Greetings! Last months column received a request from reader Jim Morrison for tournament games such as the Electronic Knights, and so this months column is dedicated to games from the 2022 Electronic Knights tournament, with gratitude to Jim for reading.

The Electronic Knights tournament is a large Round Robin tournament in which contestants are paired up in groups of seven, and they play one game each against every other player in the group (three as White and three as Black). The tournament consists of three stages: the preliminaries, the semi-finals and the finals. Those players who score 4/6 or more points in a section will advance to the next round. The competition is fierce, and getting past the first round isnt easy. All play is via email. More information about the Electronic Knights can be found on the list of Correspondence Chess Events Offered by US Chess | US Chess.org.

Our first game, Chirillo Civan, shows John Chirillo tearing apart the Dutch Stonewall quickly and effectively. Ethan Civan is no weak player, so this game had to be an eye-opener! Black either sacrificed a pawn or hung one, but in either case White made the most of it, bringing home the point in only 23 moves.

I am not a fan of system openings, even though, I am also no fan of memorizing a gajillion book moves for each opening I choose to play. I find system openings (like the London System or the Colle Opening) to be a kind of shortcut to opening theory, and shortcuts can be unreliable or even dangerous. Systematic approaches take the thinking out of your moves, and you need to be able to explain each move you make. Of course, Magnus Carlsen makes me look a fool in writing these words, as he has beaten some of the worlds best with the London System, and so I should just sit in the corner with my mouth shut. But first I want to show you all a merciless takedown of the London System in our second game, McGroarty Hilburn.

Our third game is one of my own. I have played in several sections of the Electronic Knights tournament, starting eight or nine years ago, and while I have played some good games, I rarely get close to the top. Last year I was able to win my section with a perfect 6/6, and so I am going to be playing in the semi-finals later this year. In the preliminaries, Anthony Gold tested my mettle in the Carlsbad structure, but his attempts to mix things up backfired. In the end, Whites pieces that werent pinned were too far away to help.

The preliminary rounds often find players who try to avoid opening theory, and those players are not to be taken lightly! Our fourth game, Miller Hilburn, has White refusing a standard French Defense. Instead, both players are left to their own resources on move two! Both players struggled through the opening and into the middlegame, each overlooking small ways to make their positions stronger, with the position remaining close to equality until move 21. Whites 21st move permits a continuation that results in a significant endgame advantage for Black, but Black misses the chance, and the game peters out to a draw.

In Hilburn Strobehn, Jerry Hilburn plays a form of the Scotch Gambit that I am unfamiliar with, and for which there are no games in my database. The fight was fairly level throughout, but Black first captured the d-file for his rooks, and then used the file to double his rooks on the second rank. Whites first move after that drops a piece.

Patrick Walsh, the winner of our sixth game, has forced me to turn over my king more than once. In this game, John Finnegan is his prey, and Whites knights run roughshod over Blacks bishops. In the end it is the White pawns that are the biggest threat.

In our final game, Finnegan Hutson, Black plays for the Grunfeld Defense while White develops his kingside knight first. The simple pawn exchange in the center works better for White since Black is denied the knight exchange on c3. The advantage changes hands during the middlegame, but after the queens come off the board Black makes his final mistake, and he gives up the ship ten moves later.

I intend to make the Electronic Knights games a regular part of the column, and I would like to include games from the Golden Knights (correspondence) tournaments as well. However, I cannot get the scores of those games unless they are sent to me. So, I invite you all to send me your games (correspondence_chess@yahoo.com), analyzed or not, in pgn format or typed into an email, to be included in future columns. I also invite readers to suggest column ideas.

Stay safe, and good skill in your games!

Robert

Paul O. Flueckiger of Navasota, Texas passed away on December 2, 2022. He had a 1618 CC rating.

William H. Hutchinson of Palmer, Alaska passed away on February 13, 2023. He had a 1478 CC rating.

Craig W. Ellyson of Morehead City, NC passed away on April 16, 2023. He had a 1589 CC rating.

