Objective of the Game
Dogs and Jackals is an ancient Egyptian strategy game, where the objective is to be the first player to move all their pieces to the finish. The game is a race with pieces on a board containing fixed paths and obstacles.
Components
- A game board with 58 positions
- Two sets of five playing pieces each (dogs and jackals)
- Throwing sticks to determine movement
Setup
- Place the game board between the two players.
- Each player takes a set of five playing pieces and places them ready at the start position.
Gameplay
- Players take turns using throwing sticks to determine the number of spaces to move their pieces (these simulation dice yield numbers between 1 and 4).
- The player whose turn it is advances one of their pieces according to the number obtained.
- The aim is to move all five pieces from the start position to the finish.
Rules
- Movement: Pieces are moved in a straight line forward according to the number rolled.
- Obstacles: Certain board positions may be "blocked" and should be avoided.
- Safe spaces: Specific positions offer protection against being sent back to the start.
- Knocking out: Landing on a position already occupied by an opponent's piece sends that piece back to the start.
End of the Game
The game ends when a player moves all five of their pieces to the finish, declaring them the winner.
Strategic Tips
- Move Timing: Plan your moves carefully, to protect your pieces while also occasionally blocking and knocking back your opponent.
- Utilize safe spaces strategically to avoid being knocked out.
Dogs and Jackals combines strategy and chance, encouraging outsmarting the opponent through clever positioning and movement of the pieces.
