Taikyoku shogi

Taikyoku shōgi (大局将棋 'ultimate chess') is a large board variant of shogi (Japanese chess). The game was created around the mid 16th century (presumably by priests) and is based on earlier large board shogi games. Before the rediscovery of taikyoku shogi in 1997, tai shogi was believed to be the largest playable chess variant (if not board game) ever. It has not been shown that taikyoku shogi was ever widely played. One game may be played over several long sessions and require each player to make over a thousand moves.

Because the game was found only recently after centuries of obscurity, it is difficult to say exactly what all the rules were. Several documents describing the game have been found; however, there are differences between them. Many of the pieces appear in other shogi variants but their moves may be different. The board, and likewise the pieces, were made much smaller, making archeological finds difficult to decipher. Research into this game continues for historical and cultural reasons, but also to satisfy the curious and those who wish to play what could be the most challenging chess-like game ever made. More research must be done however. This article focuses on one likely set of rules that can make the game playable in modern times but is by no means canon. These rules may change as more discoveries are made and secrets of the game unlocked.

Rules of the game

Taikyoku shogi is very different from other large-board shogi variants: dai dai shogi, maka dai dai shogi, and tenjiku shogi. The most notable differences lie with the piece movements and their promotions.

Objective

The objective of the game is to capture the opponent's king(s) and crown prince(s). When the last of these is captured, the game ends. There are no rules for check or checkmate; however, in practice a player resigns when checkmated. Unlike standard shogi, pieces may not be dropped back into play after being captured.

Game equipment

Two players, Black and White (or 先手 sente and 後手 gote), play on a board ruled into a grid of 36 ranks (rows) by 36 files (columns) with a total of 1,296 squares. The squares are undifferentiated by marking or color.

Each player has a set of 402 wedge-shaped pieces of 209 different types. In all, the players must remember 253 different moves. The pieces are of slightly different sizes with the larger pieces near the king and becoming progressively smaller for pieces further from the king, regardless of power. In general, the stronger pieces are nearer to the king.

Several of the English names were chosen to correspond to rough equivalents in Western chess, rather than as translations of the Japanese names.

Each piece has its name in the form of two or three kanji written on its face. On the reverse side of some pieces are two or three other characters, often in a different color (commonly red instead of black); this reverse side is used to indicate that the piece has been promoted during play. The pieces of the two sides do not differ in color, but instead each piece is shaped like a wedge, and faces forward, toward the opposing side. This shows who controls the piece during play.

Listed below are the pieces of the game and, if they promote, which pieces they promote to; starting with the first row.

