What does Hnefatafl mean in English?
fist table
Hnefatafl literally translates to “fist table”, from the Old Norse (equivalently in modern Icelandic) hnef, ‘fist’, and tafl, ‘table’.
Where can I play Hnefatafl?
You can play hnefatafl on igGameCenter in real time against other people. There are three different boards available: 25 pieces on a 9×9 board (tablut), 37 pieces on an 11×11 board and 37 pieces on a 13×13 board. All games have the king winning on exit to a corner, and being captured on four sides.
Did Vikings play dice?
Dice games (Old Norse: Taflkast) were popular during the Viking Age. A dice pouch was easily carried in the belt and all that was required to play the game was a flat surface. The set includes: 1 x Long 4-sided bone die based on an original find from Hejnum, Gotland.
How do you capture the king in Hnefatafl?
The King is unarmed and cannot capture. A piece that is next to the corner square can be captured by a single opposing piece. The piece is moved so that the opposing piece is trapped between the corner and the piece moved – the corner square acts as the second capturing piece.
How do you capture a piece in Hnefatafl?
Capture. All pieces except the king are captured if sandwiched between two enemy pieces, or between an enemy piece and a restricted square. The two enemy pieces should be on the square above and below or on the squares left and right of the attacked piece, i.e. not diagonally.
Who invented Hnefatafl?
Hnefatafl began its life in Scandinavia. It probably developed from a Roman war game called Ludus Latrunculorum, which in turn developed from petteia, a game of the Greeks.
Who created Hnefatafl?
Is Hnefatafl older than chess?
“A little known fact about the vikings is that they really liked board games, and their favorite game was Hnefatafl. Hnefatafl is a game of strategy, somewhat similar to chess, though it is not derivative. Hnefatafl predates chess, and was the game to play until chess ousted it during the middle ages.
Is chess like Hnefatafl?
Hnefatafl being played since around 400 is certainly older than Chess. In fact, it can be considered a predecessor of Chess.
When was Hnefatafl invented?
Its origins are unclear, but it seems that it has appeared during the Viking period, in the 7th or 8th century CE, in Scandinavia and other lands which the Vikings have conquered, as accounted for in archaeological finds of Hnefatafl pieces.
Can the king capture pieces in Hnefatafl?
A captured piece is immediately removed from the board. It is possible to capture more than one piece at once. The King is unarmed and cannot capture.
Can you double capture in Hnefatafl?
It is a legal move that allows white to only capture the two black pieces above its new position as white can only make one capture per turn, but must opt or freely chooses the larger of the two potential captures.
Can the king capture pieces in hnefatafl?
Can you double capture in hnefatafl?
How old is Hnefatafl?
1600 years old
The game of Hnefatafl is well over 1600 years old and was played in much of North-West Europe up until the time of the first crusade. In different countries it has been known under different names and has been played on boards of different sizes. Its heyday was the period from about 400 to 1000 AD.
Is Hnefatafl difficult?
Hnefatafl – The Impossibly Difficult Game Name for Viking Chess – AusGamers.com.
What is Hnefatafl?
Exclusive to the British Museum, Hnefatafl, a board game originating from Viking times. Hnefatafl, also known as The Viking Game, The King’s Table or simply Tafl, is an exciting and strategic board game which has been played for hundreds of years, peaking in popularity during the Dark Ages in Northern Europe.
What is Hnefatafl or Viking Chess?
As in the great games of Tafl, sacrifices are useful, especially for the defenders, but with only four pieces, it is important not to weaken the king too early in the game. Hnefatafl (sometimes now referred to as Viking Chess) was a popular game in medieval Scandinavia and was mentioned in several of the Norse Sagas.
Where can I play Hnefatafl online?
Another Hnefatafl game site was launched in 2014, by Jacob Teal and John Carlyle. Variants of tafl playable online today include Copenhagen Hnefatafl, Tablut, and many others.
When was Hnefatafl last played?
Hnefatafl was last recorded as being played in Wales in 1587 and in Lapland in 1723. The rules of Hnefatafl are simple yet entertaining. This Hnefatafl set features a fabric playing board with resin pieces, presented in a gold-foiled burgundy box. The perfect gift for board game lovers looking for a new challenge.