You do not need to buy a Baghchal board. For many years, people have drawn the board on the ground and played with stones. You can do the same on paper, on a table or on the floor.
This guide shows three ways to get a board. It also gives a free printable that you can use today.
What you need
- A flat surface: paper, card, a table, a floor, or the ground.
- Something to draw with: a pencil, a marker, chalk or a stick.
- A ruler (helpful, not required).
- 4 pieces for tigers and 20 pieces for goats. Use two kinds of coins, stones, seeds or bottle caps.
Option 1: print our board
We made a free printable. It has a one-page board and a page of pieces to cut out.
Download the printable board and pieces (PDF)
Tip: Glue the pages to thin card. The board and the pieces will last longer.
Option 2: draw it in four steps
The board is easy to draw once you know the pattern. Here is the whole recipe.
Step 1: draw the grid
Draw 5 lines across and 5 lines down. Space them evenly. On a 20 cm board, put the lines 5 cm apart.
Step 2: draw the big X
Draw two long diagonal lines from corner to corner. They cross at the center point.
Step 3: draw the diamond
Join the middle points of the four sides. This makes a diamond inside the board.
Step 4: put the tigers in the corners
The board is ready. Put one tiger on each corner. Keep the 20 goats beside the board.
Option 3: draw it on the ground
Many players draw the board right on the ground or on a flat stone, then use pebbles. To do this:
- Find a smooth, flat place.
- Draw the five by five grid with a stick, chalk or a piece of charcoal.
- Add the two long diagonals and the diamond.
- Use 4 stones of one kind for tigers and 20 smaller stones for goats.
It takes only a few minutes. This is how many players in Nepal have played for years.
Make a lasting board
If you want a board that lasts, here are some ideas.
- Wood. Sand a flat piece of wood. Draw the lines with a pencil and a ruler. Then go over them with a marker, paint or a wood burner (ask an adult for help).
- Cloth. Draw the lines on a piece of cloth with a fabric marker. Roll it up to carry it.
- Card. Paste the printable onto a piece of thick card. Cover it with clear tape.
How to size the board
| Board size | Distance between lines |
|---|---|
| 10 cm | 2.5 cm |
| 20 cm | 5 cm |
| 30 cm | 7.5 cm |
| 40 cm | 10 cm |
Make the pieces a little smaller than the distance between lines, so that they do not touch.
Ready to play?
Put the tigers on the corners and let the goat player start. If you need the rules, read our complete guide or the Nepali guide.
Play Baghchal on your phone
Baghchal Online lets you practice or play for fun in four ways:
- Play real people online.
- Make a private room and send the code to a friend.
- Play 34 creatures that get harder as you win.
- Use Pass and Play to share one phone with a friend. No internet needed.
The app is on Google Play for Android. An iPhone version is coming soon.
Questions and answers
What do I need to play Baghchal?
A board with a 5 by 5 grid, 4 tiger pieces and 20 goat pieces. You can use coins, stones or bottle caps.
How many lines does a Baghchal board have?
Five lines across and five lines down. There are also two long diagonals and a diamond that join the middle of the sides.
Do all points have diagonal lines?
No. Only every second point has them, in a checkerboard pattern. That is 13 of the 25 points.
Can I play on the ground?
Yes. Many players draw the board on the ground and use pebbles.
Is the printable free?
Yes. Print it as many times as you like.