Indian Games
Introduction:
Aadu Puli Aatam literally translates to 'Goats Tigers Game' in Tamil. It is also known as Puli Joodam in Andhra Pradesh and Huli Gatta in Karnataka. This game is a turn-based, strategic, two-player (or 2 teams) board game that is played in South India. The tigers ‘hunt’ the goats and the goats attempt to block the movement of the tigers. The objective of the tiger is to hunt 5 or more goats and that of the goats is to surround and immobilize all three tigers.
How to Play:
A board with game chart as shown in the images below, 3 Pulli’s (tigers ) and 15 Aadu’s (goats) are required to begin the plan. There are 23 intersection spots on the board for moving the aadu and puli pieces. The puli pieces are bigger than the Aadu pieces. To set the game, the puli pieces and Aadu pieces are arranged on the board. One pulli is placed on the apex and the other 2 are placed in the inner positions closest to the apex. All the Aadus start off the board.
Aadus can move only after all the 15 have been put on the board. The Pulis start capturing one Aadu at a time in a turn, as soon as the game begins by jumping over to an adjacent free position. The Aadus leave the board as soon as they are captured. The Pulis win if 5 or more Aadus are captured and the Aadus win if they have blocked the movement of the Pulis.
Conclusion:
This game helps to build strategy and the concept of teamwork by teaching that even though one is small and weak, they together can defeat the stronger if united as a team. It provides the opportunity to socialize and compete in a healthy manner. Playing Aadu Puli Aatam helps to stimulate the brain into thinking thereby improving logical reasoning and problem solving strategies.
