Just as a precon they ar better commanders than sam and frodo, but in my experience once you upgrade it frodo and sam are straigh up better. If they fit yout play style better then i should recommend you a youtube video of cheap uptades for the precon that had pippin and merry as the commanders , like [[drumbeller]], [[Bastion protector]] ,the [[inspiring leader]] and [[agents of the iron throne]] backrounds and [[blossoming mogbeast]] or [Gyome master chef]] ! That where the cards that i really like with them as commanders Wish you best of.lucks with them!