Rules Comparison
Tafl Variants
The Tafl family includes several modern rulesets built around the same core game: one side protects a king trying to escape while the other side hunts him down. In King's Table, the main variants are Fetlar, Copenhagen, and Tablut.
Play The Variants Read Tafl Rules
Fetlar Tafl
Fetlar is a popular modern choice because it is clear and approachable. The king usually needs to be surrounded on four sides to be captured, with special cases near the throne. It is a strong starting point for players who want balanced play and readable rules.
Copenhagen Tafl
Copenhagen is often seen as the sharper and more tactical ruleset. It adds features such as shield wall captures and exit-fort ideas, which make edge play and king escapes more dynamic.
Tablut
Tablut is an important historical relative recorded in the eighteenth century. In many modern reconstructions, the king escapes by reaching the board edge rather than only the corners, which changes the flow of the game.
Which Tafl Variant Should You Start With?
- Choose Fetlar if you want the clearest modern starting point.
- Choose Copenhagen if you want more tactical edge play.
- Choose Tablut if you want a compact board and edge escape rules.
Why Variants Matter
Variant rules change how hard it is to trap the king, how safe the edges are, and how defenders create escape routes. Even small rule changes can make the same position feel much more defensive or much more aggressive.