ancient games

Ancient Board GamesAncient Board Games

AIA Game EventAIA Game Event

Race GamesRace Games•• The simplest race games are just that The simplest race games are just that ---- a board with spaces a board with spaces

and a marker to move along it, and dice to tell you how far to and a marker to move along it, and dice to tell you how far to move. Such a game may entertain a child for a little while but move. Such a game may entertain a child for a little while but one quickly realizes there is no skill at all involved (except one quickly realizes there is no skill at all involved (except perhaps in the throwing of the dice) and no strategy.perhaps in the throwing of the dice) and no strategy.

•• The next introduction to race games would have been helps The next introduction to race games would have been helps and hazards (as with Snakes and Ladders) themed in a way and hazards (as with Snakes and Ladders) themed in a way appropriate to whatever game you're playing.appropriate to whatever game you're playing. Still not a very Still not a very challenging game though.challenging game though.

•• Adding more complications makes the game more interesting, Adding more complications makes the game more interesting, so next we allow the players more than one piece so next we allow the players more than one piece ---- so they so they can choose which to move can choose which to move ---- and the ability to bump each and the ability to bump each other off the board. Add a few "safe" spots and keep the other other off the board. Add a few "safe" spots and keep the other hazards and helps and we now have a game suitable for hazards and helps and we now have a game suitable for adults.adults.

The Royal Game of UrThe Royal Game of Ur

•• "The Royal Game of Ur"The Royal Game of Ur““–– The oldest complete board game knownThe oldest complete board game known–– Discovered in Discovered in 19261926--1927 by Sir Leonard Woolley1927 by Sir Leonard Woolley in royal in royal

tombs in what is now Iraqtombs in what is now Iraq–– Dates back to more than 2500 B.C.E.Dates back to more than 2500 B.C.E.–– Found in the ruins of the cityFound in the ruins of the city--state of Ur (where Abraham state of Ur (where Abraham

once lived once lived –– may have been played by the people of the may have been played by the people of the Bible)Bible)

–– Found within the tombs were four boards of the same basic Found within the tombs were four boards of the same basic design representing one gamedesign representing one game

–– It was played by all classes of that societyIt was played by all classes of that society–– The games range from simple to richly worked piecesThe games range from simple to richly worked pieces–– It is not known whether UR was the first board game ever It is not known whether UR was the first board game ever

played but it's ancient enough that everything before it is played but it's ancient enough that everything before it is pretty much guesspretty much guess--work.work.

The Royal Game of UrThe Royal Game of Ur

Rules to UrRules to Ur•• Each player has seven pawns, and three pyramidal dice each with Each player has seven pawns, and three pyramidal dice each with

two red and two white vertices. This is a race game. The goal istwo red and two white vertices. This is a race game. The goal is to to introduce the seven pawns, to move them along your designated introduce the seven pawns, to move them along your designated path, and to be the first to have all the pawns out of the game,path, and to be the first to have all the pawns out of the game, similar to backgammon. The start square for each player, the patsimilar to backgammon. The start square for each player, the path h followed by each player, and the five special, rosette squares afollowed by each player, and the five special, rosette squares are re shown in the drawing below. The exit square is the one between tshown in the drawing below. The exit square is the one between the he two rosettes.two rosettes.

•• Movement points are determined by the roll of the dice as followMovement points are determined by the roll of the dice as follows:s:–– three red (black) vertices yields 5 points and the right to takethree red (black) vertices yields 5 points and the right to take another turn another turn –– three white vertices yields 4 points and the right to take anoththree white vertices yields 4 points and the right to take another turn er turn –– two white vertices yields no points and the turn passes to your two white vertices yields no points and the turn passes to your opponent opponent –– one white vertex gives 1 point and the turn passes to your opponone white vertex gives 1 point and the turn passes to your opponent ent

•• Draw lots to determine the first player. Draw lots to determine the first player.

