Cambodian Traditional Board Games: Ouk Chaktrang and Rek

Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ) is a popular Cambodian chess variant. The name "Ouk" is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of chess pieces on the board during a check. In the game's terminology, "Ouk" signifies a check, and must be announced by the checking player. "Chaktrang" is a formal term derived from the Sanskrit "Chaturanga" (चतुरङ्ग), reflecting the game's Indian origins.

Unlike international chess, while Ouk Chaktrang is a two-player game, it's often played with teams in Cambodia, adding to the excitement. Cambodian men frequently gather in barbershops or cafes to play. The objective, as in international chess, is to checkmate the opponent's king. The starting player is determined by mutual agreement; in subsequent games, the loser typically goes first, with draws resolved through agreement.

A second type of Cambodian chess, Rek, is also noteworthy (see separate entry on Rek).