Gandalf, FotS is a powerful version of Gandalf who is only really usable in Fellowship Block, as subsequent sets released many cards that punish multi-cultural/multi-racial fellowships, such as Grima, Chief Counselor. Also, new versions of Gandalf were released that could obtain strength bonuses from other sources, such as Gandalf, The White Wizard and Gandalf, Mithrandir. Nonetheless, this is the strongest Gandalf available in Fellowship block and works well as a good tank, as he can get up to 13 strength with Glamdring and Wizard Staff. Even if you can't spot all the specified races, spotting 3 is still enough for this Gandalf to be a strong choice (if you have less than 3 you should consider The Grey Pilgrim). Note that you will always be able to spot a Hobbit, so his base strength is actually 7. As this is the best choice of Gandalf for fighting, good cards to use with him are Trust me as you once did (With a Gandalf signet fellowship) and Mysterious Wizard as a large pump, although Servant of the Secret Fire may be preferable due to its increased versatility.

• Uruk-hai
• Nazgul
• Orc Pillager
• Troop of Uruk-hai

• Too Great and Terrible (Perhaps more so than other versions of Gandalf, as he is the main fighter)
• Multiculture Hate (The Two Towers onwards) and hate to a specific culture or race (the opponent will have often an Elf, a Man and a Dwarf to spot and target)
• Multirace Hate (Massing in the East, One of You Must Do This, Old Differences)
• Wounding and Archery decks, against which his high strength is generally overkill.