Alquerque The game illustrated in this detail
was introduced into Spain by the Moors, and had
already been written about in the 10th century
Moorish book Kitab-al Aghani. It is thought that
this game had its origins in ancient Egypt and
one reference indicates that it may date from
about 600bc.
The name "Alquerque" is Spanish for
the Arabic name "Quirkat" (El-Quirkat).
A number of versions of this game are illustrated
in the Libro de Juegos. It was a popular game
in various parts of Europe during the Medieval
period and other places. For example in the 17th
century, a version which is still played, started
to appear in Madagascar. The original game is
played in Spanish cafes today. Game historians
feel that it is an early version of checkers (draughts)
and this came about around 1100ad in France. Some
inventive person moved the game from the board
illustrated in the graphic to the chess board!
(see D. Parlett, History of Board Games, Oxford,
1999, Chapter 15.)
How The Game Is Played
The intent of each player is to capture all of
the pieces. A player can move through the lines
in all directions to adjacent positions. Capture
is made by "jumping" over an opponents
piece. As in checkers, multiple captures can be
made with multiple jumps. It has been suggested
that if the players are evenly matched - no one
can win; however, the player that starts is at
a disadvantage. Detailed instructions for play
of the game can be found in R.C. Bell, Board &
Table Games from Many Civilizations, Oxford, 1960,
page 48.
( Img: www.gamesmuseum.uwaterloo.ca/VirtualExhibits/Alfonso/Alquerque.html) |
