From the instruction manual: Royal Gambit is the exciting new game of skill that combines the color of medieval pageantry with the thrills and fascination of ancient warfare. Designed for two, three or four players, Royal Gambit is played on a board representing four ancient mountain kingdoms joined in the center by lowland meadows. Combat takes place among the kingdoms for possession of the entire area. Each kingdom consists of a castle and an army of 10 mobile pieces: A King, four Nobles and five soldiers. Royal colors for the kingdoms are orange, black, white and yellow. During the course of battle a King may be elevated to Emperor by capturing a rival kingdom whose forces have not been severely reduced. Title of Grand Emperor is bestowed on the winner of the game.