Objective of the Game
Hnefatafl is an ancient Nordic board game in which two unequal sides face each other: the attackers and the defenders. The main objective for the defenders is to safely move the king to one of the corner squares of the board, while the attackers aim to capture the king.
Setup
- The game board can vary in size, but an 11x11 grid is common.
- The defenders start positioned centrally around the king.
- The attackers are positioned around the edges of the board.
- The king is a special piece and is placed on a central square called "the throne."
Rules of Play
- Movement: All pieces (attackers, defenders, and the king) move orthogonally (horizontally or vertically) any number of open squares, similar to a rook in chess.
- Capturing: A piece is captured (and removed) if it is sandwiched between two enemy pieces in a straight line without any intervening space.
- Winning:
- Defenders win by moving the king to one of the four corner squares on the board.
- Attackers win by surrounding the king on all four sides, or on three sides and with an edge of the board, a throne or another enemy piece blocking it.
Special Rules
- Throne and Corners: Only the king can occupy the throne or the corner squares.
- Retreat of the King: The king can remain on the throne and move from there, but attackers can only enter the throne if they are surrounding the king.
- Number of Attackers and Defenders: There are generally twice as many attackers as defenders, which makes strategy demanding.
Strategic Considerations
- Defenders must work to create openings to prevent the king from being surrounded by attackers. A well-planned escape route is crucial.
- Attackers should focus on blocking access to the corners early and on forming strategic traps around the king.
Summary
Hnefatafl is a game of strategy and unequal forces that requires both tactical maneuvering and an understanding of its asymmetric play balance.
