This is the heart of the game; the truly unique element that sets it apart from all other games. For the first time ever, players are able to create genuine Celtic knotwork in a strategy game without even thinking about it.

This is purely a scoring variant; instead of aiming for the least number of kingdoms, you are aiming for the least number of knots. A knot is a closed loop - examples below.

The winner is the player with the least number of knots. The winner scores 2 points plus the difference in the number of knots.

If you both have the same number of knots, the winner is the player with the largest territory (as in kingdoms). The winner scores 2 points plus the difference in the territory.

It may seem daunting to have to trace each kingdom to find out how many knots they contain, but there are some quick and easy methods to count 99% of knots without having to trace them all the time. Just think of the board as being made up of 45 squares - each square contains a ringfort. Very soon you’ll be able to see at a glance what is going on!

All game variants and levels can be played using this scoring option (except Four Treasures). When you start scoring with knots, play Sacred Hill initially because you can just concentrate on how these knots start forming.

Scoring with knots will certainly affect the strategy and placement of your ringforts, as now each and every ringfort can swing the game to and fro dramatically. For instance, it is possible to have one large kingdom and split your opponent into four kingdoms, but if the four kingdoms are each single knots and your large kingdom has six knots in it, you still lose! It means that the game can be won or lost in the final moves (which might not have been the case when scoring with kingdoms), so be very careful.