Shogi facts for kids
A game of shogi (Fortress opening)
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| Genre(s) | Board game Abstract strategy game Mind sport |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 |
| Setup time | < 2 minutes |
| Playing time | 30 mins. to 2 hours (typically) |
| Random chance | None |
| Skill(s) required | Strategy, tactics |
| Synonym(s) | Japanese chess Game of Generals |
Shogi (将棋, shōgi), also known as Japanese chess, is a fun two-player board game. It belongs to the same family of games as International chess and Chinese Xiangqi. Shogi is the most popular game in this family and comes from Japan. The word Shōgi means "general's board game."
The very first versions of this game, called chaturanga, started in India around the 6th century AD. From India, the game traveled to China and then to Japan. In Japan, many different versions of the game appeared over time. Shogi, as we know it today, has been played since the 16th century. An older version, which didn't have the "drop rule," was recorded in a historical document from 1210.
One of the most interesting things about Shogi is its "drop rule." This rule lets players use captured pieces again! When you capture an opponent's piece, it becomes yours. You can then "drop" it back onto the board on a later turn to help your own army. This makes Shogi games very exciting and means they rarely end in a tie, which can sometimes happen in international chess. Some people believe this unique rule helped Shogi become so popular.
The History of Shogi
Shogi's journey began in ancient India. It then spread across Asia, reaching China and eventually Japan. In Japan, the game changed and grew into the many forms we see today. The version of Shogi played now has been around for hundreds of years.
Before the modern game, an earlier form was played in Japan as far back as 1210. However, this older game did not include the famous "drop rule." This rule, which allows players to reuse captured pieces, is thought to have made Shogi much more dynamic and popular. It adds a lot of strategy and makes every game unique.
How to Play Shogi
Shogi has its own special rules that make it different from other chess games. While it shares some similarities with international chess, the "drop rule" adds a unique layer of strategy. Learning the rules can be a fun challenge!
To learn more about how to play Shogi, you can visit the detailed rules page:
- For rules see en:Shogi
See also
In Spanish: Shōgi para niños
Images for kids
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A traditional shōgi ban (shogi board) with koma (pieces). The pieces on the far side show their promoted values. The stands are komadai for captured pieces. The board is raised for comfort and makes a nice sound when pieces move.
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A close-up of shogi pieces.
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Another popular style of shogi pieces, different from the usual Japanese characters. This image shows a 7-move tsumeshogi problem.
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An example set of "international" pieces. These pieces have symbols that show how they move.
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The starting setup for Shogi; Black (at the bottom) moves first.
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Deciding who goes first: Furigoma
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The dragon king
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The dragon horse
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The promoted silver
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The promoted knight
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The promoted lance
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The promoted pawn
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Traditional piece stands for pieces you have captured.
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Piece stands next to a shogi board.
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A shogi game record.
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Two men playing shogi outside in Ueno Park, 2014.
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Boys playing shogi (18th century).
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Playing shogi in Japan (around 1916–1918).
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Kōzō Masuda (升田幸三) in 1952.
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The 2013 World Shogi Open Championship (amateur) tournament in Minsk.
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An amateur shogi certificate for 2 dan.
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The backwards 馬 uma (左馬 hidari uma).
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Ningen Shogi held in Himeji City with real people (2015).
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The Tendō shogi museum (right) next to Tendō Station (top).
