Pat Gonu (2024)

Pat Gonu

Pat Gonu is a traditional board game originating from Korea. The game has its roots in divination rituals and has been influenced by the culture, history, and environment of Korea. It is one of many Gonu games, which are abstract strategy board games.

Why is Pat Gonu Popular?

Pat Gonu is a popular game because it is a simple and engaging two-player abstract strategy board game that offers a challenge at different levels. The game has been played for centuries and has its roots in the Gorguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE). It has been played by both women and men, including notable figures such as Prince Yangnyong and King Hyeonjong of Joseon.

Game Components of Pat Gonu

To play Pat Gonu, you will need a board and two sets of black and white counters. The board is typically a 4×4 square board, and each player has four pieces.

Game Setup of Pat Gonu

Prepare the board and place it on a flat surface. Each player chooses a color and takes four pieces of that color. Players decide who starts first and place their pieces on the first rank of their respective side of the board, opposite each other.

Gameplay Mechanics of Pat Gonu

The objective of Pat Gonu is to move all four pieces around the board, with the first player to do so winning the game. Players take turns moving their pieces, and if a piece lands on a space occupied by an opponent, it is returned to the start and the player goes again. If a piece lands on a space occupied by one’s own team, the pieces can go together, counting as one. The combinations of moves determine how the board pieces are moved, and the team that moves all four pieces around the board first wins.

Game Objective of Pat Gonu

The goal of Pat Gonu is to be the first player to move all four pieces around the board, either by jumping over or under the opponent’s pieces.

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