Mini Shogi (1970)

About this game

This Shogi variant was invented (or, perhaps, rediscovered) by Shigeo Kusumoto in 1970. It is played on a 5x5 board and features pieces from standard shogi (king, gold, silver, bishop, rook, pawn). Pieces promote on the final rank. It also makes use of the standard shogi drop rule. Although played on a small board, mini shogi has not been solved, and it can serve as a simple introduction to shogi.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 3.1/5 this is a mid-weight game — expect a proper rules explanation before you start.
• Age. The publisher suggests 8 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.