Piece	Kanji	Rōmaji	Promotes to
King	玉将	gyokushō	—
Crown prince	太子	taishi	king
Gold general	金将	kinshō	rook
Right general	右将	ushō	right army
Right army	右軍	ugun	—
Left general	左将	sashō	left army
Left army	左軍	sagun	—
Rear standard	後旗	kōki	center standard
Free king	奔王	honnō	great general
Free dream-eater	奔獏	honbaku	free king
Wooden dove	鳩槃	kyūhan	—
Ceramic dove	鳩盤	kyūban	—
Earth dragon	地龍	chiryū	rain dragon
Free demon	奔鬼	honki	free king
Running horse	走馬	sōma, sōba	free demon
Beast cadet	獣曹	jūsō	beast officer
Long-nosed goblin	天狗	tengu	—
Mountain eagle (left and right)	山鷲	sanshū	soaring eagle
Fire demon	火鬼	kaki	free fire
Free fire	奔火	honka	—
Whale	鯨鯢	keigei	great whale
Great whale	大鯨	daigei	—
Running rabbit	走兎	sōto	treacherous fox
White tiger	白虎	byakko	divine tiger
Divine tiger	神虎	shinko	—
Turtle-snake	玄武	genbu	divine turtle
Divine turtle	神亀	shinki	—
Lance	香車	kyōsha	white horse
Reverse chariot	反車	hensha	whale
Fragrant elephant	香象	kōzō	elephant king
Elephant king	象王	zōō	—
White elephant	白象	hakuzō	elephant king
Mountain dove	山鳩	sankyū	great dove
Flying swallow	飛燕	hien	rook
Captive officer	禽吏	kinri	captive bird
Captive bird	禽鳥	kinchō	—
Rain dragon	雨龍	uryū	great dragon
Forest demon	森鬼	shinki	thunder runner
Thunder runner	雷走	raisō	—
Mountain stag	山鹿	sanroku	great stag
Running pup	走狗	sōku	free leopard
Free leopard	奔豹	honpyō	—
Running serpent	走蛇	sōja	Free serpent
Free serpent	奔蛇	honja	—
Side serpent	横蛇	ōja	great shark
Great shark	大鱗	dairin	—
Great dove	大鳩	daikyū	wooden dove
Running tiger	走虎	sōko	free tiger
*Free tiger	奔虎	honko	—
Running bear	走熊	sōyū	free bear
*Free bear	奔熊	hon’yū	—
Yaksha	夜叉	yasha	Heavenly Tetrarch
Heavenly Tetrarch	四天	shiten	—
Buddhist devil	羅刹	rasetsu	Heavenly Tetrarch
Guardian of the Gods	金剛	kongō	Heavenly Tetrarch
Wrestler	力士	rikishi	Heavenly Tetrarch
Silver general	銀将	ginshō	vertical mover
Drunken elephant	酔象	suizō	crown prince
Neighboring king	近王	kinnō	front standard
Gold chariot	金車	kinsha	playful cockatoo
Playful cockatoo	遊母	yūmo	—
Side dragon	横龍	ōryū	running dragon
Running dragon	走龍	sōryū	—
Running stag	走鹿	sōroku	free stag
Free stag	奔鹿	honroku	—
Running wolf	走狼	sōrō	free wolf
Free wolf	奔狼	honrō	—
Bishop general	角将	kakushō	rain demon
Rain demon	霖鬼	rinki	—
Rook general	飛将	hishō	flying crocodile
Flying crocodile	飛鰐	higaku	—
Right tiger	右虎	uko	white tiger
Left tiger	左虎	sako	turtle-snake
Right dragon	右龍	uryū	Blue dragon
Left dragon	左龍	saryū	vermillion sparrow
Beast officer	獣吏	jūri	beast bird
Beast bird	獣鳥	jūchō	—
Wind dragon	風龍	fūryū	free dragon
Free dragon	奔龍	honryū	—
Free pup	奔狗	honku	free dog
Free dog	奔犬	honken	—
Rushing bird	行鳥	gyōchō	free demon
Old kite	古鵄	kotetsu	long-nosed goblin
Peacock	孔雀	kujaku	long-nosed goblin
Water dragon	水龍	suiryū	phoenix master
Fire dragon	火龍	karyū	kirin master
Copper general	銅将	dōshō	side mover
Phoenix master	鳳師	hōshi	—
Kirin master	麟師	rinshi	—
Silver chariot	銀車	ginsha	goose wing
Goose wing	鴻翼	kōyoko	—
Vertical bear	竪熊	shuyū	free bear
Knight	桂馬	keima	side soldier
Pig general	豚将	tonshō	free pig
Free pig	奔豚	honton	—
Chicken general	鶏将	keishō	free chicken
Free chicken	奔鶏	honkei	—
Pup general	狗将	kushō	free pup
Horse general	馬将	bashō	free horse
Free horse	奔馬	honba	—
Ox general	牛将	gyūshō	free ox
Free ox	奔牛	hongyū	—
Center standard	中旗	chūki	front standard
Side boar	横猪	ōcho	free boar
Free boar	奔猪	honcho	—
Silver rabbit	銀兎	ginto	whale
Golden deer	金鹿	konroku	white horse
Lion	獅子	shishi	furious fiend
Furious fiend	奮迅	funjin	—
Captive cadet	禽曹	kinsō	captive officer
Great stag	大鹿	dairoku	free stag
Violent dragon	猛龍	mōryū	great dragon
Woodland demon	林鬼	rinki	right phoenix
Right phoenix	右鵰	ushū	—
Vice general	副将	fukushō	great general
Great general	大将	taishō	—
Stone chariot	石車	sekisha	walking heron
Walking heron	歩振	fushin	—
Cloud eagle	雲鷲	unjū	strong eagle
Strong eagle	勁鷲	keijū	—
Bishop	角行	kakugyō	dragon horse
Rook	飛車	hisha	dragon king
Side wolf	横狼	ōrō	free wolf
Flying cat	飛猫	hibyō	rook
Mountain falcon	山鷹	san’ō	horned falcon
Vertical tiger	竪虎	shuko	free tiger
Soldier	兵士	heishi	cavalier
Cavalier	騎士	kishi	—
Little standard	小旗	shōki	rear standard
Cloud dragon	雲龍	unryū	great dragon
Copper chariot	銅車	dōsha	copper elephant
Copper elephant	銅象	dōzō	—
Running chariot	走車	sōsha	burning chariot
Burning chariot	炮車	hōsha	—
Ram’s-head soldier	羊兵	yōhei	tiger soldier
Tiger soldier	虎兵	kohei	—
Violent ox	猛牛	mōgyū	flying ox
Great dragon	大龍	dairyū	ancient dragon
Ancient dragon	元龍	genryū, ganryū	—
Golden bird	金翅	kinshi	free bird
Free bird	奔翅	honshi	—
Dark spirit	無明	mumyō	Buddhist spirit
Buddhist spirit	法性	hōsei	—
Deva	提婆	daiba	teaching king
Teaching king	教王	kyōō	—
Wood chariot	木車	mokusha	wind snapping turtle
Wind snapping turtle	風鼈	fūbetsu	—
White horse	白駒	hakku	great horse
Great horse	大駒	daiku	—
Howling dog (left and right)	^口奇犬	kiken	left dog, right dog
Right dog	右犬	uken	—
