Ouk Chaktrang: A Traditional Cambodian Chess Game
Ouk Chaktrang, the first type of Cambodian chess game, is a traditional game that has been enjoyed by Cambodians for many years. Derived from Indian Sanskrit Chaturanga, the game is also known as "Ouk" which means check in Cambodian. The name comes from the sound made when a chessman checks the enemy King.
Similar to international chess, Ouk Chaktrang requires two people to play against each other. However, in Cambodia, there are always two teams of people participating in the game, making it even more exciting and entertaining. Cambodian men often gather at barbershops or cafes to play this game.
The objective of Ouk Chaktrang is to checkmate the opponent's King. The starting player is usually decided by mutual agreement, and if the first game is drawn, the players decide who moves first in the next game.
For those interested in Cambodian chess games, there is also another type called Rek.
