Play Hnefatafl Here

This is a virtual hnefatafl game, which lets you play against a friend or the computer. Your browser needs to be Java-enabled to run it. Don't be daunted by the panel: you can just press the PLAY button and go straight to the game. But if you learn to understand some of the options, then this game is very versatile. Pressing the HELP button explains the game and the other options on the panel.

If you want to investigate the options, then the best place to start is the ATTACKER and DEFENDER settings, allowing you to decide which side, if any, is controlled by the computer. The VARIANT setting is also useful: it allows you to quickly set the correct options for a number of popular hnefatafl variants.

The applet has its weaknesses. The computer player is weak, unless you increase the amount of time or number of moves ahead you allow it to think. Even when these settings are altered, it is not very good at games where movement is limited.

There are also some rules not available at present, including: hostile base camps, elite guards, single-captures, shield-wall captures, and Linnaean capture of a defender against a surrounded king. If you don't know what these are, then you probably won't miss them!

There is also no feature to play against others across the net. For this, there are a number of other sites on the "On-line play links" page which I recommend you try. You might find this applet useful as a practice pad for the games on those sites.

Next: Hnefatafl Puzzles