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Makruk (Thai chess). Rules and information. (8x8, Cells: 64) (Recognized!)[All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]

Poompat wrote on Wed, Mar 3, 2004 08:51 PM UTC:

One last interesting bits:  'Last century, special first moves for king
and queen were allowed (the king could make a knight move his first move,
and the queen could move two squares diagonally on her first move.) This
practice seems to be no longer in use currently'
The reason is that in the opening,  the kings were almost always played
to
b2 and g7 (like Castling) The Left Bishop usually to c2 and f7.  Same
with
the Queen to e3 and d6 Or rarely c3 and f6..... So they just sfe time.
Nowadays, the serious games forbid these, but on the street and
countryside, they still make these 'Formula moves'  (that's what the 2
rules are called).

Thai Chess gained much popularity in the 1990s, with 5-7 televised
national events /year,  but after lots of published analysis, the
knowledge of Thai Chess techniques + strategies seem to have reached the
peak.  Sadly, almost all serious games between similar-level pros are
draws.  Now, they have to invent tie-break games call 'MAKPONG'
(Defensive Chess) wherein the player who checks the opponent's king such
that  he has to MOVE the king wins.  BAD IDEA!!!

On the brighter side, Thai Chess is still the second- most popular board
game in Thailand (after Thai Checkers) and gaining popularity among
general players, esp. in countryside, who just play to enjoy.  One reason
is, interetingly, cheaper plastic sets and more modern-trade distribution
channels (like Tesco Lotus, and c-stores) ...

Hope it was useful info.
poompat@yahoo.com, poompat@hotmail.com