Cambodian Folk Game: Baykhom ល្បែង “បាយខុំ”

Cambodian people popularly live in an extended family, especially in rural areas. Children live in the same house or in the same neighborhood often play together. Like children in other parts of the world, Cambodian Children have their games to enjoy.

To introduce an interesting Cambodian’s game, a game is called Baykhom (បាយខុំ). The game is similar to Mancala game which is a family board games play around the world. The objective of the game is to collect more stones than the opponent.

To play Baykhom, players need to construct a series of holes arrange in two rows and each row has five holes (pits). Holes can be dug in the earth, carved in wooden board or used small rice bowls. Among 5 holes in each row, there is one large hole on the begin of each row, called Kbal Moeung (ក្បាលមឿង).

Common playing pieces are tamarind seeds, stones, pebble or shells (សំបកខ្ចៅ). 42 stones are needed to play the game. Place 5 stones in each of the two larger holes (ក្បាលមឿង) and 4 stones in each small holes. Each player sits opposite to each other and Baykhom is in the middle. The game begins with one player scooping up all the stones from one of the holes in his/her side and placing them in the holes going counter-clockwise (or anti-clockwise) one stone at a time in each hole until the stone run out. Continue scooping up the next hole until there is one hole empty and then scoop up the hole after the empty hole (put it to one side). However, after deposit all the stones, there are two holes left empty respectively then then that player left with nothing (ឃ្វាង). Players take turn moving and the game ends when all 10 holes are empty. At the end of the game players count the stones and the winner is the player with the most stones.

The game is simple and fun to play but not many children play nowadays, especially urban children. It does not only serve the purpose of fun and enjoyment of children, but also provide means of improving mental capabilities.

By: Y Daroadh

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Reference :

- Norton University Newsletter, September 2010 / January 2011, Page: 39.