Walter Muir E-Quad

22W22, Kevin Buswell 5-

23W03 Michael McCaffery 5-1

Victor Palciauskas

22VP12, Josh Pruett 6-0

John W. Collins Memorial

22C04 Craig Faber 6-0

Go here to see the original:

Check is in the Mail: Join the Electronic Knights! - uschess.org

ASTANA Kazakhstan is focused on advancing chess in the country, aiming to double the number of chess players in the nearest future, said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during a May 2 meeting with new World Chess Champion Ding Liren, runner-up Ian Nepomniachtchi and President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Arkady Dvorkovich, reported the Akorda press service.

President Tokayev with Ding(L) and Nepomniachtchi(R). Photo credit: Akorda.

More than 200,000 people play chess in the country. This figure should at least double with the help of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and FIDE. Chess will see significant growth in the country, said Tokayev.

The President congratulated Ding on becoming the world champion in a close chess battle and expressed his respect to Nepomniachtchi for his mastery.

Chinas grandmaster Ding thanked Tokayev for the invitation. Photo credit: Akorda.

Chinas grandmaster Ding thanked Tokayev for the invitation.

We are very pleased to meet you. I am thrilled to win and participate in this tournament. I enjoyed the game a lot, he said.

Russias grandmaster Nepomniachtchi noted the great interest in chess in Kazakhstan.

Russias grandmaster Nepomniachtchi noted the great interest in chess in Kazakhstan. Photo credit: Akorda.

I thank the organizers of the match, and thank the country. I see that the countrys interest in chess is constantly growing. With the new leadership of the federation, you are moving in the right direction, he said.

Dvorkovich expressed gratitude to the Kazakh President for the warm welcome, noting the effective development of chess due to state support and financial assistance.

Over the past seven months, Kazakhstan held five world championships. We see the popularity of chess in Kazakhstan. The numbers are impressive and will be even higher, said Dvorkovich.

Dvorkovich expressed gratitude to the Kazakh President for the warm welcome, noting the effective development of chess due to state support and financial assistance. Photo credit: Akorda.

According to Dvorkovich, FIDE plans to host the first-ever World School Championship in Kazakhstan this summer, in which representatives from at least 80 countries are expected to participate.

Following the meeting, the President wished the chess players luck in reaching new heights.

Ding became the new world chess champion after he defeated Nepomniachtchi in the FIDE World Chess Championship final game of the tiebreak on April 30.

Read more here:

Kazakh President Meets with World Chess Champion and Runner ... - Astana Times

There are many passionate Elden Ring fans, but one particular fan has created an incredible chess set inspired by the popular action adventure RPG. The unique artwork is sure to impress many players of Elden Ring; even gamers who have yet to experience the game.

It's no secret that Elden Ring is one of the hottest games around right now. The action adventure RPG developed by FromSoftware is hailed by many gamers as one of the greatest titles in the genre, and critics have praised the game just as much as players. Despite only being out for a little over a year, many have named it a masterpiece. With that kind of passion behind it, Elden Ring has grown a die hard fan base, and it only continues to keep growing as new players journey to the Lands Between every day. Having such a large and passionate community means that sometimes those fans choose to pay homage to a game in unique and creative ways, like one player recently did.

RELATED: Elden Ring Trick Gives You Huge Advantage When Fighting Trolls

A Reddit user known on the platform as GreenyRepublic shared their incredible hand-painted chess set inspired by Elden Ring, featuring several prominent characters that a lot of fans will recognize. Even if one doesn't play chess, it's impossible to overlook GreenyRepublic's amazing work and dedication to completing this artwork.

Some of the featured characters on the board include Marika and Rennala as opposing queens and Turtle Pope standing in as the bishop, naturally. Additionally, Godfrey and Radagon are the kings of the set while the Tree Sentinel is the knight. For those who are interested in the possibility of owning a set like this, GreenyRepublic's work is unfortunately one of a kind since it was made as a gift for a very lucky friend. Although there's no chance of owning this amazing Elden Ring artwork, the fact that it's the only one of its kind makes it incredibly special.

There are many talented Elden Ring fans, and this chess set is an amazing addition to the long list of fan art within the game's community. Since Elden Ring is one of the best modern games around, it's no surprise that some players want to pay tribute to the RPG in such incredibly unique ways. Whether it's through drawing, crocheting, or painting, each new piece of artwork that is made by fans is just further proof of what a special game Elden Ring is, showcasing how much it means to many gamers.

Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

MORE: Elden Ring: Best Great Spears

See the rest here:

Elden Ring Fan Creates Incredible Hand-Painted Chess Set Based ... - GameRant

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This classic Southern dessert is a delicious combination of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors all wrapped up in a flaky crust. Its custard-like filling has a smooth and creamy texture that will have you hooked. And the best part? Chess pie is super easy to make and only takes 10 minutes of prep!

With the weather being nice and warm, Ive been wanting to break out my favorite summer desserts. I feel like pie is a must-make for any summer barbecue! Channel your inner Southern baker and try out this chess pie, or make a lemon or peach pie from scratch! Lemon chess pie is another great option if you want a little extra flavor.

Chess pie is a dessert that has its roots in the South, particularly in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but there are a few theories out there. Some say it comes from the saying just pie. Others believe that it comes from the term cheese pie, as the custardy filling has a similar texture to cheese. No matter what you want to call it, one thing is for sure! This pie is extremely delicious and easy to make.

The filling consists of just a few ingredients sugar, butter, eggs, cornmeal, and vinegar that are mixed together and poured into a pie crust. The result is a sweet and tangy filling that has a lovely golden brown, caramelized outside once its baked. Its the perfect dessert for when youre short on time or dont want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, its versatile you can enjoy it on its own, with a dollop of whipped cream, or with a scoop of ice cream. No matter how you choose to serve it, I know youll love its custard-like texture and sweet flavor!

This is a popular dessert recipe because it uses so many simple, pantry staple ingredients. Pick up a refrigerated pie crust from the store, and youll probably have everything else you need ready to go at home! (If youre feeling ambitious, you can also make your own crust! Its a lot easier than youd think.)

Only 10 minutes of prep and then its off to the oven! With how easy chess pie is to make, youll see why its such a popular Southern dessert! Sweet, creamy goodness made with minimal effort.

Chess pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even better! No matter how you customize it (or if you leave it as-is) this dessert is sure to please!

When it comes to storing leftover chess pie, the hardest part is resisting the urge to eat it all in one sitting! But if you manage to save some for later, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge.

With potluck season ramping up again, here are a few classic desserts to share with friends and family! You can never go wrong with a sweet homemade pie. Whether youre wanting something fruity, citrusy, or chocolatey, here are a few of my favorite pie recipes to try!

Melt the butter in a saucepan or in the microwave then allow it to cool.

In a small mixing bowl whisk the eggs until blended well and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl add the granulated sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. Stir until combined.

Add the milk, vinegar, vanilla, and whisked eggs to the bowl of dry ingredients. Whisk together until incorporated.

Mix in the cooled butter until smooth and combined.

Pour the batter into the prepared crust. Carefully place the pie on a baking sheet and into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or the until edges are set. It's normal for the center to wiggle slightly. Cover the pie with foil for the last 10 minutes if the edges of the crust are getting too brown.

Allow the pie to cool for 1 hour before slicing and serving. Dust powdered sugar on top of the pie before serving if you desire!

Cover and store leftover pie in the refrigerator.

Serves: 6

Calories525kcal (26%)Carbohydrates68g (23%)Protein6g (12%)Fat26g (40%)Saturated Fat13g (65%)Polyunsaturated Fat2gMonounsaturated Fat9gTrans Fat1gCholesterol151mg (50%)Sodium381mg (16%)Potassium101mg (3%)Fiber1g (4%)Sugar51g (57%)Vitamin A641IU (13%)Vitamin C0.02mgCalcium39mg (4%)Iron1mg (6%)

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword chess pie, chess pie recipe

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Classic Chess Pie Recipe - The Recipe Critic

GM Ian Nepomniachtchi moved one step closer to the world championship title on Sunday after equalizing with Black and drawing in 45 moves in the 10th game of the 2023 FIDE World Championship.

GM Ding Liren reverted to the English Opening and valiantly tried to imbalance matters, but his opponent was up to the task and exchanged into a drawn rook endgame. Nepomniachtchi, now leading 5.5-4.5, is just two points away from claiming the world championship title.

The 11th round of the world championships will continue on Monday, April 24, at 15:00 Astana time (2 a.m. PT/11:00 CEST).