Left dog	左犬	saken	—
Side mover	横行	ōgyō	free boar
Prancing stag	踊鹿	yōroku	square mover
Water buffalo	水牛	suigyū	great dream-eater
Great dream-eater	大獏	daibaku	—
Ferocious leopard	猛豹	mōhyō	bishop
Fierce eagle	猛鷲	mōjū	soaring eagle
Flying dragon	飛龍	hiryū	dragon king
Poisonous snake	毒蛇	dokuja	hook mover
Flying goose	鳫飛	ganhi	swallow’s wings
Strutting crow	烏行	ukō	flying falcon
Flying falcon	飛鷹	hiyō	—
Blind dog	盲犬	mōken	violent stag
Water general	水将	suishō	vice general
Fire general	火将	kashō	great general
Phoenix	鳳凰	hōō	golden bird
Kirin	麒麟	kirin	golden bird
Hook mover	鉤行	kōgyō	—
Little turtle	小亀	shōki	treasure turtle
Treasure turtle	宝亀	hōki	—
Great turtle	大亀	daiki	spirit turtle
Spirit turtle	霊亀	reiki	—
Capricorn	摩羯	makatsu	hook mover
Tile chariot	瓦車	gasha	running tile
Running tile	走瓦	sōga	—
Vertical wolf	竪狼	shurō	running wolf
Side ox	横牛	ōgyū	flying ox
Donkey	驢馬	roba	ceramic dove
Flying horse	馬麟	barin	free king
Violent bear	猛熊	mōyū	great bear
Great bear	大熊	daiyū	—
Angry boar	嗔猪	shincho	free boar
Evil wolf	悪狼	akurō	venomous wolf
Venomous wolf	毒狼	dokurō	—
Liberated horse	風馬	fūma	heavenly horse
Heavenly horse	天馬	temma	—
Flying cock	鶏飛	keihi	raiding falcon
Raiding falcon	延鷹	en’yō	—
Old monkey	古猿	koen	mountain witch
Mountain witch	山母	sanbo	—
Chinese cock	淮鶏	waikei	wizard stork
Wizard stork	仙鷦	senkaku	—
Northern barbarian	北狄	hokuteki	wooden dove
Southern barbarian	南蛮	nanban	golden bird
Western barbarian	西戎	seijū	lion dog
Eastern barbarian	東夷	tōi	lion
Violent stag	猛鹿	mōroku	rushing boar
Rushing boar	行猪	gyōcho	—
Violent wolf	猛狼	mōrō	bear’s eyes
Bear’s eyes	熊眼	yūgan	—
Treacherous fox	隠狐	inko, onko	mountain crane
Mountain crane	山鶻	sankotsu	—
Center master	中師	chūshi	—
Roc master	鵬師	hōshi	—
Earth chariot	土車	dosha	young bird
Young bird	*尺鳥	shakuchō	—
Vermillion sparrow	朱雀	suzaku	divine sparrow
Divine sparrow	神雀	shinjaku	—
Blue dragon	青龍	seiryū	divine dragon
Divine dragon	神龍	shinryū	—
Enchanted badger	変狸	henri	ceramic dove
Horseman	騎兵	kihei	cavalier
Swooping owl	鴟行	shigyō	cloud eagle
Climbing monkey	登猿	tōen	violent stag
Cat sword	猫刄	myōjin	dragon horse
Swallow’s wings	燕羽	en’u	gliding swallow
Gliding swallow	燕行	engyō	—
Blind monkey	盲猿	mōen	flying stag
Flying stag	飛鹿	hiroku	—
Blind tiger	盲虎	mōko	flying stag
Oxcart	牛車	gissha	plodding ox
Plodding ox	歬牛	sengyū	—
Side flier	横飛	ōhi	side dragon
Blind bear	盲熊	mōyū	flying stag
Old rat	老鼠	rōso	bird of paradise
Bird of paradise		jichō	—
Square mover	方行	hōgyō	strong chariot
Strong chariot	強車	kyōsha	—
Coiled serpent	蟠蛇	banja	coiled dragon
Coiled dragon	蟠龍	banryū	—
Reclining dragon	臥龍	garyū	great dragon
Free eagle	奔鷲	honjū	—
Lion hawk	獅鷹	shiō	—
Chariot soldier	車兵	shahei	Heavenly Tetrarch king
Heavenly Tetrarch king	四天王	shitennō	—
Side soldier	横兵	ōhei	water buffalo
Vertical soldier	竪兵	shuhei	chariot soldier
Wind general	風将	fūshō	violent wind
*Violent wind	暴風	bōfū	—
River general	川将	senshō	Chinese river
*Chinese river	淮川	waisen	—
Mountain general	山将	sanshō	peaceful mountain
*Peaceful mountain	泰山	taizan	—
Front standard	前旗	zenki	great standard
Horse soldier	馬兵	bahei	running horse
Wood general	木将	mokushō	white elephant
Ox soldier	牛兵	gyūhei	running ox
*Running ox	走牛	sōgyū	—
Earth general	土将	doshō	white elephant
Boar soldier	猪兵	chohei	running boar
*Running boar	走猪	sōcho	—
Stone general	石将	sekishō	white elephant
Leopard soldier	豹兵	hyōhei	running leopard
*Running leopard	走豹	sōhyō	—
Tile general	瓦将	gashō	white elephant
Bear soldier	熊兵	yūhei	strong bear
*Strong bear	強熊	kyōyū	—
Iron general	鉄将	tesshō	white elephant
Great standard	大旗	daiki	—
Great master	大師	daishi	—
Right chariot	右車	usha	right iron chariot
*Right iron chariot	右鉄車	utessha	—
Left chariot	左車	sasha	left iron chariot
*Left iron chariot	左鉄車	satessha	—
Side monkey	横猿	ōen	side soldier
Vertical mover	竪行	shugyō	flying ox
Flying ox	飛牛	higyū	fire ox
*Fire ox	火牛	kagyū	—
Longbow soldier	弩兵	dohei	longbow general
*Longbow general	弩将	doshō	—
Vertical pup	竪狗	shuku	leopard king
*Leopard king	豹王	hyōō	—
Vertical horse	竪馬	shuba	dragon horse
Burning soldier	炮兵	hōhei	burning general
*Burning general	炮将	hōshō	—
Dragon horse	龍馬	ryūme	horned falcon
Dragon king	龍王	ryūō	soaring eagle
Sword soldier	刀兵	tōhei	sword general
Sword general	刀将	tōshō	—
Horned falcon	角鷹	kakuō	great falcon
*Great falcon	大鷹	daiō	—
Soaring eagle	飛鷲	hijū	great eagle
*Great eagle	大鷲	daijū	—
Spear soldier	鎗兵	sōhei	spear general
*Spear general	鎗将	sōshō	—
Vertical leopard	竪豹	shuhyō	great leopard
*Great leopard	大豹	daihyō	—
Savage tiger	猛虎	mōko	great tiger
*Great tiger	大虎	daiko	—
Cross-bow soldier	弓兵	kyūhei	cross-bow general
*Cross-bow general	弓将	kyūshō	—
Roaring dog	吼犬	kōken	lion dog
Lion dog	狛犬	komainu	great elephant
*Great elephant	大象	taizō	—
Dog	犬	inu	multi general
*Multi general	雜将	suishō	—
Go between	仲人	chūnin	drunken elephant
Pawn	歩兵	fuhyō	gold general