•• The board is empty at the beginning. Pawns may be introduced on The board is empty at the beginning. Pawns may be introduced on your first square by rolling a 4 or 5. your first square by rolling a 4 or 5.

•• Any pawns already on the board may advanced one square along Any pawns already on the board may advanced one square along your path for each movement point thrown.your path for each movement point thrown.

Rules to Ur (continued)Rules to Ur (continued)

Direction of movement of the opposing playersDirection of movement of the opposing players

Rules to Ur (continued)Rules to Ur (continued)•• Except when they are on the refuges, or have entered the centralExcept when they are on the refuges, or have entered the central

line, pawns may be attacked by opposing pawns moving in the line, pawns may be attacked by opposing pawns moving in the same direction. If a pawn lands on a square already occupied by same direction. If a pawn lands on a square already occupied by an an opposing pawn, the opposing pawn is removed from the board and opposing pawn, the opposing pawn is removed from the board and has to restart the game from its start square. has to restart the game from its start square.

•• A player may have as many pawns on the board as they wish. Each A player may have as many pawns on the board as they wish. Each square, except for the rosette squares and the leaving (last) sqsquare, except for the rosette squares and the leaving (last) square, uare, may be occupied by one and only one pawn. may be occupied by one and only one pawn.

•• The rosette squares and the last square are refuges: several pawThe rosette squares and the last square are refuges: several pawns ns of different colors may be present without any danger. of different colors may be present without any danger.

•• Each pawn must reach the last square from which it can leave theEach pawn must reach the last square from which it can leave the board on a throw of 4 or a 5. board on a throw of 4 or a 5.

•• The winner is the first player who moves all of their pawns off The winner is the first player who moves all of their pawns off of the of the board via the exit square. board via the exit square.

Making a Royal Game of Ur of Your OwnMaking a Royal Game of Ur of Your Own

I will put a template for the game board that you can use on theI will put a template for the game board that you can use on the Reno AIA website.Reno AIA website.


Template for the Royal Game of Ur dice will also be on line.Template for the Royal Game of Ur dice will also be on line.


““Tinker toyTinker toy”” game piecesgame pieces

The Ancient Egyptian Game of The Ancient Egyptian Game of SenetSenet•• One very early game was that called One very early game was that called S'n'tS'n't ---- lately known as "lately known as "SenetSenet" "

or "or "SenatSenat". ".

•• This very early board game was found in many ancient Egyptian This very early board game was found in many ancient Egyptian tombs tombs ---- both of pharaohs and workers.both of pharaohs and workers. A magnificent board was A magnificent board was found buried with Tutankhamen.found buried with Tutankhamen.

•• Although the original rules are unknown, at least two plausible Although the original rules are unknown, at least two plausible reconstructions of the rules have been made. In this game of 30reconstructions of the rules have been made. In this game of 30 squares set in three rows of 10, both player's pieces enter the squares set in three rows of 10, both player's pieces enter the board board at one end of a row, proceed to the end, turn and go back down tat one end of a row, proceed to the end, turn and go back down the he middle at the end of which they turn again, drop to the final romiddle at the end of which they turn again, drop to the final row and w and go back go back ---- the object being to bear off all your pieces before your the object being to bear off all your pieces before your opponent does. Special spots on the board represent death and opponent does. Special spots on the board represent death and being turned away from the afterlife being turned away from the afterlife ---- and rebirth to try again. and rebirth to try again.

•• The The heiroglyphheiroglyph representing a representing a SenetSenet game is found honoring a king game is found honoring a king ---- and dates back to 3100 B.C.E. and dates back to 3100 B.C.E. ---- and if the game was known and and if the game was known and respected then, it must be older still.respected then, it must be older still.

SenetSenet

Cones and reed Cones and reed playing piecesplaying pieces

BellBell’’s Rules to s Rules to SenetSenet•• Each player has 10 pawns. Four twoEach player has 10 pawns. Four two--sided sticks (one side painted) are thrown to determine movementsided sticks (one side painted) are thrown to determine movement..

