Quote Originally Posted by DarknessEternal View Post
Sword and Board is not an option unless you're using your spell slots exclusively for smiting.

You need a hand free for spellcasting. Before any one claims "but that's what War Caster fixes". Nope, no it doesn't. War Caster let's you ignore Somatic components. You still need a free hand to access Material components, or if you're using some kind of implement, a free hand for that implement.

You can only cast V, S spells if both your hands are holding weapons.
Depends on the table, but even if your table is picky about material components there is no issue with casting your concentration spell at the start of combat (Haste for example), and then drawing your weapon. After that V/S spells include Shield, Absorb Elements, Healing Word, Misty Step, Counterspell, and effectively Booming Blade. What else do you want? If you really need to cast an M spell for some reason, it just means stowing your weapon until your next turn, and if you have Haste going you won't even need to do that.

Sword and board plus casting can be fiddly, but it works. Whether you think it's worthwhile also depends on the table. A +2 to AC might not be worth it, but if you can get a magic shield then +3-5 AC might well be worth it.