Objective
Chaturanga is a strategic board game known as the predecessor of modern chess. The objective is to capture the opponent's king, similar to chess.
Components
- An 8x8 board similar to a chessboard.
- 16 pieces per player.
Pieces and Setup
Each player has the following pieces:
- 1 King
- 1 General (similar to the Queen in chess)
- 2 Elephants (similar to Bishops)
- 2 Horses (similar to Knights)
- 2 Chariots (similar to Rooks)
- 8 Foot Soldiers (similar to Pawns)
The setup of pieces at the beginning is akin to chess, with the king placed on the e-file.
Rules
- Gameplay: Players take turns moving one piece at a time, starting with White.
- Movement Rules:
- King: Moves one square in any direction (horizontally, vertically, or diagonally).
- General: Moves diagonally over the board for any number of squares.
- Elephant: Moves exactly two squares in any diagonal direction.
- Horse: Moves in an L-shape as the knight does, i.e., two squares in one direction and then one square perpendicular.
- Chariot: Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
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Foot Soldier: Moves one square forward; can only move diagonally to capture an opponent's piece (similar to chess pawns).
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There are no castling or en passant rules like in modern chess.
End of the Game
The game ends when a player captures the opponent's king (similar to checkmate). A player can also lose if put in a stalemate position, meaning they cannot make a legal move without placing their king in check.
Strategy
- Control the center: As in chess, controlling the center of the board is crucial for flexibility and attacking options.
- Develop your pieces early: Bring your major pieces out to put pressure on your opponent.
- Structure your pawns: Create defensive structures to protect your king and hinder your opponent's advancement.