•• When only one painted side is visible : When only one painted side is visible : –– 1 point. 1 point. –– With two : 2 points. With two : 2 points. –– With three : 3 points. With three : 3 points. –– With four : 4 points. With four : 4 points. –– With none : 5 points. With none : 5 points.

•• At the beginning of the game there are no pawns on the board. At the beginning of the game there are no pawns on the board.

•• Each player in turn throws the sticks, and puts his pawns on theEach player in turn throws the sticks, and puts his pawns on the board on the squares with the symbols board on the squares with the symbols I, II, III, X, O according to the number of points thrown. Only I, II, III, X, O according to the number of points thrown. Only one pawn may be present on each square. one pawn may be present on each square. So if a pawn is already present the turn is lost. So if a pawn is already present the turn is lost.

•• A player may either move one pawn or add a new pawn to the boardA player may either move one pawn or add a new pawn to the board, if possible, with each throw. The , if possible, with each throw. The pawns located on the marked squares are in shelters. pawns located on the marked squares are in shelters.

•• Pawns may not be stacked. When a pawn arrives on a square alreadPawns may not be stacked. When a pawn arrives on a square already occupied by an opponent pawn, y occupied by an opponent pawn, the opponent is removed and must restart from the beginning. Thithe opponent is removed and must restart from the beginning. This rule does not apply for the marked s rule does not apply for the marked squares which are shelters. squares which are shelters.

•• The first pawn to reach square number 1 earns a bonus of five poThe first pawn to reach square number 1 earns a bonus of five points and it fixes the goal of the game: ints and it fixes the goal of the game: that player's other pawns have to reach odd squares whereas the that player's other pawns have to reach odd squares whereas the opponent must reach the even opponent must reach the even squares. The game ends when the pawns of the two players are altsquares. The game ends when the pawns of the two players are alternately placed on the first and ernately placed on the first and second rows. second rows.

•• When a pawn has reached its last square, it cannot be attacked. When a pawn has reached its last square, it cannot be attacked.

•• The first player to have put all his pawns on his own squares wiThe first player to have put all his pawns on his own squares wins the game and earns 10 points. He ns the game and earns 10 points. He also gets one point for each move his opponent makes while placialso gets one point for each move his opponent makes while placing all of his remaining pawns. ng all of his remaining pawns.

KendallKendall’’s Rules to s Rules to SenetSenet• At the beginning of the game the seven pawns per player alternate

along the 14 first squares. The starting square is counted as the 15th. In the oldest games this square featured an ankh, a "life" symbol. The pawns move according to the throw of four sticks or, later, one or two knucklebones. When using the sticks the points seemed to have been counted from 1 to 5: 1 point for each side without a mark and 5 points if the four marked sides were present together.

• When a pawn reached a square already occupied by an opponent pawn, they have to exchange their positions.

• The special squares have the following effects on play:– 15 : House of Rebirth, starting square and the return square for the pawns reaching square

number 27. – 26 : House of Happiness, a mandatory square for all the pawns. – 27: House of Water, a square that can be reached by the pawns located on squares 28 to 30

which moved back when their throws did not allow them to exit the board. They have to restart from square 15.

– 28 : House of the Three Truths, a pawn may only leave when a 3 is thrown. – 29 : House of the Re-Atoum, a pawn may only leave when a 2 is thrown.

• The winner is the first to move all of their pawns off the board.

Making Your Own Making Your Own SenetSenet GameGame

I will post a copy of the game board on the Reno AIA website.I will post a copy of the game board on the Reno AIA website.

