Makruk: Thai Chess uses an 8x8 board with pawns on the third rank. The queen moves one square diagonally, and the bishop moves one square diagonally or one square straight forward. There is no castling. Checkmate wins; stalemate is a draw.
Key Features
- Different starting position: The white king starts on d1 and the white queen on e1, and the pawns begin on the third rank instead of the second.
- Several modes: The publisher lists computer play, two players on one device and online opponents.
How to Play
Compare the pieces before your first move
The king, rook and knight use their familiar chess moves. A pawn moves one square forward and captures one square diagonally forward. The queen is limited to one diagonal square; the bishop adds a single forward step to its one-square diagonal moves.
Use Makruk promotion, not a standard chess opening
Pawns start on the third rank and promote to the queen-equivalent upon reaching the sixth rank from their own side. Castling is unavailable. Aim to checkmate the opposing king rather than following an opening that depends on castling or a two-square pawn advance.
Who Should Play Makruk: Thai Chess?
For players who want a specific traditional chess variant with shorter-range queen and bishop movement.
Frequently Asked Questions about Makruk: Thai Chess
Can I castle in this Makruk game?
No. Castling is not available in this game.
How is the Makruk queen different?
It moves only one square diagonally, rather than any distance along a rank, file or diagonal.
