Höllfahren (1631)

Höllfahren is a historical German card game that dates back to at least 1617. The game involves playing cards and moving a counter along a line radiating from the center of a circular layout, which is called “hell”. The game is popular and significant because it is one of the oldest known board games in history, predating even the ancient Egyptian game of Senet.

Game Components of Höllfahren

Playing cardsA circular layout or special boardCounters or objects that can be moved along the line

Game Setup of Höllfahren

Four concentric circles are chalked on the tableEach player is dealt one cardPlayers look at their cards and can ask for another card if they think they can exchange it for a higher one

Gameplay Mechanics of Höllfahren

Players move their counters along the line towards the center of the layoutThe game is played in a clockwise directionPlayers must follow the rules of the game, which are not described until the 19th century

Game Objective of Höllfahren

The goal is to be the first player to reach the center of the layout, which is called “hell”

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