

The dark pieces are placed in 4 groups in a particular formation at the middle of each edge of the board. The King is placed in the centre of the board and the light defending pieces surround him in the pattern shown. Tablut is a game of unequal sides and different objectives.

The King is usually taller, sometimes in the same colour as the light pieces and sometimes in a more regal hue such as gold. Accompanying the board, there should be 16 dark pieces and 8 light pieces usually in the form of round counters plus an additional King piece. Tablut is played on a board consisting of an 9 x 9 grid of squares.