How to watch the 2023 FIDE World Championship

Coming into the 10th game, the intrigue centered around the importance of Ding's rest day and specifically, whether he could concoct preparation that could challenge the resolute defense of Nepomniachtchi.

The negative impact of a training games leak was put to bed by Nepomniachtchi, who claimed that his own preparation strategy did not change much after his team "took a look" at the games. He further reinforced this, stating: "I'm still doing what I'm supposed to do. This information didn't change it much."

Another factor in the championship has been GM Richard Rapport's influence on Ding, but in game 10, the Chinese number-one stayed true to his usual style, playing in a classical fashion.

Sachdev correctly predicted that Ding would play 1.c4 in a return to the opening move that he employed and won with in round four, and the position quickly turned into the English Opening: Four Knights, Nimzowitsch Variation.

Nevertheless, Nepomniachtchi seemed adequately prepared to deal with Ding's English Opening and even managed to surprise the world number-three with 9.Bc5, instead of the more common 9.Be7. The move had been played just four times in master-level chess games and notably, the highest-rated player who had previously played the move was none other than our own GM Rafael Leitao, who provides his own insights on the game later in the article.

The move somewhat paralyzed Ding, who later admitted that it came as a "complete surprise" to him, also evidenced by the fact that the challenger spent 11 minutes deciphering the move.

Unfortunately for Ding, after 10.Kf8!, a most unusual move in the eyes of many chess viewers, the resulting position was one that Nepomniachtchi was indeed familiar with. In fact, the world number-two had played the exact same position from the white side in a 2020 Titled Tuesday clash with the now-GM Jose Gabriel Cardoso, something that was potentially missed by Ding and his team.

Ding's masterful calculating ability still allowed him to progress through the middlegame with a minuscule advantage; however, Nepomniachtchi was able to force the queens off the board, aided by some enterprising kingside pawn play. In the process of trading queens, Nepomniachtchi did give away a pawn but gained adequate compensation in the form of rapid development and structural weaknesses on White's queenside.

The resulting endgame, which featured a pair of rooks and a bishop alongside several pawns each, was identified by both players as close to equal. Although Ding would later state: "I believe I had some chances in the endgame," the quick rate of play by both players indicated their confidence that they were heading toward a draw.

"The defensive resources for Black are vast" was the take from former world championship challenger Caruana, who firmly believed that the players would reach a peaceful conclusion from early on in the piece. Demonstrating that Black had compensation for the pawn, Caruana asked viewers to "look at all the pawns on light squares" and note that they were easy to target for Black's bishop and rooks.

It was no surprise that pieces began to fly off the board as the combatants neared the 40-move mark. By move 37, with only a rook and three pawns left each, Ding was able to cash in his initiative and win one of Nepomniachtchi's pawns, but the resulting endgame was a straightforward rook and two pawns versus rook and one pawn ending.

For just the second time in a world chess championship, the players dueled all the way until their kings were the only pieces remaining on the board.

What made the game so incredible is the accuracy rating of the two players, which clocked in at 98.6 percent and 98.7 percent for Ding and Nepomniachtchi respectively, according to Chess.com's Game Review tool. Neither really put a foot wrong.

For an extensive look into the round 10 clash, Leitao's annotations are below.

After shaking hands on move 45, Ding left the board and stormed out of the room. Despite showing no obvious signs of anger, he was undoubtedly unhappy with the result. With just two White games left in the match, the pressure on the Chinese GM increases with each passing round.

Now with Ding due to play with the black pieces in round 11, many feel that the odds are against him. GM Hikaru Nakamura weighed in during his YouTube recap and proclaimed that he felt Ding is "running out of steam" in the opening phase of the game.

To Ding's credit, the surprise element has been a refreshing and entertaining feature of the world championship match and should another surprise pay off on Monday, he will find himself at 5.5-5.5 alongside Nepomniachtchi.

For now, rest and preparation are the two most important things for Ding if he is to mount a resurgence. As for Nepomniachtchi, he will feel bullish about his chances to secure two more match points and achieve his dream of becoming the chess world champion should things go well in round 11.

You can watch video recaps of the FIDE World Championship in our playlist below (clickhere).

