Skip to Main Content

Game Collection

How to Play Video

Hnefatafl (The Viking Game)

Hnefatafl box cover art with a Viking man fighting a sea dragon and the game and pieces are in front of the box.

One of history's greatest board games, Hnefatafl(nef-ah-tah-fel), which translates as "King's Table," has been played for more than 1,600 years, far longer than chess. There are two ways to win: either the attackers (24 soldiers) capture the king, or the king (helped by his 12 soldiers) escapes to one of the corners. It's simple but subtle, and once you start playing, you're hooked.

 

The chart including Hnefatafl requires 2 players, plays in 20 minutes, features abstract strategy themes, and offers grid movement and variable player powers mechanics.

Difficulty

 

Newton Gresham Library | (936) 294-1614 | (866) NGL-INFO | Ask a Question | Share a Suggestion

Sam Houston State University | Huntsville, Texas 77341 | (936) 294-1111 | (866) BEARKAT
© Copyright Sam Houston State University | All rights reserved. | A Member of The Texas State University System