The Daily Think

Recently I was gifted the game of Hnefatfl and was immediately intrigued by the small print under that, that read “Viking Chess.” As a fan of chess and all things chess, I was in. But first the basics:

THE 2 MINUTE HISTORY LESSON

The origins of Hnefatafl are unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, between the 7th and 11th centuries. The word “Hnefatafl” means “king’s table” in Old Norse, which suggests that the game was originally played by Viking kings and their courtiers. It is not known who exactly invented Hnefatafl or why, but it was likely created as a pastime for the nobility and as a way to develop strategic thinking and military tactics. The game may have also served as a form of training for warriors, as it required the ability to plan and execute attacks and defenses.

Hnefatafl was played throughout Scandinavia, as well as in other regions where the Vikings had an influence, such as England and Ireland. The game was popular for several centuries but eventually fell out of favor as other games, such as chess, became more popular in Europe.

Today, Hnefatafl is enjoying a revival of interest, with enthusiasts exploring its rich history and the many variations of the game that have been developed over the centuries. It remains a challenging and entertaining game that continues to fascinate players around the world.

HOW DOES ONE HNEFATAFL?

Well one does not simply HNEFATAFL into Mordor…How do you play it? One player controls the king, who starts in the center of the board, surrounded by his defenders. The other player controls a larger number of attackers, which are placed around the edges of the board. The goal of the game is for the attackers to capture the king, while the defenders aim to protect the king and help him escape.

The pieces move orthogonally, like rooks in chess, and are captured by sandwiching an opponent’s piece between two of your own. The king can move like a rook or a king in chess, but can only be captured by being surrounded on all four sides by attackers. If the king manages to reach any of the four corners of the board, he wins the game.

Hnefatafl is a challenging game that requires careful planning and strategic thinking. It is also a game of asymmetrical balance, as one player has a larger number of pieces, while the other player has the stronger piece in the king.

STRATEGIES FOR BEING A SUCCESSFUL HNEFATAFL’er

1. Protect the King: Since the objective of the game is to capture or protect the king, it is crucial to keep the king surrounded by defenders at all times. Make sure to move your pieces in such a way that the king is not left vulnerable to attack.
2. Control the center: The central squares of the board are the most valuable positions since they allow for the most flexibility in movement. Try to control these squares to restrict your opponent’s movement and create opportunities for your own pieces.
3. Corner your opponent: Try to trap your opponent’s pieces in corners or along the edges of the board, where they have limited movement options. This will allow you to capture their pieces more easily and reduce their attacking power.
4. Sacrifice pieces: In some situations, sacrificing a piece or two can be a useful strategy to gain a tactical advantage. For example, sacrificing a defender to capture an attacking piece can weaken your opponent’s position.
5. Stay flexible: Hnefatafl is a game of asymmetrical balance, so it is important to be flexible and adapt your strategy based on the position and movements of your opponent’s pieces. Be prepared to change your plans if the situation demands it.
6. Use the king as a bait: The king is the most valuable piece on the board and can be used as a lure to trap attacking pieces. Try to move the king to a position where it looks vulnerable, but where it can still be protected by defenders.

Overall, Hnefatafl is a game that requires careful planning and strategic thinking. By employing these strategies, you can increase your chances of winning and outmaneuvering your opponent.

MY FIRST VIKING WAR

It didn’t turn out too bad, as I split with my worthy opponent 1-1 with both of us managing to get our king into the corner to win the game. But let it be known, this game will be scrutinized until it is understood…this is what we do at Think News Now.