Match Score

The 2023 FIDE World Championship is the most important over-the-board classical event of the year and decides who will be the next world champion. Nepomniachtchi and Ding play a match to decide who takes over Carlsen's throne after the current world champion abdicated his title. The match has a 2 million prize fund and is played over 14 classical games; the first player to gain 7.5 points wins.

Previous Coverage

Read this article:

Nepomniachtchi Holds Ding To Draw, Closes In On World ... - Chess.com

To some a board game means a lot more than just beating your opponent. Its also about a sense of community.

And this community loves chess.

I would say Im pretty good at it, said Urial Valentim, an asylum seeker from Angola. Yeah, Im pretty good at it.

Valentim is staying at the Howard Johnson Hotel in South Portland, which has become an emergency shelter.

The group Gift of Chess meets there every Saturday, spreading their love of the game and connecting young Mainers with young asylum seekers.

A lot of the kids are just kind of hanging out with their friends, said Jacob Holden, Portlands director of Gift of Chess. Which is great, but we want to give them a drive and reason to play the game.

Holden sees the tournaments as an opportunity for these children seeking asylum to learn and acclimate.

Chess at the end of the day promotes critical thinking, promotes decision making, Holden said.

The best part is when you find someone competitive and the game takes long to end, Valentim said.

Maria Marta, who is also from Angola, has found a new appreciation for the game.

When I was a kid, I didnt like chess, Marta said. I felt like it was so boring.

This group has helped redefine the game of chess for Marta. She loves the challenge and the friends shes made along the way. Thats something many of these kids share.

It has made it more fun, and it has made me a better player in chess, Valentim said.

These volunteers said its not just about winning or losing, but how you learn and grow from the game.

More articles from the BDN

Read this article:

Maine asylum seekers find community in chess group - Bangor Daily News

This columnist has come across enough material to create another fun quiz for your enjoyment. Lets get started!

1. After the pairings are posted for the first round, Player A approaches the TD and points out that the pairings are wrong. Why? They are paired against Player B, a member of their club. Five members of the club, including both Players A and B, all entered the event all at once together online. The TD should have known to not pair them against each other. After checking the early entry fee records the TD cannot find any non-pairing request. What can the TD do at this point?

2. You and your opponent are in time trouble in a game with 90 minutes per player and 15 seconds of increment per move. You still have several minutes left. Your opponents digital clock is displaying all zeros on move 60. You claim a win on time. Your opponent disputes your claim. They point out the clock was set with an increment of 10 seconds instead of 15 seconds; therefore, the missing time (5 seconds per move) should be, and can be, added to the playing time. The clock is theirs. They set it wrong. What did the TD Rule?

3. In a rated US Chess Blitz game your opponent grabs a piece from the board and hesitates before setting it on the intended square. During that hesitation their digital clock displays those dreaded zeros, meaning that they are out of time. You have mating material, so you claim a win. They claim that the intended move was going to be checkmate; therefore, they did not lose. They claim that you lost and they won. Thats the rule, is their explanation. What did the TD rule?

1. Rule 28T tells us that players can request a non-pairing as long as it does not cause any pairing problems. But if those requests come late like after the pairings are made that is a problem. TDs have workarounds if they choose, but are not required, to use them. So, in this instance, D is the correct answer.

2. In rule 16P1 the rulebook solution when there is no delay or increment set is: The delay or increment should be set for the remainder of the game. Since this game is over, rule 16P1 and/or rule 16P cant be applied. Players need to make a claim about any clock issues before the flag falls: they had the entire game to notice any irregularities. Given that the clock owner (your opponent) set the timer, their claim just might be a dirty trick. Or is it? Did they plan the clock miscue? This is fodder for a lot of investigation. The best bet by the TD here is answer B.

3. C is the answer. Why? Your opponents flag fell before checkmate was delivered (Chapter 11, rule 7c). Besides, the wording to the rule they cited does not appear in the rulebook. One of the challenges with Blitz chess is that there are many different types of local rules that players might be used to, but these rules cannot be used in officially rated US Chess events.

The free, updated US Chess Rules (Chapters 1+2 + 9 + 10 +11 from the 7th edition rulebook) are now downloadable and available online.

Want more? Past columns can be found here or by searching the Chess Life Online archives.

Plus, listen to Tim when he was a guest on the US Chess podcast One Move at a Time.

