Constructed Tournament Apeldoorn, 6 January 2001
- An illustrated report -

(by Simone de Ruyter)

	Apeldoorn had the honor of hosting the first Dutch Middle-earth tournament of 2001. Not surprising considering the fact that Apeldoorn is the unofficial Middle-earth capital of the Netherlands. Really, little village A'doorn is inhabited by more [listed] Middle-earth players than for example Utrecht or Leiden. Although both places come close [good work Jean Paul and Ard!]. Sixteen players showed up, most of which came from the local playgroup. But there were also players who came regardless a long journey from Almere or Zaandam. Great to have such enthusiastic players! Left Willem van de Glind and Eric Dané, the only fallen wizards facing one another. Eric won 4-2.
	By exception this tournament in Apeldoorn was not organized by Wim Heemskerk but by Richard Telgen, who had support from the council and a few devoted players. We played in a clubhouse where we occupied almost every table in the bar. A nice location although the folk-dancing in the room nearby was very audible. Despite the noise Ard van Kessel and Rob Rutten [former webmaster] are concentrating on the cards during the second round. Both Rob and his brother Steven played a one-ring deck. They kind of dunked by turns. Rob had a hero-deck. Steven had a minion deck which nearly ruined my changes in the tournament. Almost the only thing I had against his strategy was 'The Rings Betrayal' which I drew at the last moment, just before he could play 'Forced March' and win the game. He needed a five and rolled snake-eyes!
Ard played a very nicely tuned deck with dwarves who wandered through the north-east collecting great items, factions and noble steeds. With Flattery, Not at Home and The Cock Crows he managed to escape from the drakes I played on him in the final round; winning the tournament. [His deck will be available at the site a.s.a.p.] After Rob Rutten, Ard faced Wim Heemskerk who had also won the first two rounds 6-0. It was a close and long match; 33-28 MP's. Then it was my turn to play against Ard. For me an unexpected turn of events since I hadn't done that well in earlier rounds. Lost the first with 4-2, came back with a 5-1 and finally 6-0 against Steven Rutten's one-ring deck. A bit exhausted Ard managed to pull himself together for the final round and was prepared for almost all my hazards although I did manage the kill Gimli [4-2].
	On the left an overview of the bar. On the right the hand of Edsard Schut, one of the players from Apeldoorn. How about a Thief, mate?
	After four rounds it was time for Richard Telgen, to announce the winner and hand out the prizes. There was something for everyone from dice to puzzles. Among the prizes were also some special cards; a French promo, a Dutch special-promo and a German special- promo. Rick Gorselink looks very pleased with his Mithril-miniature. He won three out of four games and ended in third place. A week before he was also third in Kloosterzande where he also won a Mithril-miniature. He now has a collection of four. Steven Rutten and Rick were the only two players with a minion deck. Fallen wizards were also hard to find and the Balrog wasn't present at all.
And after all the prizes were given away...it was time for the promo-cards! For everyone who still missed some promo-cards there was the opportunity to pick from the cards the council had supplied. Promo's proved to be still very much looked after. Finally there was some discussion as to where the next tournament would be organized. Ard will organize a Doors of Night-theme tournament in Utrecht. Doors of Night is always in play, the Will of Sauron is banned. Another tournament will be held in Wageningen, with Bastiaan Brouwer in charge. With as a side event an introduction for starting players. Ard and Bastiaan still have to find locations so more details a.s.a.p..