Word of Command

Radagast (AJtR) is what you want here, along with a pile of eagles. Find the one you want.

I agree about Radagast, as Gandalf has so many other responsibilities that need exhausting (questing, attacking, etc)

I agree about Radagast, as Gandalf has so many other responsibilities that need exhausting (questing, attacking, etc)

Dont forget in refresh phase after all cards is refresh and you add your threat by 1 you still have a action window before you discard Gandalf in the end of the round. So here is the best time to use Word of Command!

Far too slow and situational to be of any use.

Far too slow and situational to be of any use.

Only true to an extent imo. When I use this, it´s usually because I´ve built my deck around alot of cards that I only have a single version of in my deck (and oc only need a single version of ideally). That usually works out since I tend to draw some of them for my starting hand and WoC can swoop in and find the one(s) I´m missing.
It can allow for some very powerfull deck combos if you can leave out that extra copy of cards that are unique anyway.

best when used when you Sneak Attack (Core) Gandalf (Core) during the staging step to eliminate any nasty enemies and help progress. Since he can't really do anything else, why not use this card and get something you may need?

best when used when you Sneak Attack (Core) Gandalf (Core) during the staging step to eliminate any nasty enemies and help progress. Since he can't really do anything else, why not use this card and get something you may need?

Maybe just a minor detail but you can´t play actions during the staging step according to the turn sequence on p30 of the rulebook. After staging and before quest resolution you do have a window of opportunity though.

Ok, that is what I meant. After the staging step.

Has anyone managed to get mileage out of this with the Gandalf Hero, or is exhausting him usually too steep a cost? I can see a janky approach using Gandalf to find the card, Pipe to stick on top of deck and Elrond to Vilya it into play - you could nab any card once set up, but it would involve exhausting two powerhouse heroes.

If he goes to grab Unexpected Courage, it will be worth it. Either play it from hand or put it on top to let Gandalf help you play it. Exhausting him is a steep cost, you're right on that one.

Think it is more worth it with the ally versions as Gandalf´s final action before being discarded.

I put this into every deck I make with the Hero version. Any card is just so versatile and could get some key one of (or one of the key attachments you want on him). Not to mention lot of ways you can stand him. 

If you have Gandalf ready to attack, but he needs a little more attack, it's perfect to go fetch Flame of Anor.

Don't forget Gandalf from Over Hill Under Hill (does not exhaust to quest).  Or if you don't want to raise your threat by 2 to keep him in play, exhaust him in the refresh phase before discarding as above.