Tim Just is a National Tournament Director, FIDE National Arbiter, and editor of the 5th, 6th, and 7th editions of the US Chess Rulebook. He is also the author of My Opponent is Eating a Doughnut & Just Law, which are both available from US Chess Sales and Amazon/Kindle. Additionally, Tim revised The Guide To Scholastic Chess, a guide created to help teachers and scholastic organizers who wish to begin, improve, or strengthen their school chess program. US Chess awarded the 2022 Tournament Director Lifetime Achievement Award to Tim. He is also a member of the US Chess Rules Committee plus the Tournament Director Certification Committee (TDCC). His new column, exclusive to US Chess, Just the Rules will help clarify potentially confusing regulations.

The rest is here:

Just The Rules: Quiz-a-mania is Runnin' Wild - uschess.org

When you hear the word Viking, you probably think of fierce warriors who raided and pillaged across Europe.

Its not often that people associate Vikings with playing games. So it might surprise you to know that they played a version of chess for more than 1000 years.

These chess-like games were known as Tafl games and they were once popular in medieval Scandinavia.

Tafl games are sometimes known as Viking Chess, but they are quite different from regular chess (you know, the one with the black and white squares on the board).

Oh, and just to confuse things a little more:there is also a Swedish yard game called Kubb, which is also sometimes referred to as Viking Chessbut more on that one later!

Tafl games (also known as Hnefatafl) are played on a square board with a grid of squares, and the goal is to capture your opponents pieces or get your king piece to safety.

The king piece is located in the centre of the board, and the other pieces are placed around it.

The game is played by moving pieces across the board and capturing the opponents piece by surrounding it on two sides.

Viking Chess has a long history. It can be traced back to as early as the 4th century, although it gained popularity towards the end of the 8th century.

These games were played throughout the Viking era and remained popular throughout the Middle Ages.

Compared to regular chess, Viking Chess is relatively unknown. While the rules of regular chess have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, the rules of Hnefatafl have varied throughout history, and many different versions of the game exist.

Nonetheless, the game has remained a popular pastime for centuries, and its still played today by enthusiasts who appreciate its unique challenges.

There have been many archaeological finds related to Hnefatafl, providing insight into the games history and evolution.

These discoveries have helped researchers and enthusiasts gain a deeper understanding of how the game was played, as well as its significance in Viking and medieval culture.

The 9th-century Gokstad ship game board is one of the most significant archaeological finds related to Hnefatafl.

Although the board itself lacks clear markings that would identify it as a Tafl board, its shape and dimensions suggest that it could have been used to play the game.

Another example is the Ballinderry board. Unlike the Gokstad ship board, the Ballinderry board is unmistakably Tafl.

It was discovered in Ireland in 1932 and features clear markings that indicate it was used to play Hnefatafl.

The discoveries of the Gokstad ship board and the Ballinderry board are significant because they provide tangible evidence of the games popularity among Vikings.

These finds support the view that Hnefatafl was a much-loved and widely played game during the Viking era and beyond.

Vikings developed games that are similar to chess, but they didnt invent chess itself.

Chess is believed to have originated in India around the 6th century, and it was then introduced to other cultures and regions, including the Islamic world and Europe.

While the Vikings certainly had an interest in games and strategy and may have adapted and developed their own unique board games, they did not invent the game of chess as we know it today.

A Hnefetafl game board is a square with a grid of 1111 squares, with the centre square being the throne of the king.

The king is placed in the centre of the board, surrounded by his defenders in a cross formation, with the attackers placed on the four sides of the board.

The game is played between two players: one playing the defenders, and the other playing the attackers. The objective of the game is for the attackers to capture the king, while the defenders aim to protect the king and help him escape.

The attacker gets to move first and then the two players alternate turns. Each piece moves like a rook in chess, horizontally or vertically, and captures the opposing pieces by surrounding them on two opposite sides.

The king is a special piece, and his movements are limited. He can only move one square in any direction, and he must be surrounded on all four sides to be captured.

However, the king can also capture the attackers by making a move that surrounds them on two opposite sides.

The objective of the attackers is to capture the king by surrounding him on all four sides, while the defenders must protect the king and prevent him from being captured.

The basic strategy for the attackers is to coordinate their movements to surround the king, while the defenders must try to create a barrier around the king to prevent the attackers from getting to him.

