Khmer Traditional Board Game: Ouk Chaktrang

The first type of Khmer chess game, known to Cambodians as Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ), is a cherished pastime deeply rooted in Cambodian culture. The name "Ouk" is believed to originate from the sound produced when a chess piece is moved on the board during a check. In the context of the game, "Ouk" signifies a check, and it is a rule that the player must vocally announce "Ouk" when they check the opponent's King.

The term "Chaktrang" reflects the game's formal name, which is derived from the Sanskrit word "Chaturanga" (चतुरङ्ग), indicating its Indian origins. Similar to international chess, Ouk Chaktrang is played between two players, but it uniquely involves teams of people, enhancing the excitement and entertainment of each match. In Cambodia, it's common for men to gather and play Ouk Chaktrang at local barbershops or men's cafes in their towns or villages.

The primary objective of Ouk Chaktrang, like other forms of chess, is to checkmate the opponent's King. The decision on who moves first is typically agreed upon by the players at the start of the game. In subsequent games, the privilege of moving first is often granted to the previous game's loser. If the first game ends in a draw, the players again mutually decide who will make the first move.

Khmer Traditional Board Game: Rek

The second type of Cambodian chess game is Rek. For more detailed information on how to play Rek, please refer to the specific section on the Rek game.