Viking Chess game - Hnefatafl - Scrapwood Challenge ep23

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I came across this interesting game and thought it would be perfect for a scrapwood project. It's a chess like game that was played by the Vikings and predates chess by 600 years. There are quite a few variations with different size boards from 7x7 to 19x19. Hnefatafl uses an 11x11 board.
For the first time since I started the Scrapwood Challenge I've used a different species of wood from camphor laurel. I still used the camphor laurel but I needed a contrasting wood, I did make sure to use reclaimed wood which I reckon fits with the challenge.
The rules can be found here www.fetlar.org/assets/files/hn...
As always I'm happy to answer any questions.
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[@eleethtahgra7182]

Common chess, two opposing army across a field Viking Chess, a surrounded raider group.

[@karltriebel4262]

Nah, the Vikings are the ambusher, the Saxons are trapped in the middle!

[@Narinjas]

@@karltriebel4262 Vinland Saga (the MADLAD joined the enemy because they war too easy to beat and he wanted a challenge so i beg to differ)

[@KibyNykraft]

Well I usually "arrest" people who call it viking chess, because it has almost nothing to do with chess... Except that both are a part of a huge range of games being board games with pieces to move through squares. Some historians say that the early viking age idea is that the attackers are the orcs/giants/trolls ("jotunn") from Jotunheimr, one of of the 9 worlds of norse mythology (thus the attacking pieces should be dark). The royal house in the middle are the defenders of Valhalla or Åsgård/Aoss-gartha, where the pawns are the Einherjar. Odin/Wouthann being the white king in the middle square is supposed to escape to one of the corners. In any case, it was a good way to train one's mind for strategical thinking and finding solutions. Or sometimes maybe just as a time-waste for chieftains and royals. The game was called tawlbrdd in Wales. Note that the board is 9x9 squares. It may have a cultural significance to ancient Levant/Middle-eastern/eurasian cultures where the number 9 was important (but it could also very well just be that it is practical for the gamle setup since one team is escaping and the other attacking). There are loads of board games in history that are mostly unknown to people, from many cultures around the planet. Only the lappish people/säämi in the north and (mostly before)also central Scandinavia had 4 different versions of board games. See for example Sáhkku (a broad a there, like in the english word sand). The name Tablut, Dääbloe and Tablo were some of the names (can remind of the modern french word tableau and the swedish tablå -the "å" = "aw" like in english "raw", or pronounced like the o in "force"). These names were in Sweden used for both the Hnefatafl, Halatafl and another form of the Sáhkku. There was also a čuhkka - "tshoukka". The nordic cultures also had pure dice throws sometimes used by "völva"-witches for fortune telling.

[@haveyouflossedtoday]

@@KibyNykraft Thanks for this comment! Now I have months or more worth of cool rabbit holing ahead of me😊.

[@daringdarius5686]

"Why does hand-made stuff cost so much?" *show video* "oh... ohhh..."

[@tygrahof9268]

The bane of every artist.

[@joelsteinmann17]

time is precious... that's why. why we don't value time the way it should be valued?

[@jamesfisher9594]

And think how long it would take all hand tools.

[@ericjohnson4768]

Right?

[@eddiemcmichen9966]

Not to be rude he spent several days building it plus cost of material why dont you try it i building sapphire and emerald chessboard and of which i made alot of costly mistakes it will give you a whole new out look on hand made item and their price

[@SecondThought]

Wow, what a process! The end product is gorgeous. I can't imagine how much work went into this, plus being conscientious enough to collect great shots for the video! Very, very well done.

[@nagualdesign]

_"I can't imagine how much work went into this..."_ The video gives you a bit of an idea. 😜

[@thegrammarcrusader4085]

@@nagualdesign yeh lol

[@wescampbell1768]

And 3 1/2 people in the world can play the game.....isn’t that special? 😌😌😌😌😂

[@DexxBlue]

@@wescampbell1768 Oh dear Wes, just because it's new to you does not make it virtually unknown. The game is actually increasing in popularity, it's pretty popular amongst role playing gamers (like D&D for example). Please tell us that you are at least aware of Backgammon and Go ?