Setup

Below is a diagram showing the setup of one player's pieces. The way one player sees their own pieces is the same way the opposing player will see their pieces.

**Board layout**

					D					GB				D							D				GB					D
P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P	P
LC	MK	VM	OX	LB	VP	VH	BN	DH	DK	SE	HF	EL	SP	VL	TG	SB	LD	DG	SB	TG	VL	SP	EL	HF	SE	DK	DH	BN	VH	VP	LB	OX	VM	MK	RC
CH	SL	VR	WN	RE	M	SD	HS	GN	OS	EA	BS	SG	LP	T	BE	I	GM	GE	I	BE	T	LP	SG	BS	EA	OS	GN	HS	SD	M	RE	WN	VR	SL	CH
EC	BL	EB	HO	OW	CM	CS	SW	BM	BT	OC	SF	BB	OR	SQ	SN	RD	LI	FE	RD	SN	SQ	OR	BB	SF	OC	BT	BM	SW	CS	CM	OW	HO	EB	VI	EC
TC	VW	SX	DO	FH	VB	AB	EW	LH	CK	OM	CC	WS	ES	VS	NT	TF	RM	MT	TF	NT	VS	SU	NB	CC	OM	CK	LH	EW	AB	VB	FH	DO	SX	VW	TC
WC	WH	HD	SM	PR	WB	FL	EG	FD	PS	FY	ST	BI	WG	F	KR	CA	GT	LL	HM	PH	F	WG	BI	ST	FY	PS	FD	EG	FL	WB	PR	SM	HD	WH	WC
CI	CE	B	R	WF	FC	MF	VT	SO	LS	CL	CR	RH	HE	VO	GD	GO	DV	DS	GO	GD	VO	HE	RH	CR	CL	LS	SO	VT	MF	FC	WF	R	B	CE	CI
SV	VE	N	PI	CG	PG	H	O	CN	SA	SR	GL	LN	CT	GS	VD	WL	GG	VG	WL	VD	GS	CT	LN	GL	SR	SA	CN	O	H	PG	CG	PI	N	VE	SV
GC	SI	RN	RW	BG	RO	LT	LE	BO	WD	FP	RB	OK	PC	WA	FI	C	KM	PM	C	FI	WA	PC	OK	RB	FP	WD	BO	RI	TT	RO	BG	RW	RN	SI	GC
RV	WE	MD	FS	CO	RA	FO	MS	RP	RU	SS	GR	RT	BA	BD	WR	S	NK	DE	S	GU	YA	BA	RT	GR	SS	RU	RP	MS	FO	RA	CO	FS	MD	FG	RV
L	TS	RR	W	DM	ME	LO	BC	HR	FR	ED	CD	FT	FK	RS	LG	G	K	CP	G	RG	RS	FK	FT	WO	ED	FR	HR	BC	LO	ME	DM	W	RR	WT	L

Legend
AB - Angry boar	B - Bishop	BA - Running Bear	BB - Blind Bear	BC - Beast Cadet
BD - Buddhist Devil	BE - Bear Soldier	BG - Bishop General	BI - Blind Dog	BL - Blue Dragon
BM - Blind Monkey	BN - Burning Soldier	BO - Beast Officer	BS - Boar Soldier	BT - Blind Tiger
C - Copper General	CA - Capricorn	CC - Chinese Cock	CD - Ceramic Dove	CE - Cloud Eagle
CG - Chicken General	CH - Chariot Soldier	CI - Stone Chariot	CK - Flying Cock	CL - Cloud Dragon
CM - Climbing Monkey	CN - Center Standard	CO - Captive Officer	CP - Crown Prince	CR - Copper Chariot
CS - Cat Sword	CT - Captive Cadet	D - Dog	DE - Drunken Elephant	DG - Roaring Dog
DH - Dragon Horse	DK - Dragon King	DO - Donkey	DM - Fire Demon	DS - Dark Spirit
DV - Deva	EA - Earth General	EB - Enchanted Badger	EC - Earth Chariot	ED - Earth Dragon
EG - Fierce Eagle	EL - Soaring Eagle	ES - Eastern Barbarian	EW - Evil Wolf	F - Fire General
FC - Flying Cat	FD - Flying Dragon	FE - Free Eagle	FG - Fragrant Elephant	FH - Flying Horse
FI - Fire Dragon	FK - Free King	FL - Ferocious Leopard	FO - Forest Demon	FP - Free Pup
FR - Free Demon	FS - Flying Swallow	FT - Free Dream-Eater	FY - Flying Goose	G - Gold General
GB - Go Between	GC - Gold Chariot	GD - Great Dragon	GE - Great Standard	GG - Great General
GL - Golden Deer	GM - Great Master	GN - Wood General	GO - Golden Bird	GR - Great Dove
GS - Great Stag	GT - Great Turtle	GU - Guardian of the Gods	H - Horse General	HD - Howling Dog
HE - Ram’s-head Soldier	HF - Horned Falcon	HM - Hook Mover	HO - Horseman	HR - Running Horse
HS - Horse Soldier	I - Iron General	K- King	KM - Kirin Master	KR - Kirin
L - Lance	LB - Longbow Soldier	LC - Left Chariot	LD - Lion Dog	LE - Left Dragon
LG - Left General	LH - Liberated Horse	LI - Lion Hawk	LL - Little Turtle	LN - Lion
LO - Long-nosed Goblin	LP - Leopard Soldier	LS - Little Standard	LT - Left Tiger	M - Mountain General
MD - Mountain Dove	ME - Mountain Eagle	MF - Mountain Falcon	MK - Side Monkey	MS - Mountain Stag
MT - Center Master	N - Knight	NB - Northern Barbarian	NK - Neighboring King	NT – Violent wolf
O - Ox General	OC - Oxcart	OK - Old Kite	OM - Old Monkey	OR - Old Rat
OS - Ox Soldier	OW - Swooping Owl	OX - Flying Ox	P - Pawn	PC - Peacock
PG - Pup General	PH - Phoenix	PI - Pig General	PM - Phoenix Master	PR - Prancing Stag
PS - Poisonous Snake	R - Rook	RA - Rain Dragon	RB - Rushing Bird	RC - Right Chariot
RD - Reclining Dragon	RE - River General	RG - Right General	RH - Running Chariot	RI - Right Dragon
RM - Roc Master	RN - Running Stag	RO - Rook General	RP - Running Pup	RR - Running Rabbit
RS - Rear Standard	RT - Running Tiger	RU - Running Serpent	RV - Reverse Chariot	RW - Running Wolf
S - Silver General	SA - Side Boar	SB - Cross-bow Soldier	SD - Front Standard	SE - Sword Soldier
SF - Side Flier	SG - Stone General	SI - Side Dragon	SL - Side Soldier	SM - Side Mover
SN - Coiled Serpent	SO - Soldier	SP - Spear Soldier	SQ - Square Mover	SR - Silver Rabbit
SS - Side Serpent	ST - Strutting Crow	SU - Southern Barbarian	SV - Silver Chariot	SW - Swallow’s Wings
SX - Side Ox	T - Tile General	TC - Tile Chariot	TF - Treacherous Fox	TG - Savage Tiger
TS - Turtle-snake	TT - Right Tiger	VB - Violent Bear	VD - Violent Dragon	VE - Vertical Bear
VG - Vice General	VH - Vertical Horse	VI - Vermillion Sparrow	VL - Vertical Leopard	VM - Vertical Mover
VO - Violent Ox	VP - Vertical Pup	VR - Vertical Soldier	VS - Violent Stag	VT - Vertical Tiger
VW - Vertical Wolf	W - Whale	WA - Water Dragon	WB - Water Buffalo	WC - Wood Chariot
WD - Wind Dragon	WE - White Elephant	WF - Side Wolf	WG - Water General	WH - White Horse
WI - Wind Soldier	WL - Woodland Demon	WN - Wind General	WO - Wooden Dove	WR - Wrestler
WS - Western Barbarian	WT - White Tiger	YA - Yaksha

