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SENTEREJ
የኢትዮጵያ ጨዋታ • Ancient Ethiopian Chess
About Senterej
Senterej is an ancient Ethiopian chess variant that has been played for over a thousand years. It is believed to be one of the oldest forms of chess, predating the modern game we know today. The name comes from the Sanskrit "chaturanga," which traveled along ancient trade routes to the Horn of Africa.
The Pieces
Negus (King)
Moves one square in any direction. Must be protected at all costs.
Fers (Queen)
Moves one square diagonally only. Weaker than the modern queen.
Fil (Elephant)
Jumps exactly two squares diagonally. Can leap over other pieces.
Feres (Horse)
Moves in an L-shape: two squares in one direction, then one perpendicular.
Der (Castle)
Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
Medeq (Soldier)
Moves one square forward. Captures diagonally. Promotes to Fers.
How to Play
The objective is to checkmate the opponent's Negus (King). Select a piece by clicking on it, then click on a highlighted square to move. Green dots indicate valid moves, while red circles show squares where you can capture enemy pieces.
Unlike modern chess, Senterej has no castling, no en passant, and pawns can only ever move one square forward. When a Medeq reaches the opposite end of the board, it promotes to a Fers.