Tom Scott vs Irving Finkel: The Royal Game of Ur | PLAYTHROUGH | International Tabletop Day 2017
The British Museum・23 minutes read
The board game is over 4,500 years old and involves strategic moves and luck, similar to backgammon, with the goal of getting pieces off the board to win. Tom Scott introduces the ancient game to the public, showcasing its enduring appeal and exciting balance between skill and chance.
Insights
- The board game played by the Sumerians over 4,500 years ago involves strategic decisions, luck, and elements of chance, similar to backgammon, showcasing an enduring appeal that combines skill and unpredictability.
- Tom Scott, a popular science and technology content creator, introduces this ancient game to the public, highlighting its historical significance and the potential for a modernized version to enhance enjoyment and accessibility.
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Recent questions
How old is the board game discussed?
Over 4,500 years old
What is the objective of the game?
To get pieces around the track and off the end before the opponent
Who introduced the game to a member of the public?
Tom Scott
What materials were originally used to make the game?
Wood with pieces stored in a drawer
How does luck factor into the game?
Luck plays a significant role in the game's outcome
Related videos
Summary
00:00
Ancient board game: strategic and engaging.
- The board game is over 4,500 years old and was played by the Sumerians in the Middle East.
- Evidence has revealed how the game was played, allowing for modern play with excitement and occasional intensity.
- Tom Scott, a science and technology video creator, introduces the game to a member of the public.
- The game was originally made around 2500 BC and rules were later found on a clay tablet from the second century BC.
- The game is a Raceway where players aim to get their pieces around the track and off the end before their opponent.
- Certain squares on the board offer advantages like extra throws or protection from being knocked off.
- The game involves tetrahedrons with white markings to determine scores, adding an element of chance.
- The game is strategic, requiring decisions that affect gameplay, similar to backgammon.
- The balance between luck and skill in the game is comparable to backgammon, making it engaging and unpredictable.
- The game is a two-player race scheme that lasted for 3,000 years, showcasing its enduring appeal and excitement.
14:51
Ancient board game with strategic moves
- The game involves strategic moves and pieces on a board.
- The board is described as originally made of wood with pieces stored in a drawer.
- Players discuss their positions and strategies during the game.
- Luck plays a significant role in the game's outcome.
- The game is ancient and involves dice rolls.
- Players aim to get their pieces off the board to win.
- There is a suggestion to create a new version of the game for wider enjoyment.
