What Is Shogi?
Shogi, often called Japanese chess, is a two-player strategy game played on a 9×9 board. Players take turns moving pieces with the goal of checkmating the opposing king. Its defining rule is the hand: captured pieces do not leave the game, but change sides and can later be dropped back onto the board. Most pieces can also promote after entering the far three ranks. Play against AI, share one device with another player, or create an online room - no signup or download required. AI and local two-player modes also work offline.
How would you like to play today?
There is no single 'proper' mode. Choose the one that fits whether you want to learn the rules, play someone beside you, or invite a friend remotely.
Your first game does not need to be elegant - just understand each move
Every turn gives you two choices: move a piece already on the board, or return a captured piece from your hand to an empty square. The second action is called a drop, and it is shogi's most distinctive rule. Captured pieces do not disappear; they turn around and rejoin the game for the other side. Sente moves first, and the direction a piece points shows which side it belongs to. Once you can tell a move from a drop, you can finish a complete game.
In the opening, start with choices you are unlikely to regret: move the king away from its starting square, use gold and silver to cover the gaps around it, and clear lines for the rook or bishop. You do not have to capture every pawn you can see. A piece you capture joins your hand, but a piece you sacrifice becomes help for your opponent. Judge an exchange by what enters both hands, not only by what leaves the board.
Before each move, ask three questions: Is my king safe now? Which opposing piece in hand could be dropped most dangerously? What is my opponent's strongest reply after this move? Before a pawn drop, also check whether that file already contains one of your unpromoted pawns and whether the drop would give immediate checkmate. Taking your time is fine. If you can explain the purpose of a move, you have learned more than by playing instantly on instinct.
When no move stands out, make the king comfortable first
Look around your king. Are gold and silver guarding it, are its escape squares blocked by your own pieces, and do any rook or bishop lines point straight toward it? Instead of pushing a pawn without a plan, complete one small task: move the king from its starting square, make two defenders protect each other, or open a line for a major piece. Once the position is settled, it becomes easier to see which side to attack.
The most dangerous piece may not be on the board yet
Think of the opponent's hand as pieces searching for landing squares. If they hold gold or silver, inspect the spaces beside your king; if they hold a knight, watch for a jumping check; if they hold a pawn, look for a sequence of checks it might support. Give your own drop a job too: check, reinforce, seal an escape, or occupy a key square. If you cannot name its job, it can usually wait.
Promotion is a trade between movement patterns
A promoted rook or bishop keeps its long-range movement and gains control of nearby squares, so it is usually much stronger. Silver, knight, lance, and pawn instead begin moving like gold: steadier, but without their old directions or jumps. When the prompt appears, do not ask only whether promotion is allowed; ask what movement you are willing to exchange. After the game, revisit one promotion that made you hesitate and compare both choices.
3 checksking, pieces in hand, opponent's reply
Openingsettle the king, gold, and silver
Far 3 ranksentering or leaving may allow promotion
1 momentunderstand one choice each game
