A well-preserved Swedish-Tables board was found deep down in the stern of the warship Vasa, where the officers had their belongings. Made to take on the voyage, the board is of oak and ash with counters of maple and pearwood. The object is on display in the museum's exhibition Life on board.

The discovery of the Swedish-Tables board prompted the idea of rekindling interest in old Swedish board games from the 17th century which has become increasingly forgotten in recent years.

The Swedish-Tables Association of the Vasa Museum was formed in 1993. The group meets at the museum on Wednesdays during spring and autumn.

Swedish-Tables should not be confused with the international game of Backgammon. The board is the same, as is the number of counters, 15 light and 15 dark. Just like Backgammon, it is a game for two people and the player who gets all his counters  "home" first is the winner. But that is where the similarities end. In Swedish-Tables, you can also win in eleven other ways, one more ingenious than the next. In addition, play rotates anti-clockwise, which means that you have your opponent "at your heels". Of those who know both games, most think that Swedish-Tables is more difficult, but also much more exciting.

• The Rules of Swedish-Tables

Swedish-English Dictionary