How to Play Brandubh?

Brandubh is an ancient Irish board game belonging to the hnefatafl family, known for its strategic gameplay and historical roots. Played on a 7x7 board, the game features a King and his Defenders against a group of Attackers. Here’s everything you need to know to play this timeless game.

Setup

1. Pieces:
   • 1 King: The central figure that the Defenders must protect.
   • 4 Defenders: Allied with the King to ensure his escape.
   • 8 Attackers: Tasked with capturing the King.
2. Initial Placement:
   • Place the King on the central square (the Throne).
   • Place the Defenders on the four squares immediately surrounding the King (north, south, east, and west).
   • Position the Attackers:
     • Two on each of the four center squares along the edges of the board.

Objective

• Defenders: Help the King escape to one of the four corner squares, called the Escape Squares.
• Attackers: Surround the King on all four sides (or three sides if he is adjacent to the Throne) to capture him before he escapes.

Gameplay

1. Movement Rules:
   • All pieces (King, Defenders, and Attackers) move like a chess rook:
     • Any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
     • Pieces cannot jump over or move through other pieces.
   • The Throne (central square) is a special position:
     • Only the King can occupy the Throne.
     • Other pieces may move over the Throne but cannot stop there.
2. Capturing Rules:
   • A piece (Defender or Attacker) is captured when it is surrounded on two opposite sides (horizontally or vertically) by opposing pieces.
   • If a piece is adjacent to the Throne, it can be captured by being surrounded on three sides.
   • The King is captured if surrounded on all four sides (or three sides if adjacent to the Throne).
3. Winning Conditions:
   • Defenders Win: The King reaches one of the four corner Escape Squares.
   • Attackers Win: The King is captured before reaching safety.

Strategies

• For Defenders:
  • Use the Defenders to create openings for the King to move toward an Escape Square.
  • Distract the Attackers by sacrificing Defenders strategically.
• For Attackers:
  • Block the King’s path to the corners early in the game.
  • Surround and isolate Defenders to weaken the King’s support.

Download the Rules

For a detailed and printable version of the rules, click here to download the Brandubh Rules PDF.

Get Your Own Brandubh Board

If you’re fascinated by history and strategy, owning a handcrafted Brandubh set with Norse god figurines is the perfect way to experience this timeless game. Visit our Brandubh product page to explore the craftsmanship and cultural significance behind this historical game.