Game play

The players alternate making a move, with Black moving first. (The traditional terms 'black' and 'white' are used to differentiate the sides during discussion of the game, but are no longer literally descriptive.) A move consists of moving a single piece on the board and potentially promoting that piece or displacing (capturing) an opposing piece.

Movement and capture

Most pieces in the game move in a unique manner. An opposing piece is captured by displacement: That is, if a piece moves to a square occupied by an opposing piece, the opposing piece is displaced and removed from the board. A piece cannot move to a square occupied by a friendly piece (meaning another piece controlled by the moving player).

Each piece on the game moves in a characteristic pattern. Pieces move either orthogonally (that is, forward, backward, left, or right, in the direction of one of the arms of a plus sign, +), or diagonally (in the direction of one of the arms of a multiplication sign, ×). The lion, lion hawk and knight are exceptions at the beginning of the game, in that they do not move, or are not required to move, in a straight line. (The Buddhist spirit, teaching king, heavenly horse and furious fiend are similar, but they only appear as pieces promote.)

Categories of movement

Many pieces are capable of several kinds of movement, with the type of movement most often depending on the direction in which they move. The movement categories are:

Step movers

Some pieces move only one square at a time. (If a friendly piece occupies an adjacent square, the moving piece may not move in that direction; if an opposing piece is there, it may be displaced and captured.)

The step movers are the crown prince, generals (except: bishop, rook, pig, vice, great and wood), wolves, earth dragon, running horse, running rabbit, turtle snake, mountain dove, flying swallow, rain dragon, mountain stag, running pup, running serpent, side serpent, yaksha, Buddhist devil, violent stag, drunken elephant, neighboring king, chariots (except: reverse, running and copper), right tiger, left tiger, wind dragon, free pup, rushing bird, old kite, bears (except running), side boar, cloud eagle, flying cat, little standard, cloud dragon, soldiers (except soldier and chariot), violent ox, dark spirit, deva, howling dog, side mover, prancing stag, ferocious leopard, fierce eagle, poisonous snake, flying goose, strutting crow, blind dog, Chinese cock, phoenix, kirin, side ox, angry boar, liberated horse, flying cock, monkeys, barbarians, vermillion sparrow, swooping owl, old rat, cat sword, swallow’s wings, blind tiger, side flyer, coiled serpent, reclining dragon, go between, dog, vertical mover, vertical pup, vertical horse, dragon horse, dragon king and pawn.

Limited ranging pieces

Some pieces can move along a limited number (2 to 7) of free (empty) squares along a straight line in certain directions. Other than the limited distance, they move like ranging pieces (see below).

The limited ranging pieces are the king, standards, free dream-eater, wooden dove, dragons (except: rain, side, wind, cloud, flying and reclining), demons, beast cadet, mountain eagle, white tiger, ceramic dove, mountain dove, captive officer, mountain stag, side serpent, great dove, running tiger, running bear, yaksha, Buddhist devil, guardian of the Gods, wrestler, gold chariot, running stag, beast officer, free pup, rushing bird, old kite, peacock, phoenix master, kirin master, silver chariot, vertical bear, pig general, chicken general, horse general, ox general, silver rabbit, golden deer, captive cadet, great stag, stone chariot, cloud eagle, mountain falcon, vertical tiger, copper chariot, golden bird, prancing stag, water buffalo, fierce eagle, water general, mountain general, fire general, turtles, vertical wolf, donkey, enchanted badger, flying horse, angry boar, violent bear, liberated horse, barbarians, center master, roc master, horseman, soldiers (except: rook, ram’s-head, spear and sword), wing general, wind general, wood general, great master and roaring dog.

Jumping pieces

Several pieces can jump, that is, they can pass over any intervening piece, whether friend or foe, with no effect on either.

The jumping pieces are the wooden dove, running horse, mountain eagle, phoenix master, kirin master, knight, lion, great stag, vice general, flying cat, mountain falcon, golden bird, flying dragon, poisonous snake, phoenix, kirin, turtles, treacherous fox, center master, roc master, free eagle, lion hawk, great master, horned falcon, soaring eagle, roaring dog and lion dog.

Ranging pieces

Many pieces can move any number of empty squares along a straight line, limited only by the edge of the board. If an opposing piece intervenes, it may be captured by moving to that square and removing it from the board. A ranging piece must stop where it captures, and cannot bypass a piece that is in its way. If a friendly piece intervenes, the moving piece is limited to a distance that stops short of the intervening piece; if the friendly piece is adjacent, it cannot move in that direction at all.

The ranging pieces are the standards, free king, free dream-eater, wooden dove, dragons (except: violent, flying and reclining), demons, running horse, mountain eagle, whale, running rabbit, tigers (except blind), turtle snake, ceramic dove, lance, oxcart, chariots, flying swallow, running pup, running serpent, great dove, running bear, running stag, running wolf, free pup, phoenix master, kirin master, vertical bear, side boar, silver rabbit, golden deer, great stag, cloud eagle, bishop, rook, side wolf, mountain falcon, soldiers (except: sword, burning and cross-bow), violent ox, golden bird, white horse, howling dog, side mover, water buffalo, turtles, vertical wolf, side ox, liberated horse, treacherous fox, roc master, vermillion sparrow, horseman, swallow’s wings, side flyer, great master, side monkey, vertical mover, flying ox, vertical pup, vertical horse, dragon horse, dragon king, horned falcon, soaring eagle, roaring dog and lion dog.

