and manipulation to the Magic⁚ The Gathering battlefield. This card, inspired by the iconic character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved fantasy world, offers a compelling gameplay experience that combines resource management with a touch of psychological warfare. Gollum, Scheming Guide’s ability to manipulate the top cards of your library and force your opponent to guess their contents adds a layer of strategic depth and unpredictability to the game. This guide will explore the intricacies of Gollum, Scheming Guide’s abilities, his potential strategies, and his impact on the Magic⁚ The Gathering meta, providing a comprehensive look at this intriguing card.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Abilities
Gollum, Scheming Guide possesses a captivating ability that hinges on manipulation and a touch of psychological warfare. Whenever Gollum attacks, you get to peek at the top two cards of your library, rearrange them, and choose whether the top card is a land or a nonland. Then, your opponent must guess what type of card is on top of your library. If they guess correctly, Gollum is removed from combat, but if they guess incorrectly, he continues the attack. This ability allows you to influence the flow of the game by manipulating the top cards of your library and forcing your opponent to make a choice based on limited information. Gollum’s ability provides you with a strategic advantage by potentially disrupting your opponent’s plans or setting up a favorable scenario for your next turn.
The Scheming Guide’s Role in Magic⁚ The Gathering
Gollum, Scheming Guide fills a unique role in Magic⁚ The Gathering, acting as a potent disruptor and a valuable tool for controlling the flow of the game. His ability allows you to manipulate your library and influence the direction of the game. This makes him a valuable asset in decks focused on controlling the board and disrupting your opponent’s strategies. Gollum’s ability to force your opponent to guess the nature of your top card adds an element of unpredictability to your attacks, making him a formidable force in both aggressive and defensive strategies. His ability to manipulate your library and influence the game can make him a pivotal factor in determining the outcome of a match.
Building Decks with Gollum, Scheming Guide
Gollum, Scheming Guide is a powerful card that can be incorporated into various deck strategies. While he shines in decks designed to control the board and disrupt your opponent’s plans, he can also be a valuable asset in decks focused on aggressive play. For example, in a control deck, Gollum’s ability to manipulate your library can help you find the specific cards you need to counter your opponent’s threats. In an aggressive deck, Gollum’s ability to force your opponent to guess the nature of your top card can create opportunities for you to break through their defenses and deal significant damage. When building a deck with Gollum, Scheming Guide, it’s important to consider the overall strategy of your deck and how his abilities can complement your chosen playstyle.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Synergies
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s ability to manipulate the top cards of your library creates several synergistic possibilities with other cards. Cards that benefit from drawing cards, such as “Read the Bones,” can be powerful additions to a deck featuring Gollum. Additionally, cards that utilize the top card of your library, such as “Scrying,” can be used to further manipulate the top of your library, making it more likely that you will draw the card you need when Gollum attacks. Furthermore, Gollum’s ability to remove himself from combat can be used to protect valuable creatures or artifacts. For example, if your opponent is about to cast a spell that would destroy your creatures, you can attack with Gollum, forcing them to guess your top card. If they guess correctly, Gollum will be removed from combat, protecting your other creatures from the spell. This allows you to create a more defensive and resilient game plan, making Gollum a valuable asset in a variety of deck strategies.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Weaknesses
Despite his unique and potentially game-changing abilities, Gollum, Scheming Guide has some weaknesses that players need to be aware of. One major weakness is his susceptibility to removal spells. As a creature with a relatively low power and toughness, Gollum can be easily eliminated by spells like “Doom Blade” or “Lightning Bolt,” leaving you without his manipulative abilities. Furthermore, his reliance on the top two cards of your library can be unpredictable. If you are unlucky, you may draw two cards that are not beneficial to your strategy, leaving you with little to no advantage. This can be particularly frustrating if your opponent has a card that can force you to reveal the top card of your library, making it easier for them to guess the outcome of Gollum’s ability. Additionally, Gollum’s ability to remove himself from combat can backfire if your opponent is able to exploit this weakness. If they have a creature with a high power, they can attack Gollum and force you to guess their top card. If they guess correctly, Gollum will be removed from combat, leaving you vulnerable to their attack.
