Yut

Yut, or yut-nori, is a traditional Korean board game played by two players or two teams. It is especially associated with festive occasions such as the Korean New Year and family gatherings. The game uses four wooden sticks called yut or mal, which are thrown to determine movement. Each throw yields a value that guides how far a piece may move, with common outcomes including 1 through 5 steps. In many variants, landing on certain results—such as Yut or Mo—grants an extra turn, adding an element of luck and momentum to the play.

Equipment and setup typically include a board with a looping track or cross-shaped path, pieces (mal) for each side, and the four yut sticks. The sticks have two faces and are thrown like dice; the pattern of faces that shows up determines the move. Players progress their pieces around the board, attempting to advance all pieces from the starting area to the home position.

Gameplay and rules are generally straightforward but allow regional variation. On a turn, a player throws the sticks and selects one of their pieces to move forward the indicated number of spaces. If a piece lands on a space occupied by an opponent’s piece, that piece is captured and sent back to its starting area. Landing on spaces with one’s own pieces may create formations that affect movement in some variants. Ending a turn depends on the results of the throw, with certain outcomes granting extra moves.

History and culture: Yut-nori has deep roots in Korea, with references dating back centuries and links to the Joseon era. It remains a symbol of Korean heritage and is played in households and communities during holidays, often in regional variants and modern adaptations, including digital formats.