About the Game

Play Shogi online free — the classic Japanese chess (将棋) game. Shogi is a two-player strategy board game from Japan, similar to Western chess but with a unique twist: captured pieces can be dropped back onto the board as your own. This mechanic makes draws extremely rare and ensures dynamic, aggressive gameplay. Challenge a Shogi bot or play against friends in the browser, no download required.

Basic Rules

1. 1Each player starts with 20 pieces on a 9x9 board: 1 King, 1 Rook, 1 Bishop, 2 Gold Generals, 2 Silver Generals, 2 Knights, 2 Lances, and 9 Pawns.
2. 2Pieces move differently: the King moves one square in any direction, the Rook moves along ranks and files, the Bishop moves diagonally.
3. 3Gold and Silver Generals move to specific adjacent squares. Knights jump in an L-shape (forward only). Lances move straight forward only.
4. 4Most pieces can promote when entering the opponent's three back ranks, gaining new movement abilities.
5. 5Captured pieces switch sides and can be "dropped" onto any empty square on your turn instead of moving a piece.
6. 6Pawns cannot be dropped on a file that already contains your unpromoted pawn (nifu rule).
7. 7You cannot drop a pawn to deliver immediate checkmate (uchifuzume rule).
8. 8The goal is to checkmate the opponent's King. Perpetual check is not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

How do you play Shogi?

Each player starts with 20 pieces on a 9x9 board: 1 King, 1 Rook, 1 Bishop, 2 Gold Generals, 2 Silver Generals, 2 Knights, 2 Lances, and 9 Pawns. Pieces move differently: the King moves one square in any direction, the Rook moves along ranks and files, the Bishop moves diagonally. Gold and Silver Generals move to specific adjacent squares. Knights jump in an L-shape (forward only). Lances move straight forward only. Most pieces can promote when entering the opponent's three back ranks, gaining new movement abilities. Captured pieces switch sides and can be "dropped" onto any empty square on your turn instead of moving a piece. Pawns cannot be dropped on a file that already contains your unpromoted pawn (nifu rule). You cannot drop a pawn to deliver immediate checkmate (uchifuzume rule). The goal is to checkmate the opponent's King. Perpetual check is not allowed.

How many players can play Shogi?

2 players

Is Shogi free to play on LUDOCCA?

Yes. Shogi is free to play on LUDOCCA. Create an account, join a public room, or invite friends to a private match — no download required.

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