There are several variations of Hnefatafl, with different board sizes and numbers of pieces. Some variations allow the king to escape to any edge square, while others require him to reach a specific corner square.

Hnefatafl may seem complicated at first, but once the basic rules and strategies are understood, it can be an enjoyable and challenging game.

It requires careful planning and strategic thinking, and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels.

Whether youre playing as the attackers or defenders, with a little strategy and some luck, you can win at Viking Chess. Here are some top tips to help you win.

Attackers

Defenders

Both sides

When people refer to Viking Chess, they are usually referring to Hnefatafl, but there were actually many different versions of Tafl games played throughout the Viking era.

One such version of Tafl is Alea evangelii, also known as the game of gospels.

This game was played on a board consisting of 1818 cells, and while the manuscript describes the boards layout as a religious allegory, it is clear that it belongs to the Tafl family of games.

Tablut is unique among Tafl games in that it was still played in the 18th century, and possibly even the late 19th century.

A 99 mat of embroidered reindeer skin was used to play the game, with the defending pieces known as Swedes and the attacking pieces as Muscovites.

However, the original rules have been subject to errors in translation, leading to confusion in attempts to reconstruct other historic Tafl games based on the Tablut rules.

Ard R, meaning High King in Gaelic, is a Scottish tafl game played on a 77 board with one king and eight defenders against sixteen attackers. It is the least documented of all known Tafl variations.

According to one commonly accepted rule, the king can escape to any edge square instead of just a corner square, which provides an unbeatable advantage to the defending side.

So this rule means that the king is always able to escape and the defender always wins!

Tawlbwrdd is a Welsh Tafl variant that features eight pieces on the kings side and 16 on the attackers side. The rules of the game were derived from an incomplete account by Robert ap Ifan, along with a manuscript dating back to 1587.

To complete the game, Tablut rules were also incorporated. The Tawlbwrdd was played on an 1111 board, with 12 pieces for the kings side and 24 pieces for the opponents side.

Modern versions of Hnefatafl have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, many of these versions are based on inaccurate translations of historical documents.

While traditional Hnefatafl sets can be difficult to find, modern versions of the game have become more readily available in recent years.

A quick search on Amazon will bring up a variety of Hnefatafl games to choose from, ranging from simple travel sets to more elaborate versions costing over $200.

So, whether youre a seasoned player or just getting started, finding a Hnefatafl set to suit your needs has never been easier.

Kubb, also known as throwing logs, is an ancient Viking game that remains a popular pastime in Sweden.

Today, Kubb is enjoyed by families and students all over Sweden, particularly during midsummer and when the weather is warm enough to drink beer and barbecue in the park. (For more on the games played at Midsummer, see our Midsummer guide!)

Kubb has also gained popularity in other countries, with variations of the game being played in the United States, Germany, and other parts of Europe.

Each year, the Kubb World Championship is held in Gotland, Sweden, attracting players from all over the world.

First, lets set up the playing field. Youll need a flat, grassy playing area and some wooden blocks, or kubbs. Place five kubbs in a line at each end of the field, with the king standing tall in the middle.

Next, its time to get your batons. Each team gets six batons, and the game aims to knock down all the kubbs on the opposing teams side, and then the king.

Teams take turns throwing batons, and the game can get seriously competitive! But dont worry, its all good-natured fun.

To win, you need to use your batons wisely and strategically. Knock down the kubbs on the opponents side, but dont forget to protect your own kubbs, too.

And if youre wondering where to buy a Kubb set, fear not! You can find them on Amazon, such as this essential Kubb set. So grab some friends, head outside, and let the Kubb games begin!

See also:Viking runesViking name generatorViking tattoos and their inspirations

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Viking Chess: Kubb and Hnefatafl explained - Routes North

The Buffalo Bills needed another pass catcher for quarterback Josh Allen, but the run on wide receivers from picks No. 20 through 24 left them with few options.

But as it got closer to the Bills selection at pick No. 27, general manager Brandon Beane knew he couldnt sit around and wait for tight Dalton Kincaid the top-ranked pass catcher left on the board to fall in his lap. Instead, he got aggressive.