Popular Decks Featuring Gollum, Scheming Guide
Gollum, Scheming Guide has found a home in a variety of popular decks, showcasing his versatility in different strategies. One popular deck featuring Gollum is the “Orzhov Midrange” deck. This deck utilizes Gollum’s ability to manipulate the top two cards of the library to gain card advantage and control the board. Gollum’s ability to remove himself from combat can also be useful in this deck, as it allows you to protect him from removal spells and use him as a blocker against larger creatures. Another popular deck featuring Gollum is the “Mono-Black Control” deck. This deck focuses on controlling the board and winning through attrition. Gollum’s ability to manipulate the top two cards of the library can be used to find key cards like “Thoughtseize” or “Duress.” Additionally, Gollum’s ability to remove himself from combat can be used to protect him from attacks and allow him to continue manipulating the game. While Gollum, Scheming Guide has found a place in various decks, his unique ability and potential for disruption make him a valuable asset in any strategy that aims to control the game and gain card advantage.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Price and Availability
Gollum, Scheming Guide is a popular card in the Magic⁚ The Gathering community, and as such, its price and availability can fluctuate. The card is available in both regular and extended art versions. The regular version of Gollum, Scheming Guide can be found for around 215 rubles, while the extended art version sells for about 575 rubles. These prices can vary depending on the condition of the card and the seller. The card is widely available online through various marketplaces and stores specializing in Magic⁚ The Gathering cards. You can also find Gollum, Scheming Guide at local game stores, though availability may vary depending on the store’s inventory. The card is also available through the Magic⁚ The Gathering Online platform, where you can acquire digital versions of the card. When considering purchasing Gollum, Scheming Guide, it is important to research different sellers and compare prices to find the best deal for you.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Lore and Connection to The Lord of the Rings
Gollum, Scheming Guide is a powerful representation of the iconic character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The card’s artwork perfectly captures the creature’s sinister appearance, emphasizing his greed and cunning. Gollum’s ability to manipulate the top cards of your library, forcing your opponent to guess their nature, directly reflects his penchant for riddles and his obsession with the One Ring. The card’s name, “Scheming Guide,” further emphasizes Gollum’s manipulative and treacherous nature, highlighting his role as a cunning guide who uses his knowledge to achieve his own goals. Gollum, Scheming Guide’s inclusion in the The Lord of the Rings⁚ Tales of Middle-earth set serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Tolkien’s world and its rich tapestry of characters, bringing a piece of Middle-earth to the world of Magic⁚ The Gathering.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Impact on the Meta
Gollum, Scheming Guide has had a notable impact on the Magic⁚ The Gathering meta, particularly in the Commander format. His ability to manipulate the top cards of your library has made him a valuable asset for decks that rely on specific card draws or have a high density of lands. His unique ability to force your opponent to guess the nature of the top card adds a layer of unpredictability to the game, making it difficult for your opponent to plan their next move. Gollum’s presence has also encouraged players to explore new deck building strategies, focusing on manipulating the top of their library to maximize their advantage. While Gollum’s impact on the standard format has been less significant, he has still found a place in some decks, particularly those that utilize card draw and manipulation strategies. Gollum, Scheming Guide’s ability to disrupt and control the flow of the game has made him a valuable card for players looking to gain an edge in the ever-evolving world of Magic⁚ The Gathering.
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s Place in the History of Magic⁚ The Gathering
Gollum, Scheming Guide’s arrival in the Magic⁚ The Gathering landscape marked a significant moment in the game’s history, signifying the expansion of the game’s lore and themes beyond its traditional fantasy roots. His inclusion, drawing inspiration from J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic The Lord of the Rings, served as a testament to the game’s increasing willingness to incorporate beloved fictional characters and narratives into its card design. Gollum’s unique ability, which plays on his cunning and manipulative nature in Tolkien’s work, added a layer of strategic depth to the game, offering players a new way to interact with the top of their libraries and disrupt their opponents’ game plans. His presence in the game also sparked a wave of interest in the Lord of the Rings universe among Magic⁚ The Gathering players, further solidifying the game’s place as a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations and interests.
Gollum, Scheming Guide, a creature card born from the rich tapestry of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, has carved a unique niche in the Magic⁚ The Gathering landscape. His ability to manipulate the top of your library, forcing your opponent into a guessing game, offers a compelling strategic element that adds a layer of intrigue and unpredictability to the game. While Gollum’s effectiveness may fluctuate depending on the meta, his potential for disrupting your opponent’s plans and creating unexpected opportunities remains undeniable. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a new player venturing into the world of Magic⁚ The Gathering, Gollum, Scheming Guide presents a compelling option for deck building, offering a unique blend of cunning, strategy, and a touch of Middle-earth magic.
Further Reading and Resources
To delve deeper into the world of Gollum, Scheming Guide and the broader realm of Magic⁚ The Gathering, consider exploring these resources⁚
- Gatherer⁚ This official Magic⁚ The Gathering card database provides comprehensive information on Gollum, Scheming Guide, including rulings, flavor text, and art variations. (https://gatherer.wizards.com/Pages/Card/Details.aspx?multiverseid=522990)
- MTG Goldfish⁚ This website offers decklists, price guides, and articles covering various aspects of Magic⁚ The Gathering, including strategies for using Gollum, Scheming Guide effectively. (https://www.mtggoldfish.com/)
- The Lord of the Rings⁚ Tales of Middle-earth⁚ This official Magic⁚ The Gathering set website features information about the cards, lore, and design philosophy behind the set, providing context for Gollum, Scheming Guide’s place in the world of Middle-earth. (https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/mtg-set/the-lord-of-the-rings-tales-middle-earth)
These resources can help you expand your knowledge of Gollum, Scheming Guide and the ever-evolving world of Magic⁚ The Gathering.