Hnefatafl – A Timberdoodle Review!
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Looking for a fun two-person strategy game? Hnefatafl – pronounced “nef-ah-tah-fel” – is a two-player strategy game where the Vikings’ (light pieces) goal is to get their king (the tallest piece) to a refuge (one of the four corner squares) while the Attackers’ (dark pieces) goal is to capture the king before he makes it to safety.
Set up is super easy and the concept is simple!
To start, place the Viking king in the center of the game board and place 12 Vikings around the king. Then, place six attackers on each side of the outer portion of the game board.
The attackers start the play by moving either horizontally or vertically (never diagonally). They can move any number of squares they’d like unless they are blocked by another piece, a refuge square, or the edge of the board.
To capture a piece, they must be sandwiched by an opponent’s piece (two pieces, in fact) or by one opponent’s piece and an empty refuge.
To capture the king, he must be flanked on all sides with attackers or on three sies with attackers, if the fourth side is the center square or one of the board’s edges.
The instructions were explained well – the page was the size of the game board and included helpful illustrations as well. Not all game instructions are so easy to understand, in my experience. 😅
I loved the solid wood game board and playing pieces. The quality is incredible!
This game is gorgeous and would be perfect to display on a coffee table or bookcase when not in use!
Hnefatafl was designed for ages 8 and up but Miss just-turned-seven had a blast playing it! I love that it can be used with so many different ages!
Hnefatafl isn’t just an ancient board game with a name that looks like someone banged on the keyboard for 2.3 seconds. 😅 It’s also educational!
Hnefatafl vs. Chess
If you’re like me and are thinking – this looks similar to chess – here’s a comparison between the two!
If you love classic strategy games like chess but want something with a bit more Viking drama flair, Hnefatafl is for you!
As I mentioned earlier, Hnefatafl is an ancient Norse board game where one player defends a king trying to escape, while the other player is the attacker, surrounding him from all sides. It’s fast, clever, and fun! It just might be your new favorite game night pick.
So how does it compare to chess? Let’s break it down:
Both Hnefatafl and chess are all about thinking ahead, making smart moves, and outwitting your opponent. But…
- Chess gives you identical armies battling it out head-to-head.
- Hnefatafl is all about one side trying to escape.
Each side has different goals and forces.
Unlike chess where both players start with the same pieces, in Hnefatafl …
- One player has the king and a small group of defenders.
- The other player? A bigger army trying to surround and capture the king.
This means each side plays completely differently.
Quicker to Play (and Learn!)
Chess can get … intense.
- Hnefatafl has simpler rules. Most pieces move the same way (like a rook in chess) but playing pieces can’t turn into something else (which can be confusing for younger players).
- Play time is faster, too.
Great for Kids and Families
Because of its simpler rules and fast gameplay, Hnefatafl is super kid-friendly but still challenging enough for adults. It’s one of those awesome games where your 10-year-old might actually beat you, and not just because you let them win.
Plus, switching roles (defender vs. attacker) keeps the game fresh and helps kids learn how to think from multiple perspectives.
Sportsmanship & Strategy in One
Whether you’re escaping or capturing, Hnefatafl teaches critical thinking, patience, and good sportsmanship. And because it’s quick to replay, there’s always a chance for a rematch (or a dramatic comeback!).
The Verdict?
If you love chess but want something new, fun, and full of Viking flair – Hnefatafl is a must-try. It’s simpler to learn, quicker to play, and perfect for families, history buffs, and strategy lovers alike.
Where Can I Purchase Hnefatafl?
Hnefatafl is available to purchase from Timberdoodle. You can purchase items separately or bundled together in curriculum kits.
We’ve purchased many items from Timberdoodle over the years – they have SO many fun and educational products, oftentimes priced lower than other retailers.
If you aren’t familiar with Timberdoodle, they offer fantastic learning products for babies all the way up to high school students. We have used their curriculum for many years and have been very happy with their products and amazing customer service. Not a homeschooling family? That’s fine too! They have an entire shop of products that would make the perfect gift for any child.
Interested in Our Other Timberdoodle Product Reviews?
See all our Timberdoodle Reviews here
If you’d like to see additional product reviews for Timberdoodle products, be sure to check out these posts:
- 3rd Grade Custom Timberdoodle Curriculum Kit
- Jump 1 Game Review
- Horse Academy by Smart Games
- Timberdoodle’s Custom Preschool Kit
- Crepe Foam Alphabet Puzzles Set
- Mad Mattr Builder Pack – Teal
- Beadazzled Dough
- Crepe Foam Alphabet Puzzles
- Ultimo Dice Game
- Squishy Soft Over Ball
- Mad Mattr Craftsman
- Junior Rainbow Pebbles
- See all our Timberdoodle Reviews here
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