Choko (game)
A two-player abstract strategy game from West Africa.
Choko is an abstract strategy game for two players, originating in the Gambia Valley of West Africa. It is traditionally played by the Mandinka and Fula peoples and shares connections with the game Yote.
The objective is to capture all of the opponent’s pieces.
The game uses a board or a set of holes arranged in a 5x5 grid. Each player controls twelve pieces, typically distinguished by color (such as black and white), though any two distinct sets of objects work.
Play begins with an empty board. The players decide who takes the first turn and which color each will use. Turns alternate.
In the first phase, players place their pieces onto the board, one per turn. The first player may place their first piece anywhere. The player who places a piece holds the “drop initiative,” meaning the opponent must also place a piece on their next turn. If the first player chooses to move a piece instead of placing one, the second player may then decide whether to place or move. If the second player places, they take the drop initiative, forcing the first player to place on their next turn. If the second player moves instead, the first player regains the option to place or move.
Once all pieces are on the board, the player who did not make the last drop moves first.
In a non-capturing move, a piece moves one space orthogonally (up, down, left, or right). Only one piece may be moved per turn.
Capturing works similarly to short leaps in Draughts, but only orthogonally. A player’s piece must be adjacent to an enemy piece, leap over it into an empty space directly beyond, and remove that enemy piece. Only one such leap is allowed per turn. Additionally, the capturing player removes a second enemy piece from anywhere on the board. Thus, each capturing move removes two of the opponent’s pieces.
Related games include Alquerque and Yote.
- Type
- Abstract strategy board game
- Players
- 2
- Region
- Gambia Valley, West Africa
- Tribes
- Mandinka and Fula
- Related to
- Yote
- Board
- 5 x 5 holes
- Pieces per player
- 12
Quick Facts
- Italic Title
- no
- Title
- Choko
- Genre
- Board game / Abstract strategy game
- Players
- 2
- Skills
- Strategy, tactics
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Choko is played on a 5 x 5 board of holes set in the ground or on a board. Each player has 12 pieces, typically white and black, though any two colors suffice. The board begins empty, and players alternate turns. The first player drops the first piece anywhere on the board and holds the drop initiative. As long as the first player continues to drop, the second player must also drop. If the first player makes a move instead, the second player may choose to drop or move. If the second player drops, they gain the drop initiative, forcing the first player to drop. If the second player moves, the first player again has the option to drop or move.
Non-capturing moves allow a piece to move orthogonally one space per turn. Capturing moves follow a short leap similar to Draughts but orthogonal: a piece must be adjacent to an enemy piece and leap over it onto a vacant space. Only one leap is allowed per turn, capturing one enemy piece, but the player then takes another enemy piece from anywhere on the board, for a total of two captures per turn. After all pieces are dropped, the player who did not make the last drop moves first. The goal is to capture all of the opponent's pieces.
Reader's Guide
Choko is a traditional board game of the Mandinka and Fula peoples of Gambia Valley, West Africa. Its rules involve a distinctive dropping phase where players alternate placing pieces, with the drop initiative shifting based on who chooses to move first. This mechanic creates strategic tension in the opening. The capturing method is notable: a short orthogonal leap removes one enemy piece, and the player then removes a second enemy piece from anywhere on the board. This double capture per turn accelerates the game. Choko is related to Yote, another African abstract game, and shares similarities with Alquerque. The game is played on a 5 x 5 board with 12 pieces per player, and the objective is to eliminate all opponent pieces. Its rules are preserved in online resources such as the external link provided.
Did You Know?
- Choko is played specifically by the Mandinka and Fula tribes of Gambia Valley, West Africa.
- The board consists of 5 x 5 holes set in the ground or on a board.
- In a capturing move, a player takes two enemy pieces: one by orthogonal leap and one from anywhere on the board.
- After all pieces have been dropped, the second player moves first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Choko (game)?
Choko is a two-player abstract strategy board game that comes from the Gambia Valley region of West Africa. It is traditionally associated with the Mandinka and Fula communities.
How is Choko played?
Each player commands twelve pieces on a 5x5 grid of holes, and the goal is to capture every one of the opponent's pieces. The board starts empty, players pick a distinguishing color, and turns alternate from that point.
What equipment do you need to play Choko?
You need a board with twenty-five holes laid out in a five-by-five arrangement plus two sets of twelve distinguishable pieces, such as black and white stones. Any two distinct sets of small objects will substitute for traditional pieces.
Where does Choko originate and who traditionally plays it?
The game comes from the Gambia Valley of West Africa and has been passed down through the Mandinka and Fula peoples. It remains a traditional pastime within those communities to this day.
Is Choko related to any other board games?
Choko shares connections with a game called Yote, placing both within the same family of West African abstract strategy games. Like Yote, Choko focuses on piece capture rather than territory control.
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