Surakarta
Surakarta is a game for two players who take turns moving one of twelve pieces: step to an empty neighbour or capture through a loop, aiming to capture every opposing piece.
Surakarta in 30 seconds
StartTwelve each; step in turns
MiddleLoop around to capture
EndCapture every opposing piece
- SetupEach player starts with twelve pieces in the nearest two rows of a 6×6 grid. Randomly choose who moves first.
- PlayAlternate turns, stepping one piece to an empty horizontal, vertical or diagonal neighbour.
- CaptureFollow a straight line through at least one corner loop before reaching an opposing piece. Other pieces block the route.
- WinCapture every opposing piece. After 80 moves without a capture, more remaining pieces wins; equal counts draw.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players |
| Play time | About 15 min |
| Type | Board |
| Ranked play | No |
| Practice against the CPU | Yes |
| Price | Free (no account needed) |
| Rights holder | A public-domain classic game |
| Last updated | 2026-11-05 |
How to play Surakarta online with friends
- Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
- Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
- Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 2 players have joined, the host taps "Start".
Rule highlights
Setup, play, winning, and house rules
Setup
- Two players each place twelve pieces in the nearest two rows. The table randomly chooses the first player.
How to play
- Without capturing, step to an empty orthogonal or diagonal neighbour.
- To capture, follow a horizontal or vertical line through at least one corner loop, then land on the first opposing piece encountered. Remove that piece.
- The 270-degree corner arcs connect the second and third lines from each corner. Continue straight through intersections; only arcs turn a capturing piece.
- Only empty points may be crossed, including the same point more than once. The starting point counts as empty by default. Captures are optional.
- A loop move must end in a capture. Take one piece per turn, then the opponent moves.
Winning
- Capture every opposing piece to win.
- After 80 moves by both players without a capture, more remaining pieces wins and equal counts draw. Use the same settlement if the next player has no legal move.
- The table can change diagonal steps, passing the origin, the quiet limit, and drawing when captures stop.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagonal steps | Allow one-step moves to empty diagonal neighbours. | On | Changeable |
| Pass through the starting pointPass through the starting pointA circuit can return to the point the piece left. When enabled, that point is empty and the piece can continue. Otherwise it blocks the route. | Treat the starting point as empty during a capturing move. | On | Changeable |
| When captures stopWhen captures stopCapturing every opposing piece wins immediately. If the quiet-move limit is reached or the next player cannot move, use this rule. Equal piece counts always give a draw. | How to settle a game after the limit without a capture. | More pieces wins | Changeable |
| Moves without a capture | Count both players’ moves; a capture resets the count. | 80 moves (about 10–20 min) | Changeable |
| Show legal moves | Mark destinations after selecting a piece. | On | Changeable |
| Alternate first player | Swap the first player when playing again. | On | Changeable |
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FAQ
Can I play against the CPU?
Yes. Practise against a Weaker or Stronger CPU.
How many people can play?
Two people play. You can also practise alone against the CPU.
How long is a game?
About 10–20 minutes. The table can change the limit on moves without a capture.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. No app is needed — just open it in a browser. You can join the same party as people on a PC or tablet.
Can two people play?
Yes. This game supports 2 or more players.
Can I play online with friends far away?
Yes. Start a party and send its invite link. Friends can join in their browsers without signing up.
Is there an app?
This is a free app that runs in your browser. No installation is needed.
Can we play without being online at the same time?
Yes. Choose “Turn-based (told each turn)” and you can make one move whenever you like. We tell you when it is your turn. A Party ends automatically, with no winner or loser, after 45 days without a move.
Rights holder and physical edition
This is a public-domain classic game. The rules follow the standard reference rules.
Related games
Same type (Board)
Same player count
Last updated 2026-11-05 · Run by Qdan, Inc.