[@KibyNykraft]

@@DexxBlue In my family we used to play it in the countryside cabins (Norway) some decades ago during for example easter holidays. It is cute for that but gets maybe a bit boring too soon for me. As un-vikingy as it sounds, chess is a bit more challenging on the internet or the national competitions once you run into really good players. I still occasionally play some tafl on the bus on the phone app (there is a Tablut or Tablus + one or two hnefatafl there now for the Android phones). Basically it was forgotten until the archeologists found it in one of the viking ships. It was after this that it took off a bit in some popularity but mostly in englishspeaking countries it seems. I don't know if the welsh have been playing Tawlbrdd all along. Maybe a few after year 1800 if so

[@pandasalvesen1977]

Well, Im from Norway, so I thank you on behalf of my ancestors for this video. The Length is by no means to long.

[@madsr.k.9453]

pandasalvesen1977, as a dane I can only agree

[@jefflindeman]

pandasalvesen1977 ~ok, gonna throw my hat in. 1/2 first-gen Latvian - 1/2 second-gen Norwegian. I think I may have found the first project of Spring. I have a bunch of maple scraps and possibly just enough walnut. Beautiful work. Cheers and thx for the idea!

[@rdouthwaite]

I'm from near York, England (Viking capital of England) and now live in Shetland (Viking everything and including the island of Fetlar, home to the modern Hnefatafl world championships apparently) Greetings cousins ;-)

[@miniblasan5717]

There aren't many times that both a Swede, a Norwegian and a Danish can agree on one thing without arguing with each other.

[@maxproductions7793]

@@miniblasan5717 True, I'm a Norwegian had no idea this existed but now I'm gonna learn it

[@kurnal1983]

After watching the video advert i was still skeptical. But when i finally downloaded the plans kzbin.infoUgkxZF0EMnrujZvqHhGkxiz559uIABJWR9TG i was very impressed. The whole plan was just as you said in the video. Thank you very much. I now have a large and valuable collection for my woodworks. This is great!

[@phatputer]

You won't catch me complaining about lengthy woodworking videos of this standard and quality, hopefully inspires me to go do some work in the shed this afternoon.

[@richmondmathewson6442]

I've been playing Hnefatafl for 35 years, and use it for teaching purposes in my EFL school in Bulgaria. Apart from slobbering over your powertools, your explanation of the game rules is a model of conciseness which makes me look even more like a teacher who wibbles on too much than I already do. Thanks a million!

[@DownwardsRising]

I'm impressed by the repertoire of methods to surface a piece of wood I see; face jointing, table saw, thickness planer, hand plane with jig, disk sander, belt sander, freehand plane with square, orbital sander, plywood with sandpaper on it - even just the surfacing is quite educational.

[@gionnifer]

I know in my heart all these words are English. I swear they look like English.

[@DownwardsRising]

@@gionnifer "Repertoire" comes from similar French and Latin words meaning list/inventory, and is used to describe a set of practiced performances. www.etymonline.com/word/repertoire It's ok to nerd out on some things here and there, at least that's what I tell myself.

[@Texicles]

Brilliant use of tenons on the pieces to make the "helmets"

[@grindsaur]

The noseguard effect on the pieces is adorable. Very nice looking board too, happy gaming!

[@Parzec]

Me: Hello there KZbin Algorithm, how are you today? YA: I know you can't use a screwdriver to save your life but here's a video on precision woodworking just for you. Great video though =)

[@theobolt250]

@Parzecb I hear ya bro! 😄

[@ADwarvenBard]

Absolutely wonderful! I love the sword and shield for the king piece. Positively golden. Keep up the awesome work!

