Four-field kono
Korean abstract strategy game of capture and immobilization.
Four-field kono (Korean: 네밭고누) is a two-player abstract strategy game from Korea. The objective is to capture the opponent's pieces by jumping one of your own pieces over another of your pieces and landing on an enemy piece. Claims that the game dates to the medieval period lack supporting evidence, though it has been documented as being played from the late 19th century onward. Similar Korean two-player kono games exist, such as well kono (우물고누) and five-field kono (오밭고누), but each has distinct boards, gameplay, and goals. A six-field kono is mentioned by Culin, but no further details are given.
The goal is to reduce the opponent to a single piece, at which point that player can no longer capture, or to immobilize the opponent's pieces so they cannot move or capture. The board is a 4×4 square grid. Sixteen markers are used, divided into two equal sets of eight, typically black and white marbles.
At the start, the board is completely filled, with each player's marbles on their own half. Players alternate turns. All moves—whether to a vacant space or to capture—are orthogonal, not diagonal. On a turn, a player may move one marble one space onto a vacant hole, or capture an opponent's stone. Since the board is initially full, the first player's first move must be a capture. A capture requires jumping one of your own adjacent marbles over another of your own marbles and landing on an opponent's marble, which is then removed and replaced with your marble. Only one marble may be used per turn, and multiple captures are not allowed. Once a capture is made, the turn ends. Captures are not compulsory.
- field
- Abstract strategy game
- nationality
- Korean
- known_for
- Two-player capture game played on a 4×4 grid
- earliest_recorded_play
- Late 19th century
- equipment
- 16 marbles (8 black, 8 white) on a 4×4 board
Lore & Background
Four-field kono is played on a 4×4 square grid with 16 markers divided into two equal sets, typically eight black and eight white marbles. The board is completely filled at the start, with each player's marbles on their own half. Players alternate turns, moving one marble orthogonally one space onto a vacant hole or capturing an opponent's marble by jumping over an adjacent own marble and landing on the opponent's piece. Since the board is initially full, the first move must be a capture. Only one capture per turn is allowed, and captures are not compulsory.
Reader's Guide
Four-field kono is significant as a traditional Korean abstract strategy game, distinct from similar games like well kono and five-field kono, which have different boards, gameplay, and objectives. Its recorded history begins in the late 19th century, despite common claims of medieval origins that lack evidence. The game's simple rules—orthogonal movement, capture by jumping over one's own piece, and victory by reducing the opponent to one piece or immobilizing them—make it accessible while offering strategic depth. Its inclusion in references by Culin, who mentions a six-field kono without details, highlights its place within a family of Korean kono games. As a cultural artifact, it represents a form of traditional Korean leisure and strategic play.
Did You Know?
- The board is a 4×4 square grid filled with 16 marbles at the start.
- The first move must be a capturing move because there are no vacant holes initially.
- Multiple captures are not allowed; only one capture per turn.
- Victory can be achieved by reducing the opponent to one piece or immobilizing all their pieces.
More in Traditional board games 1-24
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