Seltsideks

Seltsideks is a lesser-known but historically significant board game with roots in the Baltic region, particularly Estonia. The game is believed to have originated in the 19th century, though its exact origins remain unclear. Seltsideks is traditionally played on a grid resembling a chessboard, with players moving pieces according to specific rules that resemble a mix of strategy and luck-based mechanics.

The game is played with two sets of pieces, often represented by small wooden or stone tokens, each player controlling one set. The objective is to maneuver one’s pieces to a designated target area on the board, typically the opposite corner or edge, while blocking or capturing the opponent’s pieces. Movement is determined by rolling dice, which dictate how many spaces a piece can advance. Special squares or zones on the board may introduce additional rules, such as mandatory captures or temporary advantages.

Seltsideks has been documented in various forms across different Baltic cultures, with regional variations in board design and gameplay. It shares similarities with other European folk games like *Hnefatafl* or *Alquerque*, though its exact relationship to these games is debated among historians. The game’s name, *seltsideks*, is derived from Estonian, where *selts* means "circle" or "group," and *deks* refers to a type of board or playing surface.

While not widely played today, seltsideks holds cultural significance as a reflection of traditional Baltic gaming practices. Some modern adaptations have been created to revive interest, incorporating updated rules or thematic elements. The game remains a subject of study for anthropologists and historians interested in folk traditions and the evolution of board games.