Alquerque most likely has its origins in Egypt, and was introduced into Europe by Arabs invading Spain in the early 8th century. Its Arabic name El-quirkat was corrupted to the Spanish Alquerque. The rules of the game are outlined in the 'Book of Games' translated from the Arabic for Alfonso the Wise, the King of Spain, in 1285. It was played in Britain in the medieval period and then, during the early Tudor period, when transferred to the chess or chequered board, gave rise to early forms of draughts or checkers. A fun game, worth playing not just for its historical interest.

All games come with historic notes and full rules

• The two armies face each other
• Men are moved alternately forwards, sideways, or diagonally forwards; but never backwards
• Capture is by jumping over an opponent's piece to a vacant space, with the aim of getting as many men as possible past the opposing army