Fighting Serpents (1500) – Board Game Guys

Kolowis Awithlaknannai (Fighting Serpents)

Kolowis Awithlaknannai, also known as Fighting Serpents, is a two-player strategy board game from the Zuni Native American Indians. It was first described by Stewart Culin in his book Games of the North American Indians (1907), and may have been the first publication of the game. The game is a relative of Draughts and Alquerque, and captures are done by jumping over pieces. The Spanish are thought to have brought the game of Alquerque to America several centuries ago, and the game’s development may have been influenced, however there is no conclusive proof. The game is actually more related to Alquerque than Draughts, because pieces can move in any direction from the start of the game, and there is no back row or promotion to King.

Why is Kolowis Awithlaknannai (Fighting Serpents) Popular?

Kolowis Awithlaknannai is significant because it is a traditional abstract strategy game from the Zuni people, and it is part of the Alquerque family of games. It is a unique variant of the game, with a board that is neither an n x n square board nor an Alquerque board. The game is popular among those interested in traditional games from around the world.

Game Components of Fighting Serpents

Game Board: Consists of pairs of triangles, traditionally 30 pairs, but can be simplified for easier play.

Tokens: 23 tokens per player, typically in two different colors.

Players: 2 players.

How To Setup Fighting Serpents

To set up the game, players place their tokens on the intersection points of the board. Each player places 23 tokens: 4 tokens on the outside row nearest them, and the remaining 19 tokens on the right-half side of the middle row from their perspective. The middle point and the two end points are left empty. The first player moves one token to the middle point, which is then captured by the second player.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to capture all of the opponent’s tokens or block any legal move by the opponent.

Movement: Tokens can move along the lines to an adjacent empty point or jump over an opponent’s token to a vacant point beyond it. Multiple jumps with the same token are allowed in a single turn.

Captures: Capturing is compulsory when possible; if a player fails to capture, the opponent can remove the token from play.

Winning Conditions: The game is won by eliminating all of the opponent’s tokens or by blocking any legal move by the opponent. If a draw seems imminent, the player with more tokens can be declared the winner.

Player Experience

Fighting Serpents is a game that emphasizes strategic thinking and skill, with no element of chance. Players must carefully plan their moves to capture or block their opponent’s tokens. The game can be quite engaging, especially as it requires constant attention to potential captures and blocks. The traditional setup can be complex, but simplified versions make it more accessible to new players.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Encourages deep strategic thinking and planning.

No Chance: The game is entirely skill-based, making it appealing to those who enjoy pure strategy.

Historical Significance: Part of a rich cultural heritage from the Zuni Native American Indians.

Adaptability: Can be played on boards of various sizes, making it flexible for different player preferences.

Cons

Complex Setup: The traditional setup can be confusing for new players.

Lengthy Games: Games can be prolonged, especially if players become deadlocked.

Compulsory Capture Rule: Can be frustrating if a player misses a capture opportunity, leading to a penalty.

Personal Thoughts on Fighting Serpents

Fighting Serpents is an excellent game for those who enjoy abstract strategy and are interested in traditional games with deep cultural roots. It is particularly suitable for players who appreciate games that require careful planning and strategic thinking. While it may have a learning curve due to its unique board and rules, it offers a rewarding experience for those willing to invest the time to master it. This game is ideal for enthusiasts of strategy games and those interested in exploring the rich gaming heritage of Native American communities.

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