Viking Chess, also known as Hnefatafl (pronounced “nef-ah-TAF-uhl”) or “the King’s Table,” is an ancient Scandinavian board game that predates modern chess. It was popular during the Viking Age (from roughly the 8th to 11th centuries) and has parallels to chess in terms of strategic gameplay, but the two games are quite different in their rules, design, and objectives.

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Hnefatafl was widely played in Viking territories, including Scandinavia, Britain, and Ireland, as well as in areas settled by the Vikings, like Iceland and Greenland. Archaeological finds of game boards and pieces have been discovered in Viking burial sites, suggesting the game was highly regarded. The game likely originated in Northern Europe during the Iron Age, with variations appearing in different cultures, though it reached its peak in the Viking Age. The game remains a fascinating window into the minds and leisure activities of the Vikings, offering insight into the cultural evolution of strategic board games.

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Relative Range is proud to present this updated version of Viking Chess, themed to an easily recognizable island conquest. Will the Viking raiders capture the kingdom, or will the King escape the clutches of the raiding forces? Now, YOU can find out with Viking Chess!

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GAME HISTORY

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This edition of Viking Chess is presented in a boxed edition with thick, laser-cut components. At this point, the files have been submitted to Blue Panther Games for printing. A purchase option will be added to this page once the game has been processed by Blue Panther.

 

The components for the game include:

 

• 1 Rules Sheet (4 pages)

• 1 Square Mounted Board

• 37 Game Tokens

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