Alquerque (pronounced "all-kwair-kay")

The origin of this game is said to be ancient Egypt and that it traveled into Europe with the Arabs.  It’s simplicity makes it a good game to consider playing with patrons in the Duck yard.  The playing field is a 4x4 grid. The squares don’t have to be colored in, because you play on the points of the squares. Each side gets 12 pieces that are arranged as in the figure.

Movement is diagonal from corner to corner, but FORWARD ONLY.  One captures an opponents piece by landing on it. It is then removed from the board, and the attacking piece takes its place.  If a pieces reaches the opposite end of the board, it can now move in any direction, including along the straight lines.  The winner eliminates his opponent completely.