Hook moves (changing tack)

The hook mover, long-nosed goblin, Capricorn, and peacock can move any number of squares along a straight line, as a normal ranging piece, but may also abruptly change tack left or right by 90° at any one place along the route, and then continue as a ranging piece. Turning a corner like this is optional.

The range covered by a hook move is the equivalent of two moves by a rook, or two moves by a bishop, depending on the piece. However, a hook move is functionally a single move: The piece cannot capture twice in one move, nor may it capture and then move on. It must stop before an intervening piece (unless it first changes direction to avoid it), and must stop when it captures, just like any other ranging piece. It can only change direction once per move.

Area movers

The lion and lion hawk may take multiple (2) steps in a single turn. These do not have to be in a line, so these pieces can potentially reach every square within two or three steps of the starting square, not just squares along one of the diagonals or orthogonals. Such moves are also useful to get around obstructions. An area mover must stop where it captures.

Limited range jumping pieces

The golden bird and several promoted pieces have the option of jumping a limited number of squares, and then continuing on in the same direction as a ranging piece.

Range jumping (flying) pieces

The ancient dragon may jump over any number of pieces, friend or foe, along a straight line, but only when making a capture. Otherwise it moves as a ranging piece.

Range capturing pieces

The great general, vice general, rook general, bishop general, violent dragon and flying crocodile may jump over any number of pieces, friend or foe, along a diagonal or orthogonal. They capture all pieces they jump.

However, they may only jump pieces of lower rank, whether friend or foe. The relevant ranking is:

King, crown prince
Great general
Vice general
Rook general, bishop general, violent dragon, flying crocodile

Individual pieces

King, fragrant elephant and white elephant

Limited range: The king, fragrant elephant and white elephant can move one or two squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
The king may move into check (not recommended).
The elephants have the same promotion.

Crown prince, left general and right general

Step: The crown prince left general and right general can step one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
A crown prince may move into check (not recommended).
The pieces have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Gold general and violent wolf

Step: The gold general and violent wolf can step one square in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally forward, giving them six possibilities.
They cannot move diagonally backward.
The pieces have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Rear standard

Limited range: The rear standard can move one or two squares diagonally.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally

Free king

Ranging: The free king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.

Free dream-eater

Ranging: The free dream-eater can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.

Wooden dove

Limited range: The wooden dove can move one or two (or three?) squares in the four orthogonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, but has the option of jumping in these directions instead of ranging.
Jump plus limited range: It can jump to the third square in the four diagonal directions, and then (optionally) move one or two squares in the same direction.

Note: in Japanese Wikipedia, the diagram shows the orthogonal limited range as being limited to two squares, but the verbal description gives a range of three.

Earth dragon

Step: The earth dragon can move one square orthogonally forward or diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.

The Japanese Wikipedia describes another set of movements for this piece.

Step: The earth dragon can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.

Free demon

Limited range: The free demon can move one to five squares orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally right.

The Japanese Wikipedia describes another set of movements for this piece.

Limited range: The free demon can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.

Running horse

Step: The running horse can move one square orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forward.
Jump: It can jump to the second square diagonally backwards

Beast cadet

Limited range: The beast cadet can move one or two squares orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

Long-nosed goblin (tengu)

Hook move: The long-nosed goblin can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.

Unlike in other shogi variants, in taikyoku the tengu cannot move orthogonally, and therefore can only reach half of the squares on the board. This is the move of the capricorn, and may be an error.

Mountain eagle (right)

Limited range: The right mountain eagle can move one or two squares diagonally backward to the left.
Jump: It can jump to the second square along either right diagonal.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally right, diagonally forward to the left, or in the four orthogonal directions.

Mountain eagle (left)

Limited range: The left mountain eagle can move one or two squares diagonally backward to the right.
Jump: It can jump to the second square along either left diagonal.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally left, diagonally forward to the right, or in the four orthogonal directions.

Fire demon

Limited range: The fire demon can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

It cannot burn other pieces as in tenjiku shogi.”

Whale

Ranging: The whale can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally backward.

Running Rabbit

Step: The running rabbit can move one square orthogonally or diagonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forward.

White tiger

Ranging: The white tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, or diagonally forward to the left.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.

Turtle-snake

Ranging: The turtle-snake can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the right or backward to the left.
Step: It can move one square in any of the remaining directions.

Ceramic dove

Limited range: The ceramic dove can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions

Lance, oxcart and savage tiger

Ranging: The lance, oxcart and savage tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Reverse Chariot

Ranging: The reverse chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Mountain dove

Step: The mountain dove can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.

Flying swallow

Step: The flying swallow can move one square orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.

Captive officer

Limited range: The captive officer can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or sideways; or
Limited range: It can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions

Rain dragon

Step: The rain dragon can move one square orthogonally or diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or backward; or diagonally backward.

Forest demon

Limited range: The forest demon can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.

Mountain stag

Step: The mountain stag can move one square orthogonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to four squares orthogonally backward.

Running pup and running serpent

Step: The running pup and running serpent can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Side serpent

Step: The side serpent can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Great dove

Limited range: The great dove can move one to three squares in the four orthogonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.

Running tiger and running bear

Limited range: The running tiger and running bear can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Yaksha

Step: The yaksha can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.

Buddhist devil

Limited range: The Buddhist devil can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways or backward.

Guardian of the Gods

Limited range: The guardian of the Gods can move one to three squares in the four orthogonal directions.

Wrestler

Limited range: The wrestler can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions.

Silver general and violent stag

Step: The silver general and violent stag can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or
- One square orthogonally forward, giving them five possibilities.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Drunken elephant and neighboring king

Step: The drunken elephant and neighboring king can move one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally backward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Gold chariot

Step: The gold chariot can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Side dragon

Ranging: The side dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or sideways.

