General Haar wrote:
I've said this in your other thread, but really, you don't even need to get the LoME book; make up your own scenarios. If you play a straight-up deathmatch with Sauron, you're going to end up quitting the hobby. It's a tedious, boring, frustrating, and completely ridiculous process. If your opponent wants to play a deathmatch and you see him put Sauron on the table, just stop right there and walk away. That's not unsportsmanlike, rude, or being afraid; that's being smart. More likely than not he's playing to win and that's not fun for anyone.
I completely agree. My sister did that to me a couple of times and I didn't have the will to walk away... gosh, I paid for it!
However, I do have an specific experience to share. I think it might be useful for some generalizations. So we were doing a 750 death match, she took Sauron, a troll and some easterlings. I chose Gandalf the White, a Rohan army with the some RORs, heroes, and INFANTRY and a few wood elves.
Since she took a very cynical army list, I decided to counter that with a cynical strategy. I had my cavalry and Gandalf take apart the Easterlings and Troll(took up two rounds) while I, basically, "fed" my infantry to the Dark Lord(they used their shielding rule and even managed to win one combat!!). Then I just encircled Sauron with as many warriors as I could and fought, and fought, and fought... it was pretty tedious, even sis got bored.
Anyway, I think the moral of the story is try to keep Sauron occupied with your cheapest troops while your main force disposes of his "entourage". Of course, then (if he has might left) Sauron might do a heroic combat, but then war is a risky business.
Also, pray for a lot of luck with Priority and combats. I must admit I had a lot of that element in that game.
And if your opponent chooses Sauron in any death match below 700pts... just do what General Haar said... no need to throw a couple of hours of your valuable time on that.