Games / Bagh-Chal

Bagh-Chal

Tigers and Goats

Nepal's classic hunt game. Four tigers try to catch five goats; twenty goats try to box every tiger in.

  • 2 sides: tigers or goats
  • Computer at three levels
  • Ages 6+
  • Free, no betting
Play Bagh-Chal

What it is

Bagh-Chal means "moving tigers" in Nepali. It is played on a board of 25 points joined by straight and diagonal lines. One player has four tigers, which start on the corners. The other has twenty goats, which start off the board. The two sides want different things: the tigers hunt, and the goats work together to trap them.

On Khel ON you can play the computer as either side, at Easy, Normal or Hard, or pass one phone between two players. A short guide plays itself on the board to show every rule. Red rings warn you when a goat can be caught, and a Hint button shows a good move. You earn stars, a best score and badges, and there is no betting.

Screenshots

The Bagh-Chal board mid-game with goats spread across the points and tigers looking for a jump
Tigers hunt, goats block
The how-to-play guide showing a tiger jumping over a goat to catch it
A guide that plays itself
Bagh-Chal's start screen with play against the computer, two players on one device, pick a side and the computer level
Play either side, or pass and play

How to play

  1. Goats come in first

    The goats move first. On each goat turn, place one new goat on any empty point. The tigers move in between, from the very first turn.

  2. Tigers step or jump

    A tiger moves one step along a line. If a goat is next to it and the point straight behind that goat is empty, the tiger can jump over it and catch it. One goat per jump, and jumping is never forced.

  3. Then the goats walk

    When all twenty goats are on the board, goats move one step along a line too. Goats never jump. Fill the point behind a goat to keep it safe.

  4. How it ends

    The tigers win by catching five goats. The goats win when no tiger can move at all. If the same position comes up three times, or 50 moves each pass with no goat caught, the game is a draw.

Good to know

Pick your side

Goats is the thinking side: patience and teamwork. Tigers is the hunting side: spot the gaps and pounce.

Three computer levels

Easy makes mistakes and sometimes misses a jump. Normal plays steadily. Hard looks many moves ahead.

Badges to collect

Twelve badges, from First Steps to Mountain Master, saved on your device.

Ready to play?

Bagh-Chal opens right here in your browser. No account, no download.

Play Bagh-Chal