Running stag

Limited range: The running stag can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.

Running wolf

Step: The running wolf can move one square orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.

Bishop general

Range capture: The bishop general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any diagonal direction, so long as they don't contain a royal (king or crown prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.

Rook general

Range capture: The rook general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any orthogonal direction, so long as they don't contain a royal (king or crown prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.

Right tiger

Step: The right tiger can move one square diagonally right.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally left or diagonally left.

Left tiger

Step: The left tiger can move one square diagonally left.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally right or diagonally right.

Right dragon

Limited range: The right dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally right.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally left or diagonally left.

Left dragon

Limited range: The left dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally left.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally right or diagonally right.

Beast officer

Limited range: The beast officer can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or in the four diagonal directions.

Wind dragon

Step: The wind dragon can move one square diagonally backward to the left.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, diagonally forward or diagonally backward to the right.

Free pup

Step: The free pup can move one square diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally forward.

Rushing bird

Step: The rushing bird can move one square orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.

Old kite (hawk)

Limited range: The old kite can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions; or
Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.

Peacock

Hook move: The peacock can move any number of free squares in a straight line along one of the two forward diagonals, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a straight line in a perpendicular diagonal direction.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares in one of the two rearward diagonals.

Water dragon

Limited range: The water dragon can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.

Fire dragon

Limited range: The fire dragon can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.

Copper general

Step: The copper general can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or
- diagonally forward.

Phoenix master

Limited range: The phoenix master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally or orthogonally forward or backward.
Jump: It can jump to the third square diagonally forward.

Kirin master

Limited range: The Kirin master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally or orthogonally forward or backward.
Jump: It can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or backward.

Silver chariot

Step: The silver chariot can move one square diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Vertical bear

Step: The vertical bear can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Knight

Jump: A knight jumps at an angle intermediate between orthogonal and diagonal, amounting to one square forward plus one square diagonally forward, in a single motion. That is, it has a choice of two forward destinations.
The knight ignores intervening pieces on the way to its destination, though its destination square must of course be either empty, or occupied by an opponent's piece (in which case the opponent's piece is captured), just as with any other moving piece.

Pig general

Limited range: The pig general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward; or
Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally forward.

Chicken general and pup general

Step: The chicken general and pup general can move one square diagonally backward.
Limited range: They can move one to four squares orthogonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Horse general and ox general

Step: The horse general and ox general can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
These pieces and their promotions have the same range of motion.

Center standard and front standard

Limited range: The center standard and front standard can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions.
Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above). Uniquely, when a center standard promotes to a front standard, it gains no new abilities.

Side boar

Step: The side boar can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or in the four diagonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Silver rabbit

Limited range: The silver rabbit can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.

Golden deer

Ranging: The golden deer can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally backward.

Lion

Area move/double capture: The lion can step one square in any direction up to twice in a turn. It can change directions after its first step, and is not restricted to following one of the eight orthogonal or diagonal directions. That is, it can also step to one of the in-between squares that a knight jumps to in Western chess.
- Unlike the hook movers, it can continue after a capture on the first step, potentially capturing two pieces on each turn.
- By moving back to its starting square, it can effectively capture a piece on an adjacent square without moving. This is called 居喰い igui "stationary feeding".
- A similar move without capturing leaves the board unchanged, which is a way to pass a turn. This can be done even when there are no empty adjacent squares.

Or,

Jump: The lion can jump anywhere within two squares. This is equivalent to jumping in any of the eight diagonal or orthogonal directions, or making any of the jumps of a knight in Western chess.

Note: The restrictions when capturing a lion in chu shogi do not apply in taikyoku shogi.

Captive cadet

Limited range: The captive cadet can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or sideways, or in the four diagonal directions.

Great stag

Limited range: The great stag can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Jump: It can jump to the second square diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.

Violent dragon

Limited range: The violent dragon can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
Range capture: It can fly over any number of pieces along one of the four diagonal directions, as long as they don't include a royal (king or prince) or another range-jumping piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.

Woodland demon

Limited range: The woodland demon can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.

Vice general

Jump: The vice general can jump to the second square in the four orthogonal directions. This is a standard jump.
Range capture: It can fly over any number of squares along one of the four diagonal directions, as long as they don't contain a royal (king or prince), great general, or another vice general. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.

Great general

Range capture: The great general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally, as long as they don't contain a royal (king or prince) or another great general. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.

Stone chariot

Step: The stone chariot can move one square diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.

Cloud eagle

Step: The cloud eagle can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Bishop

Ranging: A bishop can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.

Because it cannot move orthogonally, a bishop can only reach half the squares on the board.

Rook, soldier, running chariot and square mover

Ranging: The rook, soldier, running chariot and square mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
They have the same range of motion but promote differently (see above).

Side wolf

Step: The side wolf can move one square diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Flying cat

Step: The flying cat can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally backward.
Jump: It can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or sideways, or diagonally forward.

Mountain falcon

Limited range: The mountain falcon can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally forward.

Note: This is the depiction of the diagram in Japanese wiki. However, the text makes no mention of an ability to move orthogonally sideways.

Vertical tiger

Limited range: The vertical tiger can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Little standard

Step: The little standard can move one square diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.

Cloud dragon

Step: The cloud dragon can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward or in the four diagonal directions.

Copper chariot

Limited range: The copper chariot can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Ram’s-head soldier

Ranging: The ram’s-head soldier can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally backward.

Violent ox

Step: The violent ox can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.

Great dragon

Limited range: The great dragon can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.

Golden bird

Limited range: The golden bird can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces diagonally forward, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.

Dark spirit

Step: The dark spirit can move one square in any direction orthogonally or diagonally, except diagonally forward to the left.

Deva

Step: The Deva can move one square in any direction orthogonally or diagonally, except diagonally forward to the right.

Wood chariot

Step: The wood chariot can move one square diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

White horse

Ranging: The white horse can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.

Howling dog (left and right)

Step: The howling dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
The left and right howling dogs have the same range of motion but promote differently (see above).

