Senet

The 30-square board is arranged in three rows of 10, numbered 1 to 30 along an S-shaped path. Each player has 5 pieces placed alternately in the first row (squares 1-10); Player 1 starts on the odd squares. Four throwing sticks (or equivalent dice) are used.

First player to bear off all five pieces wins. The special squares near the end create exciting finish-line drama.

Throw the four sticks to determine your move (counts of 1-5, with extra turn on 1, 4, or 5). Move one piece forward by the number thrown. You cannot land on your own piece. Land on an unprotected opponent's piece to swap positions with it.

Protect valuable pieces by keeping friendly pieces adjacent. The House of Water (square 28) is dangerous - avoid landing there. Use the special squares strategically - don't waste turns on unavoidable landings.

Senet boards have been found in Egyptian tombs dating to 3100 BCE, including King Tut's. The game had religious significance and was associated with the journey to the afterlife.