Sahkku (2022) – Board Game Guys

Sáhkku is a traditional board game of the Sami people, played among the North Sámi, Skolt Sámi, Inari Sámi, and Lule Sámi.

Game Components of Sahkku

Board: An elongated board with three rows of 15 short vertical lines (*sárgát*), and a central line or square marked as “the Castle” (*Šloahtta*).

Pieces: Soldiers (referred to as “men and women” or *soahteveagat*), and a king piece (*gonagas*) which is often a tall, slender pyramid with four sides and may be elaborately carved.

Dice: Used to determine the start of the game and the movement of soldiers.

How To Setup Sahkku

To set up Sahkku, place 15 soldiers on the 15 *sárgát* that constitute each player’s “home row”. The king is placed in the central “Castle”. The game begins with a dice throw to determine which player starts, with the player throwing a *sáhkku* (X) getting the first turn.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics: Dice rolling, strategy, tactics, counting, and probability.

Objective: Activate and move soldiers across the board, following specific patterns or tracks that vary by variant.

Activation: Soldiers are activated by throwing a *sáhkku*, after which they can be moved based on the dice roll.

Movement: Soldiers move in a set pattern across the board, with local rules differing on whether activation and movement must follow a specific order or can be more flexible.

Player Experience

Playing Sahkku involves a mix of luck and strategy, as the dice rolls determine both the activation and movement of the soldiers. The game requires players to think tactically about which soldiers to activate and how to advance them across the board. The medium to high chance element due to dice rolling adds an exciting unpredictability to the game.

Pros

Rich Cultural Heritage: It offers a unique glimpse into the traditional games of the Sami people.

Strategic Depth: Combines strategy and luck, making each game different and engaging.

Simple yet Engaging: Easy to learn but challenging to master.

Cons

Limited Availability: Not widely available compared to modern board games.

Variant Rules: Different local rules can make it confusing for new players to learn.

Luck Factor: Heavy reliance on dice rolls can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Sahkku

Sahkku is ideal for those interested in cultural and historical games, as well as players who enjoy a mix of strategy and luck. It is a great addition to any board game collection for its unique mechanics and the opportunity to experience a traditional game from the Sami culture. However, due to its niche nature, it might appeal more to enthusiasts of historical or ethnic games rather than casual gamers.

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