While modern chess dominates globally, few realise the Malay community has its own traditional board game, rich in history and cultural significance.
Dr Mohd Hasanuddin Mohd Yusof, 43, spent six years researching across Indonesia, Brunei, and the southern Philippines to revive this nearly lost Malay chess tradition.
His research uncovered at least 16 types of Malay chess games played within the community, including Catur Gajah (Elephant Chess), Catur Harimau (Tiger Chess), Catur Perang (War Chess), and Catur Raja (King Chess).
"For example, in Catur Harimau and Catur Perang, I interviewed elderly individuals in villages in Aceh and West Sumatra who still practise these games. I also discovered a written record preserved by a member of the Malaysian Historical Society in the Negri Sembilan branch, detailing the rules of these chess variants," said Mohd Hasanuddin.
"Although these games were also played in Indonesia, we share a common cultural heritage. Just as the keris (dagger) and silat (martial arts) exist in both Malaysia and Sumatra or Java, Malay chess was also once widespread. However, today, no one here seems to remember how to play it," he added.
According to Mohd Hasanuddin, the Malay community, historically, had multiple variations of chess games.
"If we examine traditional Malay house construction, weaponry, and boats, we see intricate carvings and motifs. Similarly, Malay chess games each had unique strategies that trained players to think critically and prevented boredom," he said.
Highlighting the advantages of Malay chess, Mohd Hasanuddin, who hails from Langkap, Teluk Intan, Perak, explained that the game is quicker and more straightforward compared to modern chess, as players do not need long periods to complete a match.
"Additionally, Malay chess has no religious symbols, animal carvings (figurines), or depictions of living beings-elements that are not culturally appropriate for Malays, who are predominantly Muslim," he added, noting that even children as young as four can learn to play.
Mohd Hasanuddin, who holds a PhD in Malay World Civilisation from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, emphasised that Malay chess was designed as a form of mental exercise, helping players develop strategic thinking skills.
"For instance, Catur Perang trains players to think strategically and conquer the opponent's fortress (Rimba) swiftly, while Catur Harimau challenges the 'Tiger' to escape from a 'Goat' blockade, and vice versa," he explained, adding that the game also serves as a form of entertainment that strengthens social bonds.
Mohd Hasanuddin traced his research on Malay chess to historical texts like Sulalatus Salatin and Tuhfat an-Nafis, which depict it as an intellectual game during the 15th-century Melaka Sultanate and 16th-century Old Johor Sultanate.
"For example, Sulalatus Salatin, written by Tun Sri Lanang, records that two skilled chess players - Tun Bahara from Pasai and Tun Pikrama from Melaka - were prominent during the Melaka Sultanate," he said.
Additionally, he found references to Malay chess in international journals, including Malay Chess by T.B. Elcum and Rules In Malay Chess by R.O. Winstedt, published in the Journal of the Straits Branch of The Royal Asiatic Society in 1907 and 1917, respectively.
Mohd Hasanuddin's Malay chess set includes a history book, gameplay instructions, four boards, pieces for five game variations, and a QR code for tutorial videos.
"I hope that Malay chess, as part of our cultural heritage, can be preserved for future generations. I also hope more people will come forward to help revive this nearly forgotten traditional game," he said. - Bernama
