These guides describe the rules implemented here. Other editions and clubs may use different variants. The worked examples are checked against this site's game logic.
Tablut
Defenders escort their king to any edge; attackers capture him in this 9×9 edge-escape Tablut variant.
Local AI practice · Private online room Players: 2
Sixteen attackers surround a central king and eight defenders. Attackers move first. The centre is the throne.
On your turn
Slide any distance horizontally or vertically through empty squares. Only the king may stop on the throne; others may cross it. Capture ordinary enemies by closing an orthogonal sandwich; the empty throne can be the far partner.
Winning and ending
An edge arrival wins for the king. Capture needs four attackers on the throne, three plus the throne when adjacent, or an opposing pair elsewhere. A side unable to move loses; three repetitions or 120 quiet actions draws. Defenders also win if all attackers are removed.
Worked example
Example position, (row, column) from the upper left: king (2,2), one attacker (9,9), all else empty; defenders to move. Slide the king to (1,2). This non-corner edge immediately wins.
A common mistake
Do not carry the throne’s four-sided protection with the king after he moves away.
Questions at the table
Can ordinary pieces stop on the empty throne?
No, but they may slide through it if the route is clear.
Must the king reach a corner?
No. Every edge square is an escape square in this table; Brandubh uses a different goal.
Further rules references
External rules provide context; the implemented variant described above takes precedence here.
Eight attackers face the central king and four defenders arranged in a cross. Attackers go first. The throne and four corners are restricted squares.
On your turn
Slide horizontally or vertically through any number of empty squares. Only the king may occupy restricted squares; ordinary pieces may cross the empty throne. Close an orthogonal sandwich to capture. Empty restricted squares can serve as the far capture partner.
Winning and ending
The king wins by reaching a corner. Here he can be captured by an opposing pair even on his throne. A side with no move loses; three repetitions or 120 quiet actions draws. Defenders also win if all attackers are removed.
Worked example
Example position, (row, column) from the upper left: king (4,4), attackers (4,3) and (1,5), all else empty. Attackers move (1,5) to (4,5), sandwiching the king. He is removed and attackers win immediately.
A common mistake
Do not import a four-sided throne defence from other Brandubh rulesets: this table uses a weak king.
Questions at the table
Does reaching an ordinary edge win?
No. The king must occupy a corner.
Can the king help capture attackers?
Yes. He moves and can form a capturing sandwich like a defender.
Further rules references
External rules provide context; the implemented variant described above takes precedence here.
little table
