Main Tapak Ĕmpat.
A MENANGKABAU GAME.
This is a type of 'fox-and-geese' or 'main harimau kambing,' which so far as I know has not yet been recorded.
The pattern of board used is represented in diagrams 3 and 4 which show the usual opening move and the 'harimau' beaten respectively.
The game is played by two players, one (A) taking the 'kambing' (24 pieces), while the other (X) representing the 'harimau' has two pieces.
The players move in turn, A commencing. A generally places his first piece as in diagram 3, it being considered worth while to separate the 'harimau' at the sacrifice of a piece.
A is allowed to place his pieces one by one at any of the points. on the board, endeavouring all the time to enclose the two 'harimau' completely.
In order to try and avoid being hemmed in, X is allowed to move either of his pieces any distance he pleases along any of the parallel or diagonal lines passing through that piece's position, provided that none of the intervening spaces are occupied.
e.g. in diagram 3, X may move one of his pieces from P to any one of Q, R, S, T, etc.:—
X is further allowed to take the 'kambing' and this is done exactly as in draughts (English variety, not Malay). The dotted line in diagram 2, shows X ('harimau') capturing A ('kambing'). The 'kambing,' of course, is removed from the board.
If A's 24 pieces are exhausted and the 'harimau' are not hemmed in, then A has lost.
Diagram 4 shows a defeat of the 'harimau.'
