Hnefatafl is an ancient board game that we date to the Vikings. It is like chess but different. Chess is symmetrical in pieces and in aim whilst this game is asymmetrical with each player attempting to achieve a different goal.
White represents a king and his bodyguard who are ambushed by black. White must escape whilst black wants to capture him. If black can surround him on four sides he is captured. If he escapes to the corner square he escapes. The kings side has warriors and a king whilst the ambushers are only represented by warriors.
Pictured is myself and a friend playing in the War Memorial Park in Coventry. We had several games and it was all fun because I won.
Historytalker 