Play Hnefatafl OnlineEscape vs capture in Viking Chess.
About Hnefatafl
Hnefatafl (often called Viking Chess) is an asymmetric strategy board game. One side defends a king trying to escape, the other side attacks with a larger army.
Defenders win by getting the king to a corner. Attackers win by surrounding and capturing the king. Every move feels tactical, but long-term positioning and timing matter a lot.
Play Hnefatafl vs AI
Play Hnefatafl online against the computer and practice both roles: escaping as the defenders and coordinating a net as the attackers.
Because the goals are asymmetric, you will improve faster by learning typical escape routes, common traps, and how to use the board edges and corners.
How to play Hnefatafl
Hnefatafl rules are straightforward: pieces move like rooks in chess (any number of squares orthogonally) and captures happen by surrounding a piece on two opposite sides.
Only the king can land on the throne and corner squares. Defenders win if the king reaches a corner. Attackers win by capturing the king (surrounding him on all four sides).
Improve by learning strategy
Good Hnefatafl strategy depends on your side. As defenders, focus on clearing a lane and creating multiple escape threats.
As attackers, control the corners, keep your formation connected, and tighten the net step by step. Avoid chasing pieces, win by limiting the king’s options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hnefatafl comes from Old Norse, meaning 'fist table' or 'king's table'. 'Hnef' refers to the king piece (literally 'fist'), and 'tafl' means 'table' or 'board'. The game was the most popular board game in Viking Age Scandinavia.
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Learn, Play, and Have Fun!
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