Tafl – Viking Chess

Before the adoption of chess in the 12. century, Tafl was the best known strategy board game in northern Europe. During the middle ages Tafl was widely spread by the Vikings on their various conquests and it’s amazing how from a few simple rules such a complicated game can emerge.

Two players battle to achieve separate objectives: One attacks the castle in an attempt to capture the king while the other tries to defend the castle and aid the king in making his escape unharmed.

The Tafl board is cut from cloth and also serves as a bag for game pieces. After drawing the field of play on the board, you can let battle commence!