Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ)

Khmer Traditional Board Game

The first type of Khmer chess game is known to Cambodians as Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ). The name "Ouk" is believed to originate from the sound made when a chess piece is moved on the board. In terms of terminology and rules, "Ouk" signifies a check, which must be announced by the player who threatens the opponent's King.

The game is also known as "Chaktrang," a formal term derived from the Indian Sanskrit word Chaturanga (चतुरङ्ग). Similar to international chess, Ouk Chaktrang requires two players to compete against each other. However, in Cambodia, games typically involve two teams of players, making them more exciting and engaging. Cambodian men often gather at barbershops or cafes to play Chaktrang.

The objective of Chaktrang is to checkmate the opponent's King. The first move is determined by mutual agreement between the players. In subsequent games, the loser of the previous game usually has the privilege of moving first. If the first game ends in a draw, the first move is again determined by mutual agreement.

The second type of Cambodian chess game is Rek, which is described in a separate section.

Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ) Screenshots