The History of Game of the Generals (Salpakan)

Game of the Generals is one of the best-known board games to come out of the Philippines. Here is a short history of the game, its name, and how it is played today.

Updated November 15, 2026

A Filipino invention

Game of the Generals was invented in the Philippines in 1970 by Sofronio H. Pasola Jr. He designed a war game in which, like real commanders, players cannot see the strength of the enemy in front of them and must learn it through engagement.

Why it is called Salpakan

The game is also widely known as Salpakan. The name comes from the Filipino word salpak, which suggests slamming or clashing together, a fitting name for a game where pieces collide and only one walks away. Many players simply call it GG.

The role of the arbiter

Hidden information is the heart of the game. Because both armies face their owners, a third person, the arbiter, is needed to compare the pieces in each challenge and quietly remove the loser. This made Game of the Generals a social game, often played in schools and family gatherings with someone happy to referee.

A classroom and barkada favourite

For generations of Filipinos, Game of the Generals has been a familiar sight in classrooms, chess clubs and homes. Its rules fit on a single page, but its mix of memory, bluffing and tactics keeps it interesting for years.

Game of the Generals online

The need for an arbiter is exactly what computers solve best. Online, the server keeps every rank hidden and settles challenges instantly, so two players anywhere in the world can play a fair game without a referee. That is what Fogrank is built for: you can play Game of the Generals online against real opponents or practice against the computer, free in your browser.