  In the realm of artificial intelligence and card games, this study introduces
a two-step reinforcement learning (RL) strategy tailored for "The Lord of the
Rings: The Card Game (LOTRCG)," a complex multistage strategy card game. This
research diverges from conventional RL methods by adopting a phased learning
approach, beginning with a foundational learning stage in a simplified version
of the game and subsequently progressing to the complete, intricate game
environment. This methodology notably enhances the AI agent's adaptability and
performance in the face of LOTRCG's unpredictable and challenging nature. The
paper also explores a multi-agent system, where distinct RL agents are employed
for various decision-making aspects of the game. This approach has demonstrated
a remarkable improvement in game outcomes, with the RL agents achieving a
winrate of 78.5% across a set of 10,000 random games.