[@PaskMakes]

I've added subtitles to this video in a few different languages. They were made from an automated translation, if you would like to edit the subtitles to improve them for other viewers you can do so here kzbin.info_video?ref=share&v=iiHlAa131NI I came across this interesting game and thought it would be perfect for a scrapwood project. It's a chess like game that was played by the Vikings and predates chess by 600 years. There are quite a few variations with different size boards from 7x7 to 19x19. Hnefatafl uses an 11x11 board. For the first time since I started the Scrapwood Challenge I've used a different species of wood from camphor laurel. I still used the camphor laurel but I needed a contrasting wood, I did make sure to use reclaimed wood which I reckon fits with the challenge. The rules can be found here www.fetlar.org/assets/files/hnefatafl-rules-02-09-2012.pdf

[@Libertyframersintent]

Nice to see you make good use of your Japanese plane! I am about to make a set of them for myself - your video was a great inspiration. Thanks!

[@doolspin]

Can you include a link to the rules you found? I've had a hard time finding a set that works well. Great video!

[@jaust3r]

@@doolspin tafl.cyningstan.com/page/21/the-hnefatafl-board

[@PaskMakes]

@@doolspin Sorry about that, just added a link! ;)

[@doolspin]

@@jaust3r Thanks!

[@Rick_Bagnall]

I love the details you put into your work! the rings and x's could've easily been painted or stained on, but you took the time and trouble to make them out of contrasting woods. Very interesting game, looks like fun. Good job!

[@zyechartorisky9879]

Rick Bagnall I actually own this game it’s quite a challenge & very fun I play it with my classmates at school

[@rud3m3chanical]

He's gone well beyond the craftsmanship of any of the extant finds, few as they are. This would be a gift fit for a Jarl!

[@QazwerDave]

There's a mobile app for this game !!

[@johnkristoff2341]

Outstanding craftsmanship. Thank you. What a pleasure to watch.

[@slowlearnerschessclub7983]

I appreciate that unlike alot of modern chess designs, you rounded the pieces making them symmetrical, which is more aesthetic, and more practical for actual game play.

[@AGlimpseInside]

This guy is the best maker from down Under, hands down! I never missed one of these brother keep up the great work

[@MarkMcCluney]

A Glimpse Inside I think Neil is one of the best makers on KZbin period! He seems like a very decent bloke too.

[@robmatthewswoodturning4988]

I think Chris Clickspring would like to have a word with you... :D But yes, Neil is brilliant, and this is a cracking vid.

[@AGlimpseInside]

Mark McCluney I completely agree. One of the best absolutely

[@AGlimpseInside]

Rob Matthews Woodturning I put Chris in a league of his own brother. And yes they both make things with their hands however the craft is very much different in my opinion. He was I believe the third channel I ever subscribed to, and to pay him much respect I got one of the first fire Pistons he created. I actually have a video deep within my channel of me I’m boxing it!!

[@robmatthewswoodturning4988]

@@AGlimpseInside Yes, i dig it; i saw your unboxing (I'm subbed to you, of course!), and mad respect to you for the support of Chris. And yep, I agree, Chris is a craftsman. Calling him a maker is very much under-selling his work.

[@codyoverocker]

Pask, love this series. Keep up the good work!

Me too! It's very entertaining

[@shookings]

BEAUTIFUL board and pieces , and a new game as well! Thanks so much for your demonstration

[@dmg4415]

From rags to richies! Deceptivly plain at first sight. When you was nearly finished with the warriors, it looked like an ammo factory making 20mm bullets. Thanks for the very beutiful work.👌

[@2dividedby3equals666]

Good to hear from you! Your videos are always awesome!

[@KingPostTimberWorks]

Neil that is tons of work! very cool looking game .

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks mate! It was a bit of a challenge! It’s actually is a great game to play! 😊

[@aleksanderhogh]

Really great work!

[@disappointedfather9394]

Amazing work and perfect editing. I was glued to the screen every moment of it. It looks absolutely beautiful

[@dr.stevensaul1987]

Wow! Not only did you build an amazing game, but you did a video AND EDITED IT! My hats off to you!!

[@DugMcClure]

What amazing things come out of your scrap pile! Inspiration! Thanks!

[@aymanbadr10]

I like the creativity & patience in the making, keep up the good work

[@markforrestsm]

Bloody brilliant Neil! The attention to detail... Huge respect!

