Hnefatafl, 13 x 13 squares, leather board, with playing pieces in a leather pouch

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Together with the 9 x 9 board, this variant, of 13 x 13 squares, is probably the most well known of the tafl family. This is the version most commonly associated with the name Hnefatafl, derived from Norse literature. Though many archaeological finds of men and boards certainly link this game with the Vikings, tafl games were played well into the medieval period, and were only slowly overtaken by chess towards the end of the fifteenth century.

As with other variants, the game represents the final stages of a battle where a king, on the losing side, is being attacked by an army with twice the number of men to those in his defending army. To win he has to escape to one of the corners. The king loses if he is surrounded on four sides. Foot soldiers on either side are captured by ‘custodial capture’, i.e., surrounded on two sides. Pieces may move any distance in a straight line, but cannot jump over other pieces, and there is no diagonal movement.

Leather board, with wooden pieces, which are supplied in a leather pouch. Comes with rules and historical notes to the full range of tafl games.

• Leather board 14" x 14"; squares 1" diameter
• Playing pieces of beech wood
• One king; 16 white pieces; 32 black pieces
• White pieces are the natural wood colour; coloured pieces stained
• Pieces are 7/8" diameter
• Pieces supplied in a leather pouch

Historic Period or Date:

• c.9th to 15th century

Materials and Special Features:

• Leather board and pouch
• Beech wood pieces

Dimensions:

• Board: 14" x 14"
• Playing pieces: 7/8" diameter