"That's when we started making calls to the teams in front of us," Beane said Monday on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "For us, it was worth giving up that pick to ensure we got him."

Beane traded the No. 27 pick plus an additional fourth-rounder to the Jacksonville Jaguars for pick No. 25, leapfrogging the Dallas Cowboys at No. 26 to land the 6-foot-4 Utah tight end.

Beane stated he had a good feeling the Cowboys would have taken Kincaid had he not beaten them to the punch.

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Bills GM played ultimate game of chess to land TE Dalton Kincaid - Yardbarker

Opportunities include memberships, summer camps and inaugural Corporate Chess Challenge to determine 'Indy's Smartest Company'

Michael Chapuran, executive director, Indy Chess

Chess is all about strategy and positioning and Indy Chess has made significant strides to nurture a new approach to a historic game, said Manasi Balagere, chairperson of Indy Chess. Hiring Michael Chapuran to lead Indy Chess makes all the difference. Michael brings a track record of success with philanthropic organizations, an economics background, coaching certification and a desire to improve players skills and ratings.

We also launched a fundraising campaign with $10,000 donated in just a few days, which is no small feat, she added. This will open up many new opportunities for us to expand our reach and impact in the Indianapolis area.

Indy Chess operations are funded primarily through an annual individual or family membership plan. Its menu of chess experiences includes weekly Tuesday student workshops and rated adult casual play as well as scholastic summer camps. Get information and sign up: bit.ly/INDYCHESS-SCHOLASTIC

In addition, the board is pleased to announce the inaugural Corporate Chess Challenge tournament on National Chess Day, Saturday, October 14 in downtown Indianapolis. Teams of four will compete for the prize of being "Indy's Smartest Company" all while raising money for scholastic programs at under-resourced schools. Get information: bit.ly/INDYCHESS-CHALLENGE

Its amazing we received 501(c)(3) status so early and it was essential to the legitimacy of our formation, said Chapuran. Nonprofit status signifies so much. It means that we can authentically fulfill our mission, receive tax-deductible donations and ensure that we are funded to enable scholarships and provide access to chess instruction to schools and children that otherwise might not have been able to afford it.

Chapuran was previously executive director of Family Promise of Greater Indianapolis, where he raised close to $5 million in seven years as leader to benefit the housing-focused nonprofit. In his free time, Chapuran tested the concept of organized chess through hosting a variety of chess competitions in the Indianapolis area through its previous affiliation, Naptown Gambit Chess Club. Chapuran is a United States Chess Federation-certified tournament director and coach.

Chess found a new audience during the pandemic, and it continues to boom right now, but it's all online, Chapuran said. While thats a great way to enjoy this activity, we want to make sure children are getting off their screens, connecting in person, and learning in ways only possible through traditional face-to-face play. As we provide instruction to them on how to do that, plus trophies to reward and incentivize progress, we think the future is going to be huge.

Led by Balagere as chair, Indy Chess' seven-person board seeks to promote the game of chess and its many benefits, including improved problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Board members also include Mandee Byers, Chapuran, Mike Dugdale, Gabe Hawkins, Greg Humrichouser and Tom Spalding.

The Indy Chess board represents an amazing group of diverse people who contribute different specialties chess enthusiasts, chess parents, and business leaders with specific talents who have come together to make sure this club has a bright future and engages everybody while respecting the values of trying to keep instruction affordable and accessible for all and inclusive of all, said Chapuran.

Chapuran added that Indy Chess is pleased to be running pro bono the inaugural IPS Chess Club Tourney & Celebration on Friday, May 19 at Broad Ripple High School. This first year, nine schools and more than 100 students are participating. IPS has a rich chess history, as Center for Inquiry 27 (then IPS 27), won the national championship in 1983 and visited the Oval Office. Indy Chess' executive director coaches at CFI 27 and restarted the club last fall.

Indy Chess is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to make the lessons that chess teaches accessible to all. Annual memberships are available at $45 for an individual and $65 for a family. For every two students that pay to attend camp, a scholarship is provided to another that can't afford to. Learn more at http://www.indychess.org

Thomas P SpaldingIndy Chess+1 317-656-7644email us hereVisit us on social media:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn

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Indy Chess Hires First Executive Director, Earns Nonprofit Status and Launches Events - EIN News