Start with a Game
You do not need a rulebook to start playing Makruk. Choose an AI level, make your first move, and see how the position develops. When the game ends, start another and test the idea you just had. No account required.
What You Are Playing For
The game is played on an 8×8 board. White moves first, and the aim is to checkmate the other side's khun, or king. Rua control open lines and ma move like knights, but met and khon are short-range pieces. That makes pawn clashes, exchanges, and king safety matter early.
You do not need every piece name before your first game. Watch for pawns meeting in the middle, a rua getting an open line, and your khun running out of safe squares. Afterwards, use the move list to trace an exchange back. Promotion, stalemate, and draw rules land more easily once you have seen them in a game.
Watch the Third Rank
Bia start on the third rank, so the sides meet within a few moves. A met cannot dominate the whole board, while a khon is useful for holding squares near the khun. One opening detail is worth noticing: White's khun starts on d1 and the met on e1; Black's khun starts on e8 and the met on d8.
Promotion Comes Early
A bia promotes to a met on the sixth rank, not the last. An extra short-range piece can tighten the net around the opposing khun. Rua control open lines, so opening one too early can expose your own king. Ma can jump a crowded pawn line to trade for a key khon or met.
Review the Turning Point
Choose from four AI strengths and play as White or Black. Use a hint when you get stuck, or undo a move you want to rethink. When the game ends, review whether you promoted too early and which move gave the other side's rua an open line. Analysis and move lists stay in your browser.
8×8board
16pieces per side
6th rankbia promote to met
Matetrap the opposing khun
