Shogi

About this game

Shogi is the chess-like strategy game of Japan, played on a 9 by 9 board. Its big idea: a captured piece changes sides and can be dropped back on any empty point. Learn in twelve hands-on lessons where you make every move, play five computer levels from Novice to Master as either side, try the quick 5x5 mini board, or pass the phone to a friend. Every refused move is explained, hints tell you why, and a new checkmate puzzle arrives every day. Hand-drawn kaya board and boxwood pieces, large text and reduced motion options. No ads, works offline. Play in 日本語 or English. Full rules built in.

How to play

1. New here? Tap Learn to play: twelve short lessons where you make every move yourself.
2. TAP one of your pieces: every point it may move to glows. TAP a glowing point to move.
3. Landing on an enemy piece captures it. Captured pieces wait on your stand under the board.
4. To drop: TAP a piece on your stand, then TAP an empty glowing point.
5. Reach the last three rows and you may promote: TAP Promote or Keep.
6. Not allowed? The piece tries and returns, and a message says why (check, nifu, blocked...).
7. Win by checkmate. Hint (3 per game) and Take back help you learn.
8. The puzzle of the day is mate in 1 on weekdays and mate in 3 at the weekend.