Hare games

Hare games are two-player abstract strategy games that were popular in medievel northern Europe up until the 19th. century. In this game, a dog is trying to get pass three hares who are trying to surround it and trap it. The three hares are represented by three pieces which normally start on one end of the board, and the dog is represented by one piece that usually starts in the middle of the board or dropped on any vacant point in the beginning of the game. Hare games are similar to Bear games and hunt games. The difference is that the hares in the Hare games can only move forward or sideways, and not backwards. Furthermore, the dog in the Hare games cannot capture unlike the tigers, leopards, jaguars, and foxes in the hunt games. The dog is attempting to get passed the three hares or reach the other side which wins the game for the dog.

There are several different Hare game boards depending upon the country of origin. Many preferred the narrow two-ended spearhead-like boards with orthogonal and diagonal lines running through them. There were several variations on this design. However, one in Denmark used a round board. Another interestingly unique design is found in Latvia.

Hare games are referred to by diffent names. In 19th. century France, a hare game that was popular among the military was called The Soldiers' Game. The dog is sometimes referred to as a hound, and hence the alternative title to this game as Hare and hounds. Other names are Game of Dwarfs, The Devil among trailors, and Trevolpa or Volpalejden .

The second link below allows you to play this game. In this computer game, the hares and hounds are reversed. Instead, it is the hounds attempting to surround and immobilize the hare.

Goal

The three hares attempt to surround and immobilize the dog.

The dog attempts to pass the hares, and/or reach the other end of the board.

Equipment

There are a variety of Hare game boards. The more common one is a two-ended spearhead-like board with orthogonal and diagonal lines running through it.

Three pieces representing the hares are of one color, and one piece representing the dog is of another color.

Game Play and Rules

1. Players decide which animal to play. Depending on the versions, the hares will usually be placed on one end of the board while the dog will be placed in the middle of the board or dropped onto any vacant point on the board in the first move.

2. It is unknown exactly which animal traditionally starts first, and it may actually depend on which Hare game version is played, or perhaps there was no traditional first player, and it was up to the players themselves to decide who goes first. Players alternate their turns.

3. Hares can only move straight forward, diagonally forward, or sideways. They cannot move backwards in any way. They can only move one space per turn onto a vacant point, and follow the pattern on the board. Only one hare can be moved per turn. There are no captures in this game by either the hares or the dog.

4. The dog can move one space in any direction onto a vacant point following the pattern on the board.

5. If the dog successfully passes the three hares or reaches the other end of the board, the dog wins. If the hares surround and immobilize the dog, the hares win.

Analysis

With perfect play, the game is a win for the hares.

Related Games

Bear games, and hunt games such as Rimau, Rimau-rimau, Adugo, Kaooa, Main Tapal Empat, Bagha-Chall, Aadu Puli Attam, and the game called Watermelon Chess

External Links

http://hem.passagen.se/melki9/haregames.htm

http://www.mazeworks.com/hounds/index.htm