Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ)
Khmer Traditional Board Game: Ouk Chaktrang
The first type of Khmer chess game, cherished among Cambodians, is known as Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ). The name "Ouk" is believed to mimic the sound produced when a chess piece is moved against the board during a check. In terms of terminology and rules, "Ouk" signifies a check, and it is customary for the player to announce "Ouk" loudly when checking the opponent's King.
The term "Chaktrang" is a formal designation derived from the Indian Sanskrit word Chaturanga (चतुरङ्ग). Similar to international chess, Ouk Chaktrang is a two-player game, yet in Cambodia, it often involves teams, adding an extra layer of excitement and entertainment. Cambodian men traditionally gather to enjoy this game at local barbershops or men's cafes in their towns or villages.
The primary objective of Chaktrang, like chess, is to checkmate the opponent's King. The decision on who moves first is typically agreed upon by the players. In subsequent games, the loser is usually granted the privilege of the first move. If the initial game ends in a draw, the players once again reach a mutual agreement to determine the first mover.
The Second Type of Cambodian Chess: Rek
The second type of Cambodian chess game is known as Rek. For more detailed information, please see the Rek game as well.
Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ)
Khmer Traditional Board Game: Ouk Chaktrang
The first type of Khmer chess game, cherished among Cambodians, is known as Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ). The name "Ouk" is believed to mimic the sound produced when a chess piece is moved against the board during a check. In terms of terminology and rules, "Ouk" signifies a check, and it is customary for the player to announce "Ouk" loudly when checking the opponent's King.
The term "Chaktrang" is a formal designation derived from the Indian Sanskrit word Chaturanga (चतुरङ्ग). Similar to international chess, Ouk Chaktrang is a two-player game, yet in Cambodia, it often involves teams, adding an extra layer of excitement and entertainment. Cambodian men traditionally gather to enjoy this game at local barbershops or men's cafes in their towns or villages.
The primary objective of Chaktrang, like chess, is to checkmate the opponent's King. The decision on who moves first is typically agreed upon by the players. In subsequent games, the loser is usually granted the privilege of the first move. If the initial game ends in a draw, the players once again reach a mutual agreement to determine the first mover.
The Second Type of Cambodian Chess: Rek
The second type of Cambodian chess game is known as Rek. For more detailed information, please see the Rek game as well.
