I have played the game 25 times and failed 6 times. I played with 2-5 players. Here's some quick thoughts on the subject:

1. What are some good basic strategies?

• Try to plan ahead. Who should do what?
• Sam is the best ringholder and it is often a good idea to make him get the ring. Use when needed.
• Try to get a good balance between card costs and event losses. i.e. stay only as long as needed on a scenario board, but don't leave until you've picked up as many life tokens and shields as possible.
• If it is safe, try to use turns to pick cards/back up on the corruption board/get essential shields. I usually only do this if we're close to the end of a board and there's no expensive event(s) around the corner.
• Discuss your situation, play as a team. The game is much harder if everyone plays by themselves.
• Adapt. There is no single winning strategy. You need to adapt to the events that pop up, and try to lessen you losses. Gain advantages (usually resources) whenever possible. If it is easy going, try to gain resources (cards/shields). If the going is tough, lessen the losses or try to skip through it (costing ring die rolls, Gandalf shields, special cards or plain old cards).
• Late in the game you can get substantial advantages by sacrificing a hobbit or more. Try to wring all the resources out of them before then.
• When you get to know the game you know both what hardships to expect and what resources you are likely to have or obtain. This is very helpful, as it allows you to plan your actions wisely.

2. What is the optimum number of players?

Probably depends on your playing style, but I find the game to be easiest with 3 players. Easy to make plans, good adaptability, decent resources, a couple of expendable hobbits. With more players, you get more resources but the party is also more unwieldy. The lack of life tokens also takes its toll. I find the game to be very good with 2,3,4 and 5 players. With 2 or 3 experienced players I start with Sauron on 10. With expansion and/or new players I start with Sauron on 12.

If you have any questions on the rules, try freespace. virgin.net/chris.lawson/rk/lotr/index.htm