Shogi
Play Japanese Chess with drops — captured pieces switch sides.
How to play Shogi
You are Sente and move first. Click a piece to see its moves, then click a highlighted square. When you capture a piece it joins your hand, shown beside the board — click a piece in hand, then an empty square, to drop it back into play on your side. Pieces promote (gaining stronger moves) when they move into the far three ranks. Watch the drop rules: no two of your pawns on one file, and you can't drop a pawn to give immediate checkmate. Checkmate the enemy King to win, or use the 2P button to play a friend.
Shogi leaderboard
Top scores — log in to compete.
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Shogi — frequently asked questions
What are drops?
A piece you capture flips to your colour and enters your hand. On a later turn you may place it on any empty square instead of moving a piece on the board — this is what makes Shogi so dynamic.
When do pieces promote?
When a piece moves into, within, or out of the last three ranks it may promote for a stronger move set. Pawns, lances, and knights must promote if they would otherwise have no legal move.
Can I play against a friend?
Yes — tap the 2P button for local pass-and-play on the same device, and tap it again to go back to the computer opponent.
More black & white games
In the mood for more? Try Chess, Tic Tac Toe, Connect Four, Reversi — or browse all board games and the full games list on Inkplay.