HomeHome--made made SenetSenet GameGame

The The MancalaMancala Family of Games Family of Games •• The stones are moved about holes arranged in two (or more) The stones are moved about holes arranged in two (or more)

parallel rows on a boardparallel rows on a board

•• It probably originated with seeds or beans played in holes scoopIt probably originated with seeds or beans played in holes scooped ed in the dirt (an extremely easyin the dirt (an extremely easy--toto--make game for farmers on a lunch make game for farmers on a lunch break)break)

•• Then it evolved into a board game Then it evolved into a board game ---- about the time folks got tired of about the time folks got tired of scratching holes in the dirt.scratching holes in the dirt.

•• There are so many variations of There are so many variations of mancalamancala that it has to have been that it has to have been around for thousands of years and, likely, goes back further. around for thousands of years and, likely, goes back further.

•• Rows of holes have been found carved on slabs in ancient Rows of holes have been found carved on slabs in ancient structures in Egypt, even in the pyramid of Cheops, that look structures in Egypt, even in the pyramid of Cheops, that look remarkably like remarkably like mancalamancala game boards. Saharan remains that date game boards. Saharan remains that date back 3000 years look like back 3000 years look like mancalamancala boards, too. boards, too.

•• Richard Leakey found some boards with two rows of thirteen holesRichard Leakey found some boards with two rows of thirteen holes in Kenya, that he dates to Neolithic times. Some of these may bein Kenya, that he dates to Neolithic times. Some of these may be ancient calculators but undoubtedly some are early forms of the ancient calculators but undoubtedly some are early forms of the game.game.

MancalaMancala

Board Game in Board Game in JerashJerash, Jordan, Jordan

Make Your Own Make Your Own MancalaMancala GameGame

Using eight small bowls and 48 Using eight small bowls and 48 marbles you can make your own marbles you can make your own gamegame

Ancient Chinese Game of WeiAncient Chinese Game of Wei--qiqi (Go)(Go)•• The Game of Go ("WeiThe Game of Go ("Wei--qiqi" in its original Chinese form) enjoys a " in its original Chinese form) enjoys a

special place in board game history, because not only is it one special place in board game history, because not only is it one of the of the oldest games known, it has kept essentially the same rules for loldest games known, it has kept essentially the same rules for longer onger than any other board game out there. than any other board game out there.

•• Originating in China as far back as 2300 B.C.E., WeiOriginating in China as far back as 2300 B.C.E., Wei--qiqi spread into spread into Korea in the second century (where it was called PaKorea in the second century (where it was called Pa--toktok, now , now BadukBaduk or or BadugBadug), and finally, when it traveled to Japan via trade routes ), and finally, when it traveled to Japan via trade routes sometime around the year 700 A.D. sometime around the year 700 A.D.

•• In Japan it developed into its modern form, and the rules have nIn Japan it developed into its modern form, and the rules have not ot varied significantly since that time.varied significantly since that time.

•• Because Go is really a game about capturing territory, it falls Because Go is really a game about capturing territory, it falls outside outside all the usual classifications of games: alignment games, war gamall the usual classifications of games: alignment games, war games, es, capture games, hunt games, race games capture games, hunt games, race games ---- though it has hints of though it has hints of some of these in it. Though capture is a part of Go, and it is osome of these in it. Though capture is a part of Go, and it is often ften considered a war game, capture is just one aspect, and it is notconsidered a war game, capture is just one aspect, and it is not so so much about aspects of war (generals and soldiers and war much about aspects of war (generals and soldiers and war equipment) as it is about defining who owns what spaces on the equipment) as it is about defining who owns what spaces on the board. The pieces have no differing powers at all board. The pieces have no differing powers at all ---- they simply serve they simply serve to mark the borders of territory.to mark the borders of territory.

WeiWei--qiqi (Go)(Go)

Another Ancient Chinese GameAnother Ancient Chinese Game•• MahMah JonggJongg is said to have originated in the Tang Dynasty in is said to have originated in the Tang Dynasty in

China China ---- about 4000 years ago. about 4000 years ago.

