| Description |
‘Chuko atmay’ is played with ‘alchiks’ (dices). Participants draw a circle with a diameter of 3-5 meters. Alchiks are placed in the middle of the circle. Order of the game is determined by throwing of ‘saka’. Two shot lines are drawn one meter away from the circle from two sides. If an alchik is beaten out of the line after the first successful shot, other shots are carried out from the circle’s line. In case of unsuccessful shot, other player takes a turn. The player, which shots out the largest number of alchiks, wins.
‘Ordo’ is one of the most spread games of the Kyrgyz. The word ‘ordo’ itself means ‘khan’s bid’. The game reproduces a battle for the capture of bid and represents some kind of a military map. A circle drawn on the ground means the enemy territory, and opponents frame a plan of the battle. Skills of leading the right interior policy are in the basis of this game as well. Ordo is played by two teams (6-10 people at each team). Playing order of the game goes in the round or by using elimination principle. Duration of the game is about two hours. The essence of the game is to strike the khan’s ordo placed in the center of a circle (16 meters in diameter) with the abalak (bat), as well as to push khan himself and voivodes (generals) out of the circle. The team, which strikes the largest number of voivodes out of the circle, wins.
‘Kan talamay, Upai’ is a traditional game with dices of ovine knee joints ‘chuko’. Players are divided into two teams consisting of 2, 4 or more. The number of dices needed for the game vary from 13-37 or more. The purpose of the game is to collect as much upais as possible. The largest dice is determined as ‘khan’ and dyed into a vivid color. Starting player takes all dices in his joint palms, placing khan in the center, and scatters them all onto the carpet. The first player tries to strike the khan. If the target is hit, the player continues to play, and in case of a failure – the next player enters into the game. Shots are done by the dices with equal position. There are also special regulations |
| Social and cultural significance |
Games with alchiks (dices) are one of the most common Kyrgyz games that were preserved to the present day.
Alchiks were widespread among the Kyrgyz people, they were inherited and could be sent as a gift to a newborn nephew. Alchiki were hung over the cradle of a child as an amulet and a talisman.
They were painted in different colours to make them more interesting to play with. Kyrgyz children well distinguished the alchiks made of bones of horses, cows, sheep, goats, camels, as well as wild animals - argali, mountain goats, and even wolves. These games contributed to the education of children and youth, the development of their cognitive and physical skills, and served to improve people's health.
Each of the four sides of the alchik has its own name, and the carriers of traditions say that these names denote not only the sides of the alchik, but also reflect the social status of the people who possess the alchik or are directly related to it.
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| Transmission method |
The specific features and knowledge concerning the games with ‘alchiks’ has been mainly transmitted in a natural way through demonstration.
Local and regional tournaments on these games are held in Kyrgyzstan.
Competitions or demonstrations, master classes for various holidays and social events are organized in each region and district.
There are numerous clubs and studios where children as well as adults may enroll and master their skills and knowledge. In some schools, children play games in extracurricular activities.
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| Community |
Community of traditional games practitioners and wider community.
Public Association "Ordo Oyun Sports Federation".
Directorate for the Development of National Sports.
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