Hare Game or Soldiers' Game

Our new oak version of the game. A deceptively simple asymmetric blocking game from medieval Europe where, though never as popular as the Morris games and Fox and Geese, it was played from the thirteenth century onwards. It became known as ‘The Soldiers' Game’ in the late eighteenth century when it became popular amongst soldiers fighting in the Napoleonic Wars. The medieval game pitches three hunters against a single hare; whereas in the Napoleonic period three soldiers track down another.

A quick game ideal for demonstration in living history settings or by historical reenactors - or just great for anyone for challenging your friends!

Quarter-sawn oak board, with fired clay pieces, which are supplied in a linen pouch. Comes with rules and brief historical notes.

• Three hunters, or soldiers, aim to trap the hare, or enemy soldier, at one end of the board
• The hare/soldier tries to escape to the other end of the board
• Oak board
  
• Marble-style playing pieces of terracotta and buff fired clay
• One "hare", three "hunters"
• Pieces supplied in a linen pouch

Historic Period or Date:

• c.13th to 19th century

Materials and Special Features:

• Board of 3/8" quarter-sawn oak
• Hand-rolled fired clay pieces
• Linen drawstring pouch for playing pieces

Dimensions:

• Board: c. 4 1/2" x 7 1/2" (c.12 x 19cm)
  
• Playing pieces: 3/8" (c. 1cm) diameter