jongkong

Jongkong is a traditional game played in many parts of Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Brunei. It is a type of tabletop game that often uses a board with holes and small stones or seeds as playing pieces. The game is known by various names in different regions, with "congkak" being a very common alternative spelling and pronunciation.

The objective of jongkong typically involves strategic movement of playing pieces across the board to capture opponent's pieces or to accumulate a certain number of pieces in one's own "home" or "storehouse." The board usually consists of two rows of hollows, with a larger hollow at each end. Players take turns distributing their pieces from one hollow to subsequent hollows.

The rules of jongkong can vary significantly from one community to another, leading to different strategies and gameplay nuances. While seemingly simple, the game requires foresight and planning to outmaneuver an opponent. Jongkong is often played by children and adults alike, serving as both a pastime and a way to foster social interaction. Historically, it has been a popular way to pass time and develop cognitive skills.