The Royal Game of Ur
- Designer (Uncredited)
- Publisher Bibelot Games , The British Museum , D-Toys , Dar Al-Saffar
- Illustration Mariela Arratia , Vlad Korniuk , Mathew Sisson
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
You play a race game on a reconstructed board from Ur, moving seven pieces along an inner track using four four-sided dice. Landing on a single opponent's piece sends it back to start, while landing on multiple opponent pieces sends your piece back. Rosette spaces grant safety and an extra roll. The game combines strategic movement with chance.
Who Is This Game For?
This game suits fans of abstract strategy looking for a quick two-player experience lasting about 30 minutes. It's a family-level game suitable for ages 10 and up, requiring no prior experience and appealing to those who enjoy simple race mechanics with tactical elements.
How It Works
Players roll four tetrahedral dice, each showing 0 or 1, totaling 0 to 4 moves per turn. Pieces move on a square grid track, capturing opposing pieces by landing on them (Static Capture). The objective is to bear off all seven pieces first. Landing on rosettes grants an extra roll but movement must be with the same piece.
What Makes It Special
The Royal Game of Ur is one of the oldest known board games, with a replica board dating c. 2600–2400 BC from Mesopotamia. Published by Bibelot Games in The Reliquary Collection, it shares heritage with Backgammon and features a unique mix of Race, dice rolling, and capture mechanics.
Pro
- Historic game with authentic board reproduction
- Short playtime around 30 minutes
- Combination of Race, dice, and capture mechanics
- Two-player game with easy learning curve
Contra
- No solo mode available
- Limited to two players
- Mechanics may be too simple for experienced players
Setting & Atmosphäre
Originating from ancient Mesopotamia, the game board is a faithful reproduction of one found in Ur, dating back to the early third millennium BC, reflecting its broad cultural popularity.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on using rosette spaces for extra rolls and keep track of opponent positions to block effectively.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Royal Game of Ur is designed exclusively for two players.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, making it a quick play.
What prior experience do I need?
The game is suitable for beginners and requires no special prior knowledge.
How does this compare to similar games?
It is one of the oldest known board games, uniquely combining race, dice rolling, and static capture, related to Backgammon.
Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it is a family game recommended for ages 10 and up, especially for those who enjoy simple abstract games.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Race, Roll/Spin and Move dice, and Static Capture defines the gameplay.
Fazit
A fascinating historical two-player game with simple rules and brief playtime, ideal for abstract strategy and history enthusiasts.
