Tafl — The King's Escape

Brandubh-Style Viking Strategy Game

A battle of strategy from the Viking world. Can the King escape before he is surrounded?

Step back into the world of Vikings and early medieval warriors with Tafl — The King's Escape, a traditional-style game of attack, defense, and strategy.

Tafl games were played across northern Europe for centuries before chess became widespread. Unlike most modern strategy games, the two sides are not equal and they have completely different objectives.

One player commands the King and his defenders, attempting to guide the King safely to escape. The other commands a larger attacking force determined to surround and capture him.

A Game with Ancient Roots

The word tafl comes from Old Norse and means "table" or "board." A family of games now commonly called tafl games was played throughout Scandinavia and other areas influenced by Norse culture.

References to tafl appear in medieval Norse literature, while archaeological finds of gaming pieces and boards show just how important gaming was in Viking-age life. These games were eventually displaced by chess, but modern historians and game enthusiasts have reconstructed several forms from surviving evidence and later recorded rules.

Our compact game is based on Brandubh, an Irish member of the tafl family. Brandubh is traditionally interpreted as "Black Raven." It uses a 7×7 board with 1 King, 4 defenders, and 8 attackers, making it an excellent introduction to this ancient family of strategy games.

The Challenge

• Defenders: Get the King safely to an escape corner.
• Attackers: Surround and capture the King before he escapes.

Pieces move in straight lines across the board, creating a game that is simple to learn but surprisingly tactical. Every move matters: block an escape route, create a trap, sacrifice a warrior, or suddenly open a path for the King.

Games From The Lost Archives

Created as part of our Games From The Lost Archives collection, this game is designed to make history something you can actually play, share, and experience.

Ideal for:

• Renaissance and Viking faire fans
• Homeschool history
• Classrooms and living-history programs
• Family game nights
• Medieval history enthusiasts
• Unique historical gifts

Simple rules • Quick to learn • Rich in strategy • Rooted in history

Bring home a game inspired by the Viking world—and discover whether the King will escape... or be captured.