Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ)

In Cambodia, the first type of Khmer chess game is known as Ouk Chaktrang, which has an interesting origin. The name "Ouk" comes from the sound produced by chessmen and the board when they collide while checking. The term "Ouk" means check in the game, and players need to announce it clearly when making a move. On the other hand, "Chaktrang" is a formal name derived from the Sanskrit Chaturanga, which means four divisions.

Like international chess, Ouk Chaktrang is a game for two players. However, the Cambodian version involves two teams competing against each other, making the game more engaging and entertaining. Groups of men typically gather at barbershops or cafes in their town or village to play against each other.

The objective of Chaktrang is similar to international chess, intending to checkmate the opponent's King. Players usually decide who moves first at the start of each game by mutual consent. However, in subsequent games, the privilege of making the first move typically passes to the loser of the previous game. If the first game ends in a draw, the players again have to agree on the next move.

Cambodian chess has another type of game known as Rek, which is worth checking out too.