Kharbaga

It is unknown how old the game is; however, the idea that pieces must move forward until they are crowned Mullah is a feature thought to have been developed and borrowed from draughts which came into being only in the 17th century.

Two similar games are played by the Hopi native American Indians of Arizona, US, which may suggest a historical connection with Kharbaga, and Alquerque in general.

As the game progresses, more rows of squares become empty and unplayable, and the playing board continues to shrink.

Lastly, another native American Indian tribe called the Keres of New Mexico, US plays a game most similar to Kharbaga.

It is uncertain how the game can be played this way since both players would yield 44 pieces total and there are only 41 intersection points that make up the board.

Jeu de kharbaga - Tunisie - Médenine
5×5 kharbaga board and starting positions