[@jimmccubbin4987]

I continue to be amazed at the level of detail and craftsmanship that you put into your pieces. This video was such a treat to watch! Thanks!

[@margaretcarter517]

Love it. What patience and skill you have. Love your videos. From the UK

[@gordonchapman222]

That wasn't to long at all. I had never heard of the game and now I find myself fascinated by it researching it even as I watched. What a great project, thanks for sharing 👍

[@_J.F_]

I just love the attention to detail and the always inspiring way you go about creating wonderful wooden projects, with little intricate twists and creative techniques.

[@robhat86]

Like always you make complex processes seem simple and you add just the right touches to show how a craftsman works to get the details just right. Great video as always.

[@ptolemy7918]

My favourite challenge so far mate good work

[@RB-xc9vh]

This is simply art... awesome. Never seen anything like that. Thank you.

[@adammontgomery7980]

Looks like a cool game. I've always loved when the finish hits the wood, so satisfying.

[@Chrisx132]

Amazing, just amazing. I love the techniques and tools used. So much work put into the piece. Truly love the finished product

[@RoyGross]

Such a pleasure to watch your videos!

[@Krankitopia]

This is definitely one of the nicer Hnefatafl sets I've seen made on KZbin. It would be great to see you make a Backgammon board as well. There are a complete lack of Backgammon woodworking videos on KZbin.

[@onlineda1]

Lovely job Neil. Your videos are always relaxing to watch. Thank you for entertaining us!

[@st3althyone]

Just jaw-dropping level of craftsmanship you display in every single project you undertake. Amazing!

[@kristynorth3418]

Awesome fresh content! Looks amazing

[@kadehuddleston]

I have no idea how I got to this video, but I am glad I ended up here! Just got a new subscriber on the first video I have watched from this Channel! Lovely stuff!

[@StuffUCanMake]

I am continually impressed by the results you produce!

[@gonzothegreat1317]

This might very well be my new favorite video on youtube. Hats off to you, sir!

[@amberjude2886]

That king is adorable with his little sword and shield. I really want to play this now too.

[@KomarProject]

That is so cool looking. Game seams interesting too

[@theweirdsarr3734]

Unfortunatly the rules have been lost over the years.

[@phbrinsden]

I didn’t notice it was a long video. Completely absorbed in the work. Thank you.

[@Brackers64]

I am really enjoying this series. This one is one of the best yet, truly inspiring. You make it look so easy.

[@johnniegarrrell9566]

Awesome job and looks like a fun game to play.

[@danielcrawford7315]

Lordy mercy, have no idea how it could have been any shorter and still cover the topic. Blessed days sirSir, Crawford out

[@gwog]

This project was simply incredible. Really really well done!

[@LordLuminor]

beautiful piece of art you created there.. the precision you have is insane! Much respect!

[@thetalantonx]

Just showed up in my recommendations, and I'm very happy I clicked. I love the design and thought behind every piece of this, but most especially the jigs and assists you use. I'm not sure what the name of the tool is that you use to help the wood you're cutting on the table saw move along, but from that down to sizing jig you had when cutting individual blocks down to size your care and softening of the edges for safe and comfortable use was impressive and added to the feeling you've been doing this long enough to want to be comfortable while you do it. Liked and subscribed.

[@garymccraw1466]

WOW you done a amazing job on that Game

[@PiatraTare]

This is so inspiring ! So many different techniques showcased, a lot of thought put into the process. You are a real motivation, thank you !

[@timwhite7882]

Absolutely outstanding piece of craftsmanship.

[@jerryallen8925]

The thing I do not understand, out of all you great content. Why do trolls feel it necessary to comment or even give your videos a thumbs down. Always fun to see your projects! Keep up the good work.

[@codeninja1832]

A version of this game is in Mount and Blade II: Bannerlord

[@Ethan-zt7ky]

I was gonna say it looked literally the same

[@codeninja1832]

@@Ethan-zt7ky I'm pretty sure in game it has a bit less board space and is called "tablut"

[@gornjolf8877]

@@codeninja1832 Yeah its the Sámi version of the game, which actually had its rules recorded. Hnefetafl is reconstructed, partially based on the rules to Tablut, the rest inferred from the sagas and such.

