For a 5x5 board this is simply the starting positions of each of the players and the center square. "Hit": Pawns of two players cannot exist in the same square, other than a "Safe" square, which are marked with an X in the figure. The player does not have to move any of his pawns until he has cast 1, 2, or 3.Ģ. If a player has cast either a 4 or an 8, the player will have another turn to cast the dice. The player needs to be able to smartly choose a pawn to move, so that it optimizes his chance of winning the game. If a player has cast 1,2 or 3, then he/she needs to choose one of their pawns and move it that many squares along the path designated for that player.
A player casts the shells to determine the number of square his/her pawns can move. Each player's piece must completely traverse the outer squares before moving into the inner squares.ġ. The path for Player 1 is given in the example diagram. Each player has a fixed path to move pawns, which is in an anti-clockwise direction. Casting 4 or 8 gives the player an additional turn, which can continue until that player rolls a number other than 4 or 8 (namely 1, 2, or 3).ĭepending on the number rolled, the player can move one (or more) of their pawns that many number of squares on the board. Therefore, the possible values are 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. However, if every shell shows a value of 0, then the value of the roll is 8 and if all of them shows a value of 1, then the value of the roll is 4. The mouth of the shell landing upwards has a value of 1 and downwards has a value of 0. There are references of this game in some ancient Indian epics like the Mahabharata.Įach player takes a turn to roll the cowrie shells. A person can make a gatti when a person has a single pawn. The game of Chowka Bhara / ashta changa is one of the oldest board games extant, still being played in certain parts of India. Each player takes a turn to roll the cowrie shells. If a player calls out first then she can use all the 4s or 8s she has rolled.Chowka Bara or Ashta Chamma or Changa Ashta is a two- or four-player board game from India.Ĭhanga ashta is controlled by throwing four cowry shells and counting how many are 'as it is' versus those that land 'inverted': if all four shells land inverted it is called "chamma" or "Changa" and if all land as it is then it is called an "ashta". If the opponent calls out first, then the numbers are nullified for the player.
“ moor naak shyam / moor ent shyam” – If a player throws four or eight consecutively then the opponent player can call out/shout “moor ent shyam or moor naak shyam”. The player might have lost a chance for a good move. “ muttidd-kai-chith” – Opponent player has to call out/shout “muttidd-kai-chith” quickly as soon as a pawn is lifted, so that player has no other option, but to move the same pawn. Useful when player has missed using some advantageous moves. Then the player can not revert or change her move if this is called out, else they can modify their play. “ itta-mane-chith” – an opponent player has to call out/shout “itta-mane-chith” quickly when a pawn is placed in a particular square. In South Karnataka, players use the following phrases while playing Chowka Bara
Roll the Dice’s 11 House Chowka Bara mat is exclusively designed and embroidered on a superior quality silk cloth backed by a strong maintenance free cloth. Known to build memories when played with family members (especially grand parents) and friends. Though a game of chance, players will be tested on their patience, thinking, planning abilities. Keeps the whole family engaged and entertained for hours together. Chowka Bara or Ashta Chamma is one of the best indoor games played across India.