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Hnefatafl: The Viking Board Game (Simple Rules)

(Think "Chess meets Capture the Flag")

1. The Pieces:

• 🔵 Defenders: Protect the king.
• ⚪ Attackers: Surround and capture the king.
• 👑 King (1 piece): Starts in the center. Defenders win if he escapes!

2. The Board:

A grid with special squares:

• 🪑 Throne: Center square (king starts here).
• 🏁 Corners: King wins by reaching any corner!

3. How to Move:

• All pieces move like rooks in chess (straight, any distance).
• No jumping over pieces – path must be clear.
• Only the king can land on the throne or corners. Others must go around.

4. How to Capture Pieces:

(Like "sandwiching" but with twists!)

⚔️ Capturing Attackers/Defenders:

Surround an enemy on TWO opposite sides with:

• Your pieces, OR
• Your piece + empty throne/corner (counts as a wall).

Example:

👑 Special King Rules:

• To capture the king, attackers must surround him on ALL FOUR SIDES.
• If the King is on the throne, he must be surrounded by 4 attackers (empty squares/walls don’t count).

5. How to Win:

• ⚔️ Attackers win if they capture the king.
• 🛡️ Defenders win if the king reaches any corner.

Key Tips for Beginners:

• Defenders: Escort the king to a corner! Use the throne as a shield.
• Attackers: Block escape routes first, then swarm the king.
• Watch the edges! Corners are safe zones for the king.

Example Game Flow:

• Attackers move first.
• Take turns moving one piece per turn.
• Captured pieces are removed immediately.
• Game ends when king is captured or escapes!

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