Viking games – Hnefatafl

In some of our maths lessons this week, we have been creating a Viking game called Hnefatafl. Although we found out it could be played on different sized boards, it was often played on an 11 x 11 board. We discovered the number of squares would always have to be a square number and odd for the game to work. 

We had to draw out the board, measuring very carefully to be sure the board was straight and accurate and that the area had the correct areas marked on it. Some of us decided to decorate it with Viking runes or with patterns to make the game appear more professional. We then had to make the pieces to fit the board. We could choose to cut them from wood or make them in clay. We had to be very careful with measurements and designs to make sure the pieces could stand up and could be recognised was being from one team; we also needed them to fit inside the squares. The King  piece was made larger than the other pieces to show its importance in the game.

One side plays with 24 ‘dragons’; the other side plays with 12 ‘axe-men’ defending their king.

We also designed boxes to hold our finished pieces. We thought carefully about the net for the box we wanted to make, then we had to estimate the volume of the pieces and decide on the dimensions we would need to make a box big enough to fit the pieces in safely. Some of  us also had time to make a lid and include sections in the box to keep the pieces perfectly secure.

On Thursday we enjoyed learning some strategies to play the game successfully. We think it would be fun to have a Viking competition at some time… maybe when we visit York!