On Ulthuan, Asur Chess is played differently to its Old World contemporaries, Alvatafl or Zasada. Gold and silver pieces make up the game, with gold going first. The goal of the game is to capture the opponent's Everqueen.[1a]
Known Game Pieces[]
- Dragon x2
- Everqueen x1 - Capturing means victory; tipping over resigns the player.
- Loremaster x2 - moves diagonally
- Phoenix King x1
Trivia[]
Tyrion is known for being a master of the game, besting even Korhien Ironglaive, who allegedly was the best player within the Phoenix Court. Said-players have both beaten Teclis and Arathion.[1a]
Phoenix King Finubar makes no secret of betting money on the plays of his White Lion bodyguards. Indeed, he admits to envying Tyrion's talent for the game, joking that he wouldn't lose nearly as much gold playing against his White Lions if he had the prince's gift.[1b]
Gryphons and Gryphon Riders could be the same piece. Both names are mentioned in the book, but that could have been William King using a shorthand.