Congkak

Congkak is a game played in the Island of Borneo, Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia.

Congkak is originate from the word ”congak” which in old Malay Language means count. It is believed to originated in Malacca Kingdom where it became very popular and spread to the South East Asia region. This spread was due to the many travelers who visited the kingdom because it was a trading city. In the early days it is thought that this game was for the king and family and the palace residents, however later it spread to the general population of the kingdom. As the congkak board is shaped like a boat it is believed that it is based on the lagend of a fisherman unable to the sea during raining season who lost his income during this time. To prevent boredom he created this game which is similar to his boat.

Today, it has been refined to a board game. It consists of a wooden board with two rows of five, seven or nine holes and two large holes at both ends called ”home”. Congkak, played with shells, pebbles or tamarind seeds, requires two players.

The game involves skill and mentel alertness and in cases where the players are both skillful, the game would take saveral hours to finish.

HOW TO PLAY