[@goki6548]

Yes. The turkish game. Im proud of it. Bec im turkish

[@MrGeoffreySmith]

I loved every moment of this build and video! It's a great game and you've made a wonderful version of it!

[@BadAzzCustomDesigns]

Awesome work, and so glad to see something done that I haven't seen on KZbin prior. Keep up the great work, love the scrap wood challenge video's as well.

[@_xano]

Great as always! I think that Your channel is the most creative one among all the woodworking stuff on KZbin :) also intro song is so addictive :D

[@tiffanyhackerspace8377]

Right?!?! That nifty little ditty, tho!! :-)

[@eddiemcmichen9966]

Ill put him in the top 10 but there some alsome wood carver and their a guy who make some alsome dragon rings and such of which i told him i hated him jokingly and wish i had a 1\4 of his skill but its because people like him and other i started making sapphire and emerald chessboard

[@IronFist857]

Однозначно лайк! Просто потрясающая работа.

[@yagalamaga]

amazing, both the craftsmanship and the video making skills are very satisfying.

[@djscotty06]

Wow awesome project. So many layers to think about. Great vid.

[@heniv181]

Amazing build. The final product looks simplistic but there is a ton of thought, effort and skill to get something to look that good. This must be the basis for the "Thud" game in Terry Pratchetts discworld book with the same name. Never knew it was a viking game, and I'm Swedish ..... åäö.. =P

[@logicalChimp]

Was thinking the same thing, although there are also some significant differences too...

[@negotiableaffections]

Yes it is the inspiration for THUD, but as you say there are differences - THUD sets can be purchased at; www.discworldemporium.com/games-activities/229-thud

[@jeffr7558]

I'm always amazed at your use of jigs. Maybe your next series?

[@jessicaphillips8734]

Absolutely so impressive! Have gotten sucked into watching everything you make 🥳 love it!

[@vivianramsay2527]

Beautiful detailed work, wonderful to watch!!

[@alunjones2550]

Loved the video. The longer the better for me.....

[@xKrispyx]

It's 2:14am, I have no idea how I got here, but this is enthralling nonetheless!

[@joelholt7345]

Amazing. Love the quality of your work, and the game looks fun. Thank you.

[@robertmurray1833]

My favourite video in the series so far. Loved it.

[@maconbacon]

Im speechless

[@jimwarmington3933]

The longer the better, thanks Neil.

[@jommeissner]

Noooo, my attention is only max 10 minutes😁

[@senpai16]

This a a beautiful set and i had a great time watching you make it!

[@juanjoseduran6325]

Un saludo, bueno no entiendo muy bien este juego, pero el trabajo de carpintería es genial, vaya combinación, esto es arte realizado en madera. Enhorabuena.

[@adropbear09]

If u ask me, I think it still wasn't a long enough vid..

[@metamatticus]

Great build. Impressive result. Thanks for sharing!

[@neilrobertgrayson]

I knew as you made and inlaid the board it would pop when a finish went on and boy did it. Really nice job of everything.

[@spamuel98]

looks like a pretty interesting game, I might have to look up how to play.

[@N1inSK]

It's not difficult to learn to play (it's much harder to spell!), but like chess, there is a huge amount of strategy involved once you become familiar with the game.

[@austinshoffman4651]

The funny thing is I've been reading a lot of Norse myth & legend stuff lately, & I just found out about this game yesterday. I think that KZbin is listening to me........

[@TediumGenius]

I LOVE this project!!!!! Thanks for making it and sharing!!!

[@glenr7393]

Pure artistry, beautiful work.

[@thebokchoyboy92]

now imagine doing this back then with no power tools or perfect measuring tools

[@N0ES]

We don't have perfect measuring tools.

[@rentregagnant]

Would the ten miserable people who hit the 'thumbs down' button please take a long walk off a short plank. A great project, showing so many skills and craftsmanship. Well done!

