Awithlaknannai

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Awithlaknannai, by Cyningstan.

The full name of this game is kolowis awithlaknannai, though it is usually known as awithlaknannai. It is a variant of alquerque, a game which also inspired the more common game of draughts, or checkers. Pieces in awithlaknannai move a single step from one point to an adjacent point along a marked line. They can capture enemy pieces by jumping, as in draughts.

History of Awithlaknannai

Stewart Culin's awithlaknannai board, made by Zuni native Nick Graham.

At some time after the Spanish conquest, the game of alquerque was introduced into Mexico and the surrounding regions. The native tribes took the game and modified into something more to their liking. They played two versions, one on a smaller and one on a larger board.

Rules for Awithlaknannai

Awithlaknannai laid out for play.

1. Awithlaknannai played by two people on the intersections, or points, of boards marked with a pattern of lines. Pieces are set out in a symmetrical pattern, leaving just one point empty. Players decide at random who will make the first move.

2. In his turn a player will move a piece one step along a marked line, to an adjacent empty point.

3. A piece captures a neighbouring enemy piece by jumping over it to land on the empty point beyond. If a capture is available, it must be made.

4. Having captured an enemy, a piece must make a further jump and capture from its new location if possible. Any number of captures can be chained in this way.

5. The game is won by the player who captures all the opponent’s pieces.

http://www.cyningstan.com/game/113/awithlaknannai