The Rules In Summary
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THE GAME
Look and feel same as original
The Base Plausible Rule
Several ancient rules can be suggested based on recent scientific studies, and we now have a good understanding of the meaning of each piece and their classification.
The suggested rule, which is scholarly, is supported by historical evidence. It's fun to play, and purely based on historical evidence and the game’s playability.
To play any difficulty mode in this game, you don’t need to log in or pay. It’s completely free and always will be, and we don’t display any advertisements. The goal is to get familiar with the Shahr-i Sokhta board game and simply have fun.
The Origin of The Game of 20
We keep it simple
The game is playable on all platforms.
It helps you understand and follow the ancient rules, giving you a glimpse of how it might have been played 4,700 years ago.
This is the oldest known version, possibly the origin, of the game of twenty.
It features complete sets, with each player controlling 12 pieces that race and fight across 12 spaces.
We don't offer customized versions; the aim is to help you learn and become familiar with the rules.
Version 3.5
Enhanced AI, improved user interface, added a new Skilled difficulty level, added snake sounds to the game,
and composed official music for the game by Zoe Wynns
NORMAL | Learning
Play against the AI, which presents a solid challenge without being overly difficult.
It’s a slightly balanced experience, best for learning, and the dice can be a bit in your favor. Once you master and understand the strategy, you can move to skilled mode.
SKILLED | Advanced
This mode will skill you up a bit. AI will play more strategically in this mode.
We believe this is the best and most reasonable challenge, and it's enjoyable. The best advice: act fast!
CHALLENGE | Frustrating
The AI ramps up its tactics in this mode. It will plan ahead, adapt, and do whatever it takes to avoid defeat (including the dice challenge).
However, victory is still possible if you plan carefully, set your strategy wisely, and take calculated risks.
Good luck, and remember: victory favors the prepared!
Original Stands
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Challenge
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|---|---|
| This is how the pieces were placed on the board in ancient times. While they were likely not originally upright, we arranged them in that position, and they now stand proudly |
A player could win in challenge mode. TIP : Move your blockers, and of course, you need some luck. |
The Pieces
Each piece has its own meaning. Remind you of chess?
Main | 20xRunner
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|---|---|---|
| Only move forward | Can Only capture Main | Compulsory move |
Blockers | 2xIdeal for capturing
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|---|---|---|
| Only Active when roll number 3 | Can Only capture Main | Optional move |
Blockers | 2xIdeal for blocking
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||
|---|---|---|
| Only Active when roll number 3 | Can Only capture Main | Limited optional move |
Safe | 3x
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|---|---|---|
| Main are safe | Get Extra throw | Fixed position |
The Rules In Summary
You need to make smart moves in this game, but you don't have to rush. The game will teach you how to play as you go.
The goal is to navigate all your 10 pieces around and off the board before your opponent and get all your pieces to the finish line to win.
You move your pieces along the board, rolling a four sided rectangular die to decide how far you go. You can kick out your opponent's pieces, if you land on a special space/rosette, your piece is safe and you get an extra throw. Unlike the royal game of Ur version, you have two extra pieces
that can block your opponent's moves. They become active when you roll a three. The best way to understand the rules is to play them yourself.
Close
References
*PW - Persian Wonders (based on our conclusion and study)- 1. Majidzadeh, Yousef. "The Land of Aratta." Journal of Near Eastern Studies 35, no. 2 (1976): 105-13. Accessed August 10, 2020. www.jstor.org/stable/545195.
- 2. The British Museum. 2020. collection. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/W_1936-1217-2. [Accessed 10 August 2020].
- 3. Madjidzadeh, Youssef & Pittman, Holly. (2008). Excavations at Konar Sandal in the region of Jiroft in the Halil basin: First preliminary report (2002-2008). Iran. 46. 69-103. 10.2307/25651436.
- 4. Geoffrey,B. Olivier,J. Youssef,M. ARTE France.; Gedeon Programmes. Special Broadcasting Service Corporation. SBS-TV. (2005). Unearthing the lost kingdom of Aratta. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.terranoa.com/product/product.php?code=125
- 5. Majidzadeh, Yousef. "The Land of Aratta." Journal of Near Eastern Studies 35, no. 2 (1976): 105-13. Accessed August 10, 2020. www.jstor.org/stable/545195.
- 6. Francfort H.-P., Tremblay X. Marhaši et la civilisation de l'Oxus // Iranica Antiqua, vol. XLV (2010), pp. 51–224. doi: 10.2143/IA.45.0.2047119.
- 7. Madjidzadeh, Youssef & Pittman, Holly. (2008). Excavations at Konar Sandal in the region of Jiroft in the Halil basin: First preliminary report (2002-2008). Iran. 46. 69-103. 10.2307/25651436.
- 8. Desset, Francois. (2014). A new writing system discovered in 3rd millennium bce iran: The konar sandal 'geometric' tablets. Iranica Antiqua. 49. 83-109. 10.2143/IA.49.0.3009239.
- 9. Geoffrey,B. Olivier,J. Youssef,M. ARTE France.; Gedeon Programmes. Special Broadcasting Service Corporation. SBS-TV. (2005). Unearthing the lost kingdom of Aratta. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.terranoa.com/product/product.php?code=125
- 10. Geoffrey,B. Olivier,J. Youssef,M. ARTE France.; Gedeon Programmes. Special Broadcasting Service Corporation. SBS-TV. (2005). Unearthing the lost kingdom of Aratta. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.terranoa.com/product/product.php?code=125
- 11. Curtis, J. Finkel,I (Ed.). (2013). The Cyrus Cylinder: The Great Persian Edict from Babylon.
- 12. Curtis, J. (2013). The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia: A New Beginning for the Middle East.
- 13. Farzin, R. (2007). Iran: Seven Faces of Civilization.