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How to Play Fox and Geese

Fox and Geese is a northern European hunt game played with 13 geese and 1 fox. Its asymmetrical nature is similar to that of hnefatafl. Some theorize there is a relationship between two. Queen Victoria is said to also be a fan on this medieval game.

Step 1: Setup the Board

Arrange the 13 geese pieces on the board according to the following layout: Fox and Geese

The fox player may place their piece on any empty point.

Step 2: Learn the Rules

  • The geese starts the game.
  • Geese may move along any line going from point to point.
  • The fox also moves along lines like the geese.
  • The fox capures a goose by jumping over it into a vacant spot (like checkers), as long as the jump is along a line.
  • If possible, the fox is allowed to capture another goose if in a position to do so.
  • Geese can not capture the fox.

The geese wins if the trap the fox so that it may no longer move.
The fox wins if it captures enough (10) geese so that it can’t be trapped.

Step 3: Switch

There is a slight advantage to the geese so switching sides will balance out the game.