•• Whether its original form was paper (cards) and it later moved Whether its original form was paper (cards) and it later moved onto tiles, or whether it began as tiles (or wooden planks) and onto tiles, or whether it began as tiles (or wooden planks) and cards later developed from it, most of the length of its early cards later developed from it, most of the length of its early history has been recorded as being limited to the aristocracy history has been recorded as being limited to the aristocracy ---- the rules were kept secret until China became a republic early ithe rules were kept secret until China became a republic early in n the last century!the last century! It is very likely that the earliest versions of the It is very likely that the earliest versions of the game would bear little resemblance to the game as played today.game would bear little resemblance to the game as played today.

•• Only in 1920 did it step outside its country of origin and spreaOnly in 1920 did it step outside its country of origin and spread, d, first to the United States and then around the world.first to the United States and then around the world.

•• Strongly resembling the card game "Rummy" Strongly resembling the card game "Rummy" ---- true true MahMah JongJong is is a game for four players (and bears little relation to the dull ba game for four players (and bears little relation to the dull but ut mesmerizing solitaire version often found on computers, mesmerizing solitaire version often found on computers, sometimes called "Shanghai").sometimes called "Shanghai").

Mah Jongg

Dice Games, Race GamesDice Games, Race Games•• One of the oldest forms of gaming, is "lots" played with diceOne of the oldest forms of gaming, is "lots" played with dice

•• The earliest form of die seems to have been binary The earliest form of die seems to have been binary ---- quite often using the quite often using the small end of a branch of a tree, cut in half so that when thrownsmall end of a branch of a tree, cut in half so that when thrown it ended it ended either round or flat side up (the type used in the game of either round or flat side up (the type used in the game of SenetSenet).).

•• With binary dice the odds on a throw of the more extreme numbersWith binary dice the odds on a throw of the more extreme numbers (one or (one or six) are much less than they would be using the modern, traditiosix) are much less than they would be using the modern, traditional, sixnal, six-- sided die where you have an equal chance of rolling any number. sided die where you have an equal chance of rolling any number. But using But using five of the stickfive of the stick--dice to get six different result (one flat, two flat, three flatdice to get six different result (one flat, two flat, three flat, , four flat, five flat and no flat would equal six) there are so mfour flat, five flat and no flat would equal six) there are so many different any different ways of coming up with a 2 or a 3 (ten different ways each), andways of coming up with a 2 or a 3 (ten different ways each), and a fair a fair number of ways to come up with a one or a four (five ways each) number of ways to come up with a one or a four (five ways each) but only but only one way of coming up with a five or a six (all flat up or all flone way of coming up with a five or a six (all flat up or all flat down) at down) ---- which which is why in ancient games based on binary dice you'll often see this why in ancient games based on binary dice you'll often see the very rare e very rare throws greatly rewarded, with extra distance on moves and a freethrows greatly rewarded, with extra distance on moves and a free throw, throw, too.too.

•• Dice were later made out of bones and were called "astragalsDice were later made out of bones and were called "astragals““ usually the usually the knuckle bones of sheep or goats which, when rolled on a hard, flknuckle bones of sheep or goats which, when rolled on a hard, flat surface, at surface, would land in one of four ways would land in one of four ways ---- customarily valued at 1, 3, 4 and 6.customarily valued at 1, 3, 4 and 6. These These would certainly have been used for gambling, and it is not a lonwould certainly have been used for gambling, and it is not a long step from g step from the throwing of dice to the need for some way to keep score the throwing of dice to the need for some way to keep score ---- which is which is likely where the earliest of race games came from.likely where the earliest of race games came from.

TwoTwo--sided Dicesided Dice

Knuckle Bones & DiceKnuckle Bones & Dice

Numbers were assigned to each of the four long sides.Numbers were assigned to each of the four long sides.

