The Irish game of Celtic Chess Set is based on the ancient Irish game of ‘Fidchell’, devised by Lugh the Ildána, Celtic God of Arts and Crafts and deity of the Tuatha. The four corner squares represent the four provinces of Ireland and the center square is the fifth province – Meath, where the High King sat on the Hill of Tara.
The High King has eight defenders. There are twelve attackers. The objective of the game is for the High King to travel to one of the four provinces without being captured. This game gives rise to the claim the Irish invented chess. with records of this game dating back to the 2nd century when Cathair Mor the High King of Ireland left five chess sets to his five sons. The game dates back to the time of the Tuatha de Dannan. The Board is based on the Ballinderry board which is in the Irish National History Museum in Dublin. This board was found in 1932 and is believed to date from the 9th century. The rules of the game are as easy to understand as a game of checkers however the strategy is a little more challenging. The pieces may move vertically and horizontally as many squares as are free. a piece is captured by being flanked on both sides. The game is like the Irish, everything appears straightforward until the battle begins
Game rules included.
Board 29 cm x 22 cm / Squares are 2.5 cm / King is 4 cm / Pieces are 3 cm
