Bagh Chal

Bagh Chal, meaning 'Tigers Moving,' is a traditional game from Nepal that combines abstract strategy and asymmetric mechanics. One player controls four tigers, while the other commands twenty goats. The tigers aim to capture five goats, while the goats must surround the tigers, blocking their movements. The game starts with only the tigers on the board, and the goats are placed one by one, alternating with the tigers' moves. After all goats are in play, players take turns moving one piece at a time. Movement is along the lines of the board, similar to Chinese chess, but the dynamics resemble games like Alquerque or Checkers. The simplicity of the rules hides incredible strategic depth, where every decision can change the course of the game. Bagh Chal is part of a family of Asian games that vary in the number of pieces and board configurations, but all share this unique mix of hunting and surrounding.