One of the most common “splash” approaches to burden removal, Sam, Son of Hamfast can exert to remove a burden during the Fellowship phase. A “play him, exert him three times, then throw him in front of the Balrog” approach is incredibly common in almost any eligible format, as few cards are available to cultures that so easily remove burdens at a relatively low cost.

Some strategies focus on keeping Sam, Son of Hamfast alive, particularly with dangerous self-corrupting alternate Ring-Bearers, such as Gimli, Bearer of Grudges or Boromir, Bearer of Council. Any corruption or burden based strategy must make Sam, Son of Hamfast a target, whether by directed wounding, or Helpless, a bane of Sam. It is worth noting that Sam, Son of Hamfast has access to several healing cards and can be healed by Aragorn, King in Exile or Hard Choice, by the nature of his signet.

In decks running Frodo as a ring-bearer, Sam, Son of Hamfast is the obvious splash option. If Frodo absorbs too many burdens quickly, such as against Easterling Lieutenant and Vision From Afar, or takes burdens as archery or threat wounds quickly, Frodo can be the sacrificed pawn and Sam can take the ring. While trading off a lower resistance than Frodo offers, Sam can continuously remove his burdens each Fellowship phase, as long as he kept healed.

• Corruption strategies
• “Beasterling” strategies which rely on as few as two burdens

• Effects which hinder or prevent Sam's ability (Helpless, Throw yourself in Next Time or You Bring Great Evil)
• Assignment abilities, such as those of Saruman, Servant of the Eye, Orc Assassin or Frenzy (If exhausted)
• Directed wounding, such as Hate