Armenian Draughts (Tama)

Armenia · Caucasus

A close cousin of Turkish draughts. Pieces move straight ahead, but diagonal forward moves are also allowed — a blend of two worlds.

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Note: a few tournament subtleties (draw rules, rare priority cases) are simplified in this online version.

Rules

  • Men may move forward, sideways and diagonally forward.
  • Captures happen only orthogonally (forward and sideways).
  • Kings fly along ranks and files.
  • The setup matches Turkish draughts: ranks 2 and 3 start full.

About the game

Tama blends the Turkish orthogonal system with diagonal forward moves, giving men five move directions — the most mobile men of any major variant. It is a popular courtyard game across the Caucasus.