[@brambruijnzeel]

Hey Neil, again a marvellous job: Turning scrapwood into a very nice (old and nearly forgotten) game. I enjoyed this video, like the other ones you’ve made, so please keep on making them. Thanks gaan!

[@jimpike3489]

I love watching your scrapwood challenge Pask, the pieces you have made are amazing and it shows no wood should be discarded.

[@LunarisArts]

So this is where Terry Pratchett found inspiration to Thud from!

[@qwertyTRiG]

Yup! I've played both. I have a Thud board, but not yet a Tafl one.

[@Drakijy]

Just wanted you to know that the link to the rules is broken now. Thanks for a fantastic video!

[@mr.octopus6972]

Original rules are lost to the ages but a logical reconstitution can be found on wikipedia.

[@LuisAldamiz]

The link worked for me: it produced a short PDF with what seems a fairly good description of the rules (but all text, no graphs).

[@Drakijy]

@@LuisAldamiz Thanks for letting us know! I'm glad to see that it's been fixed.

[@Huskarlex]

I got hypnotized by the way you worked the wood its just beautiful :)

[@aapjew18]

Man it's so nice to see a video like this without the constant music or talking. Very relaxing. And absolutely gorgeous board and pieces. I love how all the markings for the special squares are bits of wood that run deep, that way if this were to see a lot of play and wear, you'll always be able to see the markings. Very cool.

[@baguette1356]

Mount and Blade Bros where you at?

[@olsonusmaximus]

Present!

[@tun4046]

Here!

[@ThiccboiSalmon]

Beat Gryphor at this so hard he joined the Aserai

[@goki6548]

Yes its turkish game and im turkish

[@richardmoore5347]

LESS POSTING, MOAR RAIDING!

[@joecooper8527]

How many hours did this projecr take ?

[@smith1401]

Really enjoyed the long video! Beautiful craftsmanship 👍👏

[@toonybrain]

Incredible amount of detail! What a treasure.

[@nagualdesign]

A time lapse of an actual game, move by move, would be interesting to see.

[@simpletongeek]

I'm rather curious as to how the king would react if the four refuge corner squares are guarded? No capture, no refuge. So the battle will always be at the center.

[@nagualdesign]

@@simpletongeek Good point. Presumably the pieces that guard the castles cannot be taken, since you can't position pieces either side of them.

[@simpletongeek]

@@nagualdesign some versions of the rules states that an empty refuge square can be used as anvil, but that can be easily covered by doubling up pawns.

[@nagualdesign]

@@simpletongeek I know that by "empty refuge squares" you mean the castles, but I can't imagine what you mean by "anvil". Also, pawns are from chess. I think these are called _attackers_ and _defenders,_ or simply _pieces._

[@simpletongeek]

@@nagualdesign hammer and anvil. As in one piece and the square acting together. Also, king and pawns are from chess, but you know what I mean. No problem.

[@machaiarcanum]

Question is: Did they design the pieces to look like their helmets, or their helmets to look like the pieces?

[@jakubmusiolik1260]

The pieces to look like their helmets

[@carteradams43]

@@jakubmusiolik1260 woosh

[@jackblack8252]

Wonderful to watch a true craftsman at work

[@themazemaster1]

Your best work to date. Amazing.

[@kaelinfinchum2690]

I'm 30 percent viking blood and was intrigued by this and loved your wood work. Would you sell one of this board games?

[@rubyphoenix4977]

love that you say viking blood and not scandinavian or icelandic XD

[@kaelinfinchum2690]

@@rubyphoenix4977 I'm actually norman wich translates to viking.

[@rubyphoenix4977]

@@kaelinfinchum2690 Norman? or do you mean "Norrman"? that means northman, or a term in Swedish for Norwegian

[@kaelinfinchum2690]

phoeniPhoenix look it up I know what I am but you clearly do not lmao. My last name alone holds tales of my origin

[@rubyphoenix4977]

@@kaelinfinchum2690 haha why are you namecalling? im just curious, besides the point i never said that i know what you are, thats why i asked. I am Swedish myself so it would have been nice to talk to a fellow viking