Instructions Fidchell

Objective of the Game

Fidchell is an ancient Celtic strategy game, often considered a predecessor to modern chess-like games. The primary objective of the game depends on the role you assume (Attacker or Defender): As a Defender, you must bring your King to safety by moving him to one of the outer edges of the board. As an Attacker, your goal is to prevent the King from reaching the edge of the board.

Setup

• The board is traditionally a grid of 7x7, 9x9, or 11x11 squares.
• The King is placed in the center of the board.
• The Defenders are positioned around the King in a specific pattern.
• The Attackers are positioned at the corners of the board or along the edges.

Gameplay

1. Initial Setup:
2. The King starts in the center of the board. The Defenders surround the King, forming a protective shield.

3. The Attackers are distributed around the outer edge of the board, ready to begin their assault.

4. Movement Mechanics:

5. Players take turns, starting with the Attackers.
6. Pieces move horizontally or vertically any number of free squares, similar to the rook in chess.

7. Captures (removal of enemy pieces) occur by flanking an opposing piece on either side (horizontally or vertically).

8. King:

9. The King moves similarly to other pieces.
10. For capturing, the King can only participate in an encirclement if it is itself surrounded, unless it escapes to a designated corner or edge space.

Winning Conditions

• Defenders: The King reaches any edge of the board, leading to a victory for the Defender.
• Attackers: The King is entirely surrounded and unable to move further, granting victory to the Attacker.

Strategy and Tips

• Defenders should focus on gradually creating a safe path for the King using their own pieces as a blockade and shield.
• Attackers must efficiently work to separate the defending forces and encircle the King. Forward planning is crucial.
• The balance of the game can be shifted through varying piece setups, providing new challenges and complexity.

Fidchell requires foresight and strategic thinking akin to chess but comes with its unique set of rules and objectives.