Roman diceRoman dice

Rome Dice GamesRome Dice Games

JactusJactus•• The object of the game The object of the game –– object of the game is to acquire on Venus card, two object of the game is to acquire on Venus card, two

little dog cards, and one Roman coin.little dog cards, and one Roman coin.–– 4 players 4 players –– use 3 Venus cards, 6 dog cards and three coinsuse 3 Venus cards, 6 dog cards and three coins–– 3 players 3 players –– use 2 Venus cards, 4 dog cards and two coinsuse 2 Venus cards, 4 dog cards and two coins–– 2 players 2 players –– use 1 Venus card, 2 dog cards, and one coinuse 1 Venus card, 2 dog cards, and one coin

•• Place correct number of each in the center of the table four thePlace correct number of each in the center of the table four the number of number of players playingplayers playing

•• The first player rolls all five dice in order to get:The first player rolls all five dice in order to get:–– I,I,I,I,I to claim a Roman coinI,I,I,I,I to claim a Roman coin–– VI, VI, VI, VI, VI (VI, VI, VI, VI, VI (JactusJactus VenereusVenereus) to claim a Venus card) to claim a Venus card–– Five of any number (Five of any number (JactusJactus CaniculaCanicula) to claim a dog card) to claim a dog card

•• If these are not rolled by the first player, the next player canIf these are not rolled by the first player, the next player can roll all, or any roll all, or any number of the dice in order to achieve any of the above in combinumber of the dice in order to achieve any of the above in combination with nation with what you have left on the table.what you have left on the table.

•• If the second player fails to achieve five of any kind, the thirIf the second player fails to achieve five of any kind, the third player attempts d player attempts to achieve the combinations. This continues from player to playto achieve the combinations. This continues from player to player until the er until the combinations are achieved.combinations are achieved.

•• Once a player has thrown one of the combinations and claimed theOnce a player has thrown one of the combinations and claimed the reward, reward, they start the next round.they start the next round.

•• If a player is entitled to collect a card or coin and all have bIf a player is entitled to collect a card or coin and all have been claimed, they een claimed, they can take the card or coin from another player.can take the card or coin from another player.

•• The first player to hold a Venus card, two dog cards, and a coinThe first player to hold a Venus card, two dog cards, and a coin wins the wins the game. game.

The Anomalous Oldest Backgammon gameThe Anomalous Oldest Backgammon game

•• In 2004 archaeologists found an old game in the 5,000In 2004 archaeologists found an old game in the 5,000--year old city year old city of of ShahrShahr--ee SukhtehSukhteh ((““burnt city).burnt city).

•• Many have suggested that it is the oldest version of Backgammon Many have suggested that it is the oldest version of Backgammon ever found.ever found.

•• Dated at 3,000 B.C.E. the find included a rectangular board madeDated at 3,000 B.C.E. the find included a rectangular board made of of ebony, pieces made from turquoise and agate, and dice. This is ebony, pieces made from turquoise and agate, and dice. This is older than the game of Ur.older than the game of Ur.

•• The board features an engraved serpent coiling around itself 20 The board features an engraved serpent coiling around itself 20 times producing 20 slots for the game instead of the current 24.times producing 20 slots for the game instead of the current 24. There are also 60 pieces instead of There are also 60 pieces instead of thth current 30.current 30.

•• The rules may have been very different.The rules may have been very different.

•• This origin is different than the usual explanation that backgamThis origin is different than the usual explanation that backgammon mon is derived from is derived from SenetSenet..

•• The Romans clearly played a direct descendant of The Romans clearly played a direct descendant of SenetSenet. .

Tabula and Tabula and LudusLudus DuodecimDuodecim ScriptorumScriptorum•• The Romans played The Romans played LudusLudus DuodecimDuodecim ScriptorumScriptorum, a game of , a game of

twelve linestwelve lines

•• The Romans played a game they called The Romans played a game they called LudusLudus DuodecimDuodecim ScriptorumScriptorum, the game of the twelve lines. , the game of the twelve lines.

•• The game may be derived from the Egyptian The game may be derived from the Egyptian SenatSenat with a with a topological set of 3 x 12 points and played with 3 x 6 sided topological set of 3 x 12 points and played with 3 x 6 sided dice. The rules are still unclear. dice. The rules are still unclear.

