Tagu

Tagu, also known as Taguan or Taguanan, is a traditional Filipino board game played by two people. It is a game of strategy and observation, often compared to checkers or chess due to its tactical nature. The game is played on a board with a grid of intersecting lines, typically 8x8, creating 64 squares. Each player has a set of pieces, usually dark and light colored, numbering around 12 to 16 per player.

The objective of Tagu is to capture all of the opponent's pieces or to trap them in a position where they cannot make any legal moves. Players take turns moving their pieces diagonally forward on the board. Captures are made by jumping over an opponent's piece to an empty square immediately beyond it, similar to checkers. Unlike checkers, however, pieces in Tagu can move both forward and backward once they reach the opponent's back row, becoming "kings" or "queens" which possess greater mobility.

The specific rules and board setup can vary slightly depending on the region or household where the game is played. Despite these variations, the core gameplay remains consistent: strategic movement, careful planning, and opportune captures. Tagu is a popular pastime in the Philippines, enjoyed by people of all ages, and is often played in informal settings like homes and community gatherings. It requires a keen mind and the ability to anticipate an opponent's moves.