Makruk (Thai Chess)
The traditional chess of Thailand, similar to the ancestral chaturanga.
Pieces and Movements
Makruk is played on an 8×8 board. White moves first.
- Khun (King): Moves one step in any direction (orthogonal or diagonal). No castling.
- Met (Queen): Moves one step diagonally.
- Khon (Noble/Bishop): Moves one step diagonally or one step straight forward.
- Ma (Knight): Moves identically to a standard Western chess knight (L-shape).
- Rua (Rook): Moves any distance orthogonally.
- Bia (Pawn): Starts on the third rank. Moves one step forward and captures one step diagonally forward. Promotes to a Met upon reaching the opponent's 6th rank.
Endgame Counting & Stalemate
- Stalemate: In Makruk, stalemate is a draw.
- Board's Honour Count: When no pawns remain on either side, the disadvantaged player can start a 64-move count to claim a draw.
- Pieces' Honour Count: When only the lone King remains on the defending side, the counting limit depends on the attacker's pieces (e.g., 2 Rooks: 8 moves; 1 Rook: 16 moves; 2 Nobles: 22 moves; 2 Knights: 32 moves). Reaching the limit results in a draw.