Senet: In the Beginning
- Luke Tiday
- Jul 25, 2017
- 3 min read
History
Senet is considered by most to be the oldest known board game. so It only seems appropriate that I should start from the beginning. It has its origins in ancient Egypt, where it was played among the pharaohs as well as the common folk. It has been found in several pharaoh tombs dating back as early as 3100 BC. It is a predecessor of Backgammon and other racing games.
Senet isn't a just grid with a bunch of rules, it was a cultural reflection of Egypt. As a player progresses through the game he is going through life, dying, potentially getting reborn, and then moving on to the afterlife. Egypt's obsession with death and the afterlife is evident in this game just as the game of life reflects America's materialistic desires for money and public recognition.
How to play
*Disclaimer* This game is incredibly old and the "official rules" are lost in time. Likely there never were official rules as the knowledge was passed by word of mouth and distorted as it went. This set of rules was based off of what little we know, the rest is guess work. Enjoy!
Goal: Get all your pieces off the board
Movement:
- Pieces move in a z shape
-4 colored sticks are cast
-Light colored sticks are counted
# = Number of sticks with white side up
0- Move exactly 5 and roll again
1- Move exactly 1 and roll again
2- Move exactly 2 end turn
3- Move exactly 3 end turn
4- Move exactly 4 go again
- Use all moves from any given roll on one piece
- If you roll multiple times in one turn you may use each roll on a different piece
- If a foreword move is available you must make it
- If not you go backwards as many as you would have gone foreword were the spot available
-If no move is available then pass turn
piece interactions:
-If you land on a piece, you "capture" it and send it back to where your piece started at the beginning of the roll
- You cannot capture your own piece
- If two or more pieces of the same color are next to each other progressively they cannot be captured they are "protected"
- two pieces cannot occupy the same tile
special tiles:
-(1)House of Happiness: Players must land on this tile by an exact roll. exit board with an exact roll of 0
-(2)House of Waters: Get sent back to the house of rebirth. Your turn ends. If house of rebirth is occupied then move backwards to the firs open tile.
-(3)House of Rebirth: Refer to house of waters
-(4)III: Roll an exact 3 to exit board or progress foreword with a 1 or 2, cannot move backwards
-(5)II: Roll an exact 2 to exit board or progress foreword with a 1, cannot move backwards
-(6)I: Exit board with an exact roll of 1, cannot move backwards
Notes:
Games are rarely abstract. They are developed to simulate culturally significant situations and events. The goal of a game is often more to create narrative then to assert pecking order. While one may win or lose, the game still forms positive bonds between players if it is played with eloquence and dignity. In fact, losing a game while maintaining composure and showing a desire to improve is a quick way to earn the respect of your opponent. In closing remember this: don't be a sore loser, reincarnation is a bad thing, and if you aren't buried with your favorite game your not a true gamer. Game on!
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