Makruk

Makruk, also known as Thai chess, is a traditional strategy game that, while similar to international chess, boasts unique rules and pieces. Played on an 8x8 board, it features familiar figures like the king, queen, and various pawns, each with distinct movements. The ultimate goal is to checkmate the opponent's king, a task that requires both tactical skill and strategic planning. This game's deep roots and strategic nature have made it a beloved pastime in Thailand.

Features of Makruk:

• Play Against AIs: Sharpen your skills by challenging artificial intelligence opponents, ranging from Easy to Expert difficulty levels.
• Daily Challenge: Engage with a new puzzle or challenge each day to keep your gameplay fresh and exciting.
• Global Leaderboard: Test your mettle against players from around the world and ascend the ranks to prove your mastery.
• Share Your Games: Showcase your best moves and strategies by sharing your games with friends and family.
• Undo & Save/Load: Rectify any missteps with the undo feature, and save your game to pick up where you left off later.
• Timer Based Game: Heighten the thrill with timed matches that challenge your decision-making speed.

Makruk, or Thai chess (Thai: หมากรุก; RTGS: Mak Ruk), is a descendant of the ancient Indian game of chaturanga or a closely related variant, making it a relative of modern chess. It is often cited as the game most similar to the common ancestor of all chess variants.

In Thailand, approximately two million people can play Makruk, while only 5,000 can play international chess, highlighting its significant cultural presence. According to former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik, Makruk Thai demands more strategic planning than international chess, akin to navigating an anticipated endgame from the outset.

Rules

The Pawn (เบี้ย bia, a cowry shell):

• Moves and captures like a pawn in international chess but can only advance one step at a time. Consequently, it cannot be captured en passant. Upon reaching the sixth rank, it is promoted to a queen (med).

The Queen (เม็ด met):

• The weakest piece on the board, moving one step diagonally in any direction, similar to the fers in shatranj or a cat sword in dai shogi.

The Bishop (โคน khon, nobleman or mask):

• Moves one step diagonally or one step forward, akin to the silver general in shogi.

The Knight (ม้า ma, horse):

• Moves exactly like a knight in Western chess, jumping over any intervening pieces.

The Rook (เรือ ruea, boat):

• Moves any number of steps horizontally or vertically, mirroring the rook in Western chess.

The King (Ang):

• Moves one step in any direction, like a king in international chess. It can also make a Ses (knight jump) on its first move, though this special move is no longer used in Thailand. The game concludes with the checkmate of the king.

What's New

• Bug fixes to enhance gameplay experience.

Makruk's unique gameplay and strategic depth make it an intriguing alternative to traditional chess, appealing to both casual players and serious strategists.