From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ashta Chamma (board game)
Ashta Chamma (board game)
Chamma is primarily a game of chance, but involves
thinking and planning. It also helps in developing count-
ing skills. It is an interesting and amusing way to develop
strategy skills. Instead of cowries, dice can also be used.
Names
This game is called by various names in different lan-
guages in different regions of India. This list shows the
name, the language and then the region:
• Chauka Bara - Kannada - Mysuru region
• Katte Mane - Kannada - Rural Mysuru
JuniorBoard • Gatta Mane - Kannada - Rural Mysuru
• Chakaara or Chakka - Kannada - North Karnataka
• Pakidakali-Malayalam-kerala region
• Ashta Chamma - Telugu - Andhra Pradesh
• Daayam or Thaayam - Tamil - Tamil Nadu\
• Kaana Duaa - Hindi - Madhya Pradesh
How the game is played
The tokens enter the board, only after a Chamma or Ash-
ta is thrown. Since each cowrie carry 2 points, 2 tokens
for Chamma and 4 tokens for Ashta are entered on the
board. The tokens travel anti-clockwise in outer squares,
clockwise in inner squares and finally lands up in central
square (home), with a throw of Ashta or Chamma. If a
player’s token lands on a square occupied by opponent’s
token, then the opponent’s token is "killed" and the play-
er gets an extra turn to play. The killed token returns
to its starting home square and has to go round all over
again. In crossed boxes, killing is not possible. When a
token reaches the square left of its home square, it fur-
ther moves up into the inner squares and now moves in
clockwise direction. However the tokens enter the inner
squares, only when at least one of the opponent’s tokens
are killed. Otherwise they keep circling around until at
least one of the tokens of opponent is killed by them.
SeniorBoard Every token need not kill an opponent. Each token finish-
es its race when it manages to get into the home. The first
Ashta Chamma (Telugu: అషట్ ా చమామ్) is an board game player to get all his tokens into home wins the game.
of India, played during the era of kings. This game was Whenever a Chamma or a Ashta (4 or 8) is obtained
used to improve eye-to-eye coordination, and to teach during a throw of cowry shells, the player gets a bonus
teenagers war tactics and strategy. This game is divided turn to throw the cowries. When a player cuts an oppo-
for Juniors and Seniors. The Junior board consists of 5x5 nent’s token, he gets an extra turn to play. During an ex-
grid with 5 crossed boxes and the Senior board consist of tra turn, either the same token or some other token can
7x7 grid with 8 crossed boxes. be played. If a player throws either a Chamma or a Ashta
The movement of coins is controlled by throw of four three times consecutively during his turn, he is out, and
or 8 cowry shells, hence it is a game of chance. Ashta cannot use any of the moves. If a player has cut once, all
the coins can move into the inner circle, not necessary
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ashta Chamma (board game)
for every coin to cut opponent. When most of the tokens • 4 inverted and 4 as it is; move 4 squares
are dead, it is possible to bring back the dead tokens. For • 5 inverted and 3 as it is; move 5 squares
Ashta, 2 tokens and for Chamma 1 token can be brought • 6 inverted and 2 as it is; move 6 squares
back. • 7 inverted and 1 as it is; move 7 squares
Cowries and their values: • 8 inverted Chamma; move 4 squares
• 3 as it is, 1 inverted - Move 1 square • 8 as it is Ashta; move 8 squares
• 2 as it is, 2 inverted - Move 2 squares
• 3 inverted, 1 as it is - Move 3 squares
• 4 inverted Chamma - Move 4 squares
In popular culture
• 4 as it is Ashta - Move 8 squares Ashta Chamma plays a pivotal role in the 2006 Indian art
In Senior board (8x4=32) tokens of four distinct colors house film Vanaja.
are used. Since each cowry carries 1 point, 4 tokens for In 2008, a Tollywood comedy film, Ashta Chamma, was
Chamma and 8 tokens for Ashta are entered on the board. released, which was written and directed by Mohan Kr-
The rules of playing Senior board is same as that of Junior ishna Indraganti. The film deals with four quirky friends
board. When most of the tokens are dead, it is possible to interwoven in a romantic narration.
bring back the dead tokens. For 8, 1 token, for Ashta, 4 to-
kens and for Chamma 2 tokens can be brought back
Cases when cowries are cast:
References
• 1 inverted and 7 as it is; move 1 square Online KavidiKali (Malayalam name of Ashta Chemma)
• 2 inverted and 6 as it is; move 2 squares Peddabala Siksha (Telugu Encyclopedia) - by Gajula
• 3 inverted and 5 as it is; move 3 squares Satyanarayana
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Categories:
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