# Senet

## General Info
- **Year Published**: —
- **BGG Rating**: 5.8
- **BGG Rank**: #11616
- **Players**: 2 (Best with: 2)
- **Duration**: 30 min
- **Weight**: 1.44 / 5
- **Designers**: (Uncredited)
- **Artists**: David McCord, Elizabeth Carpenter, Helen Ward, Johan Andreasson
- **Publishers**: (Public Domain), (Self-Published), ABRA, Cadaco, Candlewick Press, Copp Clark Publishing Company, Fundex, Geoludie, HABA, Hawthorn Games, HistoryGames.it, Joen, Jogos da Terra, Juegos Crone, The Kirk Game Company Inc, Krealudik, L. P. Septímio, Libourne Design, Inc., LuduScience, Mazeology, Mitra, Moritz Spiele, NewVenture Games, Northwest Corner, Inc., Origem, Parker Brothers, PICO PAO / Juegos de la Antigüedad, Professor Puzzle Games, Rationella Media, Recycled Paper Products, Inc., ROMBOL, Senet Belgium, Sprea, Wood Expressions, 墨鱼游戏工作室 (MOYOGAMES)
- **Categories**: Abstract Strategy, Religious
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Roll / Spin and Move

## Verdict
If you love fast games with a dash of mystique, Senet will hook you; the stick‑throw mechanic adds suspense every turn.Unique historical ambienceShort, dynamic roundsHigh replay valueRules are reconstructedLuck plays a big roleRECOMMENDED

## Description
Senet, often called the "Game of the Pharaohs," is one of the oldest board games we can still picture being played. Two opponents face off, each controlling five tokens that travel an S‑shaped track on a 3 × 10 board. Movement isn’t decided by pure strategy; it’s driven by the toss of four sticks – traditionally wooden, black on one side and white on the other – acting as a primitive die. The number of sticks landing white side up yields a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 (5 never appears).

The goal is straightforward: be the first to bear off all your tokens. Yet the path is littered with safe and trap squares, adding extra tension. Some spaces can block your opponent’s progress, reminiscent of Parcheesi, while others let you capture or free pieces. A typical game lasts about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick duel between two friends.

Because original rules were lost in the fire of the Library of Alexandria, scholars have reconstructed the game from tomb inscriptions and parallels with other ancient games like the Royal Game of Ur. The resulting “educated guess” rules capture the spirit of a ritualistic passage: beating Senet was believed necessary for the soul to cross into the afterlife and join Ra in paradise.

Components are often beautiful: wooden boards intricately carved, ivory or stone sticks, and tokens resembling scarabs. Modern reproductions keep this mystical aesthetic. Despite its apparent simplicity, the mix of luck (the sticks) and strategic blocking creates ever‑changing play, making Senet an enduring classic for history buffs and abstract race‑game fans alike.

## FAQ
### How many players can play?
Exactly two players, head‑to‑head.

### How long does a game take?
About 30 minutes, depending on stick outcomes.

### What is the game's complexity?
Very low; simple rules, but the mix of blocking and luck adds depth.

### What components are included?
A wooden board, four two‑coloured sticks, and five tokens per player.

### Is it good for history fans?
Absolutely – the Egyptian theme and ritual vibe appeal to lovers of ancient cultures.

## Price Comparison
### Best Offers in Brazil
- **Amazon**: R$ 78,99 (https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B0GVGPWM6M?tag=bgbot26b-20&linkCode=as2)
  - See all on Compara Jogos: https://www.comparajogos.com.br/item/senet

### Best International Offers
- **BoardGamePrices.com**: $ 35.99 (https://boardgameprices.com/item/go?source=A&storeitemid=3793159&utm_source=boardgamesbot.com)
  - See all on BoardGamePrices: https://boardgameprices.com/item/show/9332/senet?utm_source=boardgamesbot.com