A most intriguing game to challenge the heroes of our time. The game was designed by Lugh the Ildāna, the Celtic God of Arts and Crafts and set to test the champions of the land of Hibernia. Cuchulainn, one of the greatest of Irish heroes, was said to be a master of the game as it was a requirement of all champions to master the game. This reproduction is created in O'Gowna Studios in Dublin, Ireland.

The design is based on a board that is in the National History Museum in Dublin, which is believed to be made of bog oak and dates from the 9th century.

The Game
The four corner squares represent the four provinces of Ireland the centre square represents the fifth, which was Meath from where the High King ruled.

The Pieces
The game consists of twenty one pieces. The High King and his eight defenders who are two champions from each of the four provinces. There are twelve attackers which are three warriors from each province. These are the light coloured pieces.

Objective
The High King is in the centre province Meath and must be able to travel to one of the four provinces without being captured (one of the four corner squares). Curiously there are twelve attackers and only eight defenders. It appears he will lose. The game was designed by the Irish so everything may not be as it seems.

Moves
All pieces can move vertically and horizontally, but not diagonally. The same as a rook in chess. The attacking pieces make the first move (light pieces). Each peice can move as many squares as are free but may not move over a piece. The High King can only move one square at a time until he reaches the edge of the board then he moves as other pieces along the sides only. The King alone may occupy the centre and four corners.

Capturing Pieces
A piece is captured when he is flanked on both sides, a piece can also be caught against a corner square or against one of the Kings squares when flanked by an opposing piece. The High King may only be caught when flanked on all four sides or on three sides against the centre or corner squares. all pieces are removed from the board when captured. When the King is captured the game is over. As the game relects the Irish Psyche, the King would appear to have the advantage. This was necessary to keep control of the country. At times he would have lost control and would have had a limited time to reach his favoured province, before he had no allies left, or he would only be able to travel at nght which meant he could only move one square at all times. Your skill level will determine these conditions.

(click on any image to get an enlarged version)

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