In Death at Samarra, you must protect your Servant while stalking your opponent's pieces. But which piece is his Servant, and which is Death? Your Merchant can reveal another piece's identity, but in doing so, unmasks himself.

This two-player game of bluffing and hidden strategy plays quickly, but uniquely each time. How well can you outguess the person across the table?

Download the two-page black-and-white PDF DeathSamarra_ed1.pdf at the Files Section, print and assemble it in 15 minutes, and play several 3-8 minute games with a friend tonight.

A merchant of Baghdad placed five coins in his servant’s hands and sent him to the market for provisions. But shortly the servant returned, gasping and ashen-faced.

The merchant steadied him by the shoulders, asking, “What troubles you, my son?”

“At the market… a woman jostled me… I turned… and it was Death.” The servant shuddered. “She looked at me, making a threatening gesture! I beg you, Master, lend me your horse that I may ride from this city. I will flee to Samarra, and Death shall not find me there!”

The merchant granted him his horse, and the servant mounted it, digging his heels into its flanks and riding from Baghdad as fast as the horse could go.

The merchant pondered awhile, then took up his walking stick and went to the marketplace. He saw Death among the crowd, and approached her.

“Why did you make a threatening gesture at my servant?” he asked.

“That was not a gesture of threat, but surprise,” she replied softly. “I was astonished to see him in Baghdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra.”

— an ancient Middle Eastern tale