A “winner takes all” event, Despair creates an instant win when certain conditions are met by the Shadow player. Despair requires twilight in the Maneuver phase, a Orc in play, and a combination of twelve burdens or companions in the dead pile. In theory, the event sounds reasonable enough–such a complete attack should have the opponent against the ropes. In practice, the card is not very playable. While the twilight and Orc are easy enough spotting requirements, the combination of burdens and dead companions is remarkably high at 12. At even numbers, 6 burdens and 6 companions in the dead pile suggests the Shadow player is already incredibly close to winning the game in most cases. In fact, many decks–particularly in Fellowship Block format–do not contain more than 5 companions in total, meaning the Shadow player would need eight burdens and the four companions killed.

• Ulaire Enquea, Lieutenant of Morgul can spot burdens to weaken or kill companions
• Desperate Defense of the Ring, Thin and Stretched, and The Ring Is Mine are solid burden cards

• Hand clog early in the game
• Incredibly situational
• Alternate Ring-Bearers are often corrupted long before the card can be played