Let's Catch the Lion! (2008)

About this game

どうぶつしょうぎ - Let's Catch the Lion! (a.k.a. Dōbutsu Shōgi, which means "animal shogi") is a simple version of Shogi. Both players have only four pieces – chick, giraffe, elephant and lion – and they're trying to either catch the opponent's lion or move their own lion to the other side. The board is just 3×4 squares, so the game is rather short, aimed mostly at getting children interested in Shogi – but even if you're an adult, the game is enjoyable. As for how to play: The giraffe moves like a rook, but moves only one space. The elephant moves like a bishop, but moves only one space. (Interestingly, in Xiangqi and Tamerlane Chess, the elephant moves precisely two spaces diagonally.) The chick is directly analogous to the pawn/soldier of Shogi, and is promoted to a full-grown chicken, equivalent to the gold general in Shogi. The lion is analogous to a king, except that he can win essentially by promoting, as long as it doesn't leave him in check. Even on this 3×4 board, you are still able to drop in pieces that you captured from your opponent! Unlike in Shogi, you can drop a chick for mate or have two chicks in a column.

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Strictly 2 players — no more, no fewer.
• Rules load. At 1.7/5 this is a light game — explain it in a few minutes, good for a table that has not played much.
• Age. The publisher suggests 4 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.