I have the LCG: Core Set. Let's say my budget is somewhere between $50-100. Most commonly, I play with 3 players, but sometimes I play with 4. We want to be able to rotate between the decks and feel like each deck has a reasonable chance of winning. We are all very new to AGoT LCG, but very competitive gamers with broad experiences across CCGs, LCGs and board games. In other words, we can pick up on more subtle strategies that have a higher learning curve, we just want to make sure that picking a certain house just isn't a handicap.

What's the most efficient way to improve the starter decks to be playable and relatively balanced against each other?

Thanks for your time. This is actually going to be a Christmas gift, so swift replies are greatly appreciated.

One idea would be to pick up the deluxe expansions for the houses that you all tend to play.

You might find this thread useful. It has decks built with 2 Cores (a 2nd Core set is often the best purchase a new player can make, as boring as that sounds).

Beyond that, the Deluxe expansions (Lions of the Rock, Lords of Winter, Kings of the Sea, Knights of the Storm, Queen of Dragons, and Princes of the Sun) are a logical next step before diving into chapter packs.

Another suggestion I see somewhat often is get a second Core Set, Princes of the Sun, and Kings of the Sea - you'd then have all six houses represented. I can't speak to the balance of doing it this way, but I understand its not overly bad. Check the decks linked above at cardgamedb, and certainly dont be afraid to mix and match various cards across the different houses (ie, there are severeal things in Princes and Kings that fit great into Stark, Baratheon (etc) decks).

Have fun!

Josh

Thanks very much for the help.

What did you get, and have you had enough time to evaluate the decision? I'm debating on two core sets and the first pack cycle, or three core sets and one of each of the deluxe expansions. Hurray Christmas cash.

I just started as well,

What i did is, decided on 2 families i wanted to play (Lannister (Control) and Starks) and i purchased 2 Core Set and the Deluxe Expension of both families. Costed me 140$ and i got myself 2 nices decks i can play with my girlfriend.