•• In the first century AD, In the first century AD, LudusLudus DuodecimDuodecim ScriptorumScriptorum seems to seems to have been replaced by a variant with only 2 rows of 12 points, have been replaced by a variant with only 2 rows of 12 points, a game which by the 6th century was called 'a game which by the 6th century was called 'AleaAlea'.'.

•• Both these games and others were also referred to as Both these games and others were also referred to as 'Tabula', which was a generic name for ''Tabula', which was a generic name for 'boardgameboardgame' and in ' and in early mediaeval times was usually used to mean the most early mediaeval times was usually used to mean the most popular popular boardgameboardgame, , DucodecimDucodecim Scriptorum/Alea/BackgammonScriptorum/Alea/Backgammon. .

LudusLudus DuodecimDuodecim ScriptorumScriptorum

Modern BackgammonModern Backgammon•• Following some rule changes in the early seventeenth century theFollowing some rule changes in the early seventeenth century the game underwent a game underwent a

revival and swept across Europerevival and swept across Europe–– Different namesDifferent names

•• England England -- Backgammon Backgammon •• Scotland Scotland –– Gammon Gammon •• France France -- TricTric--TracTrac•• Germany Germany –– Puff Puff •• Spain Spain -- Tablas Tablas RealesReales•• Italy Italy -- TavoleTavole RealeReale•• Czech Czech -- VrhcVrhcáábyby•• Israel and Arabic Israel and Arabic -- SheshShesh BeshBesh

•• The term Backgammon may be derived from either the Welsh 'back' The term Backgammon may be derived from either the Welsh 'back' (little) and 'gammon' (little) and 'gammon' (battle) or from the Saxon '(battle) or from the Saxon 'bacbac' (back) '' (back) 'gamengamen' (game)' (game)

•• Backgammon underwent another revival before the first World War Backgammon underwent another revival before the first World War but waned during the but waned during the middle of the twentieth century only to recover again in the 197middle of the twentieth century only to recover again in the 1970s to become popular 0s to become popular again. It is still widely played in the Middle East as again. It is still widely played in the Middle East as TricTric--tractrac..

•• There are a whole family of variants There are a whole family of variants –––– ChouetteChouette (3 or 4 player version) (3 or 4 player version) –– Partnership backgammon Partnership backgammon SixeySixey--AceyAcey, , –– Dutch Backgammon, Dutch Backgammon, –– Turkish Backgammon (Turkish Backgammon (MoultezimMoultezim), ), –– Greek Backgammon (Greek Backgammon (PlakatoPlakato), ), –– GioulGioul (from the Middle East), (from the Middle East), –– AceyAcey DeuceyDeucey (US Forces version of Dutch Backgammon), (US Forces version of Dutch Backgammon), –– European European AceyAcey DeuceyDeucey, , –– Russian Backgammon, Russian Backgammon, –– Tabard Backgammon and Tabard Backgammon and –– Icelandic Backgammon (Icelandic Backgammon (KotraKotra))

Nard / Tabula (Tables)Nard / Tabula (Tables)•• Chinese history indicates that Chinese history indicates that t'shut'shu--p'up'u (Nard) was invented in Western (Nard) was invented in Western

India, arrived in China during the Wei dynasty (220 India, arrived in China during the Wei dynasty (220 -- 265 AD) and became 265 AD) and became popular from 479 to 1000AD. popular from 479 to 1000AD.

•• In Japan the game was called In Japan the game was called SugorokoSugoroko and was declared illegal during the and was declared illegal during the reign of Empress reign of Empress JitoJito (690 (690 -- 697AD). 697AD).

•• Nard, in turn, seems to have been introduced into Europe via ItaNard, in turn, seems to have been introduced into Europe via Italy or Spain ly or Spain following the Arab occupation of Sicily (902 AD).following the Arab occupation of Sicily (902 AD).

