Alquerque, Fanorana, Checkers and beyond

Alquerque is one of the earliest forms of checkers, reportedly found in Egypt as early as 600 BC. We know the rules of Alquerque, and it's connection to checkers, by way of the "Alfonso X Manuscript" written between 1251 - 1282, almost two thousand years since its earliest appearance. There are more than a few noticeable differences between Alquerque and what we have come to know as checkers (or draughts). But the similarities are equally evident: each player has 12 pieces, pieces move like "kings" in checkers (only in Alquerque they move along any line instead of only diagonally), they "jump" or capture an opponent's piece whenever one is immediately adjacent and there's an empty space behind. When a jump is available it has to be taken. Multiple jumps are allowed (mandated, actually). The game ends when a player is either out of moves or pieces.

It's an interesting enough game. You can even play it online, if you are so moved, so to speak. Or, you can use this diagram, 12 pennies and 12 dimes to make your own. It's equally instructive to contemplate the continuum, from Alquerque to checkers (or "draughts"). Though the same truth may be expressed in both games, it can take many forms, and each form can prove as engaging as the original.

Fact is, you can't really tell what a game is just by looking at the board. Case in point: Fanorana, an equally fascinating strategy game originating in 17th century Madagascar, that looks remarkably similar to Alquerque, until you actually read the rules.

"If a piece moves towards an opposing piece, so that after it has moved it is adjacent to the opposing piece, then that piece is captured by approach. Any other enemy pieces in a continuous line with the captured piece, in the direction of movement of the attacker, are also captured. This does not apply to pieces further away on the same line separated by spaces or by hostile pieces. If a piece which is adjacent to an enemy piece moves in the direction directly away from that piece, then the piece is captured by withdrawal. Any other enemy pieces in a continuous line with the captured piece, in the direction the attacker is moving from, are also captured. This does not apply to pieces further away on the same line separated by spaces or by hostile pieces." I found this Java version of the game, for those seeking more or less immediate satisfaction (you'll need a human opponent).

What makes Alquerque especially interesting to me is that it is yet further evidence of the power of games to transcend change in culture and technology, government and ethnicity, race and creed - that games are a kind of literature, expressing an idea that can be handed down, refined, transformed, generation to generation, for eons. An idea that can even evolve into related, but remarkably distinct forms. An idea that can find no better or clearer expression than in play.