Human Viking Chess: Get the King to the Corner
A life-size Norse board game: on a 7x7 grid, a king and four defenders try to get the king to a corner while eight attackers try to surround him. Students are the pieces and decide each move as a team, practicing asymmetric strategy and communication.
How to play
- Chalk two 7x7 grids with 3-ft squares, with cones on the corners and the center (the throne). On each, 13 players: the king holding a flag with 4 defenders in a cross around him, and 8 attackers in another color, two mid-edge on each side (3 min).
- Attackers go first, then teams alternate: move one player in a straight line any number of squares, without jumping anyone or stopping on a corner or the throne (only the king can).
- A player sandwiched between two opponents across or up and down (corners count as opponents) is captured and advises from the side.
- Defenders win if the king reaches a corner; attackers win by surrounding him on all four sides. Teams decide in 15 seconds and a rotating captain calls the move.
- Three 5-6 minute games, switching roles and kings (17 min).
Rules
- All moves are walked; nobody runs on the board.
- Captured players leave without arguing and help their team with ideas from the sideline.
- No touching opponents: captures are by position only.
Variations
Easier
The king is captured between just two attackers, and there are three short 4-minute games.
Standard
A 7x7 board with the king captured on all four sides.
Harder
A 9x9 board with 8 defenders and 16 attackers, putting the whole class on one board.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: can be king or captain, with 5-ft squares in their row.
- Shyness: start as an adviser off the board and step in for the second game.
- Fitness level: between games, do easy laps around the board to stay active.
Learning goals
- Design different strategies depending on your role in an asymmetric game.
- Communicate and agree on team decisions under a time limit.
- Accept being captured and keep contributing to the group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- chalk: 2
- pinnies: 26
- flags: 2
- cones: 10
Teacher tip
This is low intensity, so pair it with a more active game. If attackers always win, let the king capture too.
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