The traditional Khmer board game known as Ouk Chaktrang (អុកចត្រង្គ) holds a special place in Cambodian culture. The term "Ouk" is derived from the sound produced when a chess piece is moved on the board during a check, and it's a rule in the game that players must audibly announce "Ouk" when they check their opponent's King. The game's other name, "Chaktrang," has its roots in the Sanskrit word Chaturanga (चतुरङ्ग), reflecting its Indian origin.

Similar to international chess, Ouk Chaktrang is a two-player game, but in Cambodia, it often involves teams, adding an extra layer of excitement and social interaction. Cambodian men commonly gather to play at local barbershops or men's cafes in their towns or villages, turning the game into a lively community event.

The primary goal of Chaktrang is to checkmate the opponent's King. At the start of the game, players agree on who moves first. In subsequent games, the loser traditionally gets the first move, while in the case of a draw, players again reach a mutual agreement on who should start.

Another popular Cambodian chess game is Rek. For more details on how to play Rek, please see the Rek game section.