Rules of Camels and Carpets

The history of the game of Camels and Carpets is filled with intrigue and danger of exposure to muggles. We are pleased to provide a board and pieces for those who would like to learn or perfect their camels and carpets game skills.

Rules

• Players take turns making a move.
• You win when you take all your opponent's crowns.
• When you attack your opponent's last (or all) crowns, you must let them know by putting a spell on their hair so it all stands on end (looking as much like a crown as possible). If you might be seen by muggles, shout "Bandits". This is similar to check in chess.
• Carpets move on the diagonal like checker pieces. Moving:
  • Always forward across the board.
  • One square to the right or left diagonally or
    Jump over one or more of opponents pieces (of any kind), on the diagonal and remove them from the board. You can change direction to the right or left as you jump over successive pieces.
  You can not land on another piece. When a carpet gets to the end of the board you change it into a crown, cockerel, or camel. There is no limit to the number of crowns, cockerels, or camels.
• Crowns move on the diagonal just like kings in checkers. Moving:
  • Forward and backwards across the board.
  • One square to the right or left diagonally or
    Jump over one or more of opponents pieces (of any kind), on the diagonal and remove them from the board. You can change direction to the right or left and forward or backward as you jump over successive pieces.
  You can not land on another piece.
• Cockerels move any distance on the diagonal forwards or backwards, and take pieces by landing on them, just like bishops in chess. You can not jump over pieces.
• Camels move in a similar way to a knight in chess. However, it moves two squares horizontally or vertically and one square diagonally away from the start position. The X's in the following diagram show all possible positions the camel can move to from the position shown. Any pieces between the start and final position are jumped, but not removed from the board. A piece is taken when the camel lands on it.

  
  

  

  
  

• If can take a piece with a carpet or crown it must be taken (sometimes you can choose between possible captures. However, if available you can opt instead to take a piece with the cockerel or camel. You are not forced to take pieces with a cockerel or camel.

Make your own board and pieces for Camels and Carpets

1. Print two board halves.
2. Paste board halves onto card.
3. Cut away excess card and paper.
4. Print out a set of game pieces:
   • Colour printer
   • Black and white printer
   Extra crowns, cockerels, and camels are provided for when carpets reach the edge of the board.
5. Paste page of pieces onto card.
6. Cut away excess card and paper.

You are now set to become a Camels and Carpets champion!