•• The first mention of the game in English print was in The Codex The first mention of the game in English print was in The Codex ExoniensisExoniensis published in 1025: "These two shall sit at Tables...". Tables wapublished in 1025: "These two shall sit at Tables...". Tables was probably s probably brought to England by men returning from the Crusades. brought to England by men returning from the Crusades.

•• Nard or Tables was played throughout Europe during the middle agNard or Tables was played throughout Europe during the middle ages, es, becamingbecaming very popular in English Taverns, but it was supplanted by Chessvery popular in English Taverns, but it was supplanted by Chess during the fifteenth century. during the fifteenth century.

•• By the end of the sixteenth century, Tables had become a genericBy the end of the sixteenth century, Tables had become a generic term for term for any game played on a flat surface or table. any game played on a flat surface or table.

•• Like many games played for money, it was illegal in England untiLike many games played for money, it was illegal in England until the reign l the reign of Elizabeth I. of Elizabeth I.

Nard / Tabula (Tables)Nard / Tabula (Tables)

ChessChess•• While the roots of the game most likely go back much further, weWhile the roots of the game most likely go back much further, we

can trace chess all the way back to 7th century India. can trace chess all the way back to 7th century India.

•• Chess is a game of war comprising two armies controlled by two Chess is a game of war comprising two armies controlled by two separate players.separate players. It is different from many other board games It is different from many other board games because there is no luck involved.because there is no luck involved. The outcome of the game is The outcome of the game is determined solely by the skill of the player. determined solely by the skill of the player.

•• Chess spread from India to Persia, and finally to the Arab worldChess spread from India to Persia, and finally to the Arab world following the Arabian conquest in the 600s.following the Arabian conquest in the 600s. From there, it infiltrated From there, it infiltrated into Europe, most likely via a variety of different trade routesinto Europe, most likely via a variety of different trade routes. .

•• By the early 1000s, chess was commonly played throughout By the early 1000s, chess was commonly played throughout Europe.Europe. By the Middle AgesBy the Middle Ages——between 1100 and 1450between 1100 and 1450——chess was chess was Europe's most popular game among ruling classes. Europe's most popular game among ruling classes.

•• It was during the Renaissance period that the rules of chess evoIt was during the Renaissance period that the rules of chess evolved lved to resemble the ones used today.to resemble the ones used today. The changes that were made to The changes that were made to the rules of chess reflected outside life.the rules of chess reflected outside life. For example, until the For example, until the 1450s the queen had limited powers, but eventually became the 1450s the queen had limited powers, but eventually became the most powerful piece on the board. most powerful piece on the board.

ChessChess

TeufelsquadratTeufelsquadrat, Devil, Devil’’s Squares Square•• The DevilThe Devil’’s Square was derived from a sos Square was derived from a so--

called called ““Latin SquareLatin Square””, that the , that the Mathematician, Leonard Euler formulated Mathematician, Leonard Euler formulated over 200 years ago.over 200 years ago.

•• This DevilThis Devil’’s Square is based upon a s Square is based upon a ““Latin Latin SquareSquare”” used in combination with colored used in combination with colored game pieces. The game pieces are game pieces. The game pieces are placed on the square so that no color lies placed on the square so that no color lies twice in a single row either (horizontally, twice in a single row either (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally). vertically, or diagonally).

The DevilThe Devil’’s Squares Square

So if you are just fiddling around So if you are just fiddling around anyway, why donanyway, why don’’t you look into one t you look into one of the games that we have shown of the games that we have shown you today.you today.

Just think, you will be carrying on a Just think, you will be carrying on a tradition thousands of years old. tradition thousands of years old. And you can still play them when And you can still play them when the power goes out.the power goes out.

We will have some of the game We will have some of the game boards, and templates for some of boards, and templates for some of the game pieces posted on the local the game pieces posted on the local AIA website.AIA website.

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