Side mover

Ranging: The side mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.

Prancing stag

Limited range: The prancing stag can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.

Water buffalo

Ranging: The water buffalo can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.

Ferocious leopard

Step: The ferocious leopard can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or
- orthogonally forward or backward.

Fierce eagle

Limited range: The fierce eagle can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways.

Flying dragon

Jump: The flying dragon can jump to the second square in the four diagonal directions.
Because it cannot move orthogonally or to every diagonal square, a flying dragon can only reach one quarter the squares on the board.

Poisonous snake

Step: The poisonous snake can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can moves one or two squares orthogonally forward or sideways.

Flying goose

Step: The flying goose can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or
- diagonally forward.

Strutting crow

Step: The strutting crow can move one square orthogonally forward or diagonally backward.

Blind dog and Chinese cock

Step: The blind dog and Chinese cock can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
Step: They can move one square diagonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Water general and mountain general

Step: The water general and mountain general can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
Limited range: They can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Fire general

Step: The fire general can move one square diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or backward.

Phoenix

Step: The phoenix can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
Jump: It can jump to the second square in the four diagonal directions.

Kirin

Step: A Kirin can move one square orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally sideways.

Hook mover

Hook move: The hook mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.

Little turtle

Limited range: The little turtle can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.

Great turtle

Limited range: The great turtle can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Jump: It can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.

Capricorn

Hook move: The Capricorn can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.

Because the capricorn cannot move orthogonally, it can only reach half of the squares on the board. This is the move of the capricorn, and may be an error.

Tile chariot

Step: The tile chariot can move one square diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Vertical wolf

Step: The vertical wolf can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Side ox

Step: The side ox can move one square diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
Ranging: It can move any number of squares orthogonally sideways.

Donkey and enchanted badger

Limited range: The donkey and enchanted badger can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
Their range of movement and promotions are the same.

Flying horse

Limited range: The flying horse can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.

Angry boar

Step: The angry boar can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways; or
Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.

Violent bear

Limited range: The violent bear can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Step: One version of the game has the violent bear moving one square orthogonally forward; another version has it moving one square diagonally backward.

Evil Wolf

Step: The evil wolf can move one square orthogonally sideways or forward; or diagonally forward.

Liberated horse

Step: The liberated horse can move one square diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Flying cock

Step: The flying cock can move one square orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.

Old monkey

Step: The old monkey can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally backward.

Northern barbarian and southern barbarian

Limited range: The northern barbarian and southern barbarian can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Step: They can move one square orthogonally forward or backward or diagonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Eastern barbarian and western barbarian

Limited range: The eastern barbarian and western barbarian can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
Step: They can move one square orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Treacherous fox

Ranging: The treacherous fox can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
Jump: One version of the game allows it to jump to the second or third square in those directions then move, another does not.

Center master

Limited range: The center master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Jump: It can jump to the second square and then move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
It need not jump before moving nor move after jumping.

Roc master

Limited range: The roc master can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Jump/ Ranging: It can jump to the third square and then move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
It need not jump before moving nor move after jumping.

Earth chariot

Step: The earth chariot can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Vermilion sparrow

Step: The vermilion sparrow can move one square in the four orthogonal directions, or diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.

Blue dragon

Ranging: The blue dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward to the right.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.

Horseman

Limited range: The horseman can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.

Swooping owl and old rat

Step: The swooping owl and old rat can move one square orthogonally forward or diagonally backward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Climbing monkey

Step: The climbing monkey can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally forward.

Cat sword

Step: The cat sword can move one square in the four diagonal directions.

Because it cannot move orthogonally, a cat sword can only reach half the squares on the board.

Swallow’s wings

Step: The Swallow’s wings can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Blind monkey

Step: The blind monkey can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.

Blind tiger

Step: The blind tiger can move one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally forward.

Side flyer

Step: The side flyer can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Blind bear

Step: The blind bear can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.

Coiled serpent

Step: The coiled serpent can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally backward.

Reclining dragon

Step: The reclining dragon can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.

Free eagle

Jump/ranging: The free eagle can jump to the second or third square, and then move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally backward.
Jump/ranging: It can jump to the second to fourth square, and then move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
It need not jump before moving nor move after jumping.

Lion hawk

Area move/double capture/ranging: The lion hawk can move as a lion or as a bishop.
Jump/ranging: It can leap to the second square in any diagonal direction before making a bishop move in that same direction.

Chariot soldier

Limited range: The chariot soldier can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, orthogonally backward or in the four diagonal directions.

Side soldier

Step: The side soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Vertical soldier

Step: The vertical soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Wind general and river general

Step: The wind general and river general can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Horse soldier and ox soldier

Step: The horse soldier and ox soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Wood general

Limited range: The wood general can move one or two squares diagonally forward.

Earth general and go between

Step: The earth general and go between can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Boar soldier, leopard soldier and bear soldier

Step: The boar soldier, leopard soldier and bear soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: They can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.

Stone general

Step: The stone general can move one square diagonally forward.

Because it cannot move orthogonally or backward, a stone general can only reach less than half the squares on the board.

Tile general and sword soldier

Step: The tile general and sword soldier can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Iron general and dog

Step: The iron general and dog can move one square forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Great standard

Limited range: The great standard can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.

Great master

Limited range: The great master can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Jump: It can jump to the third square forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally, or orthogonally backward.

Right chariot

Ranging: The right chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the right.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the left.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally right.

Left chariot

Ranging: The left chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the left.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the right.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally left.

Side monkey

Step: The side monkey can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.

Vertical mover

Ranging: The vertical mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.

Flying Ox

Ranging: The flying ox can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Longbow soldier

Step: The longbow soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Vertical pup

Step: The vertical pup can move one square backward, orthogonally or diagonally.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Vertical horse

Step: The vertical horse can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Burning soldier

Step: The burning soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to seven squares orthogonally forward.

Dragon horse

Ranging: A dragon horse can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
Step: It can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.

Dragon king

Ranging: A dragon king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
Step: It can move one square in the four diagonal directions.

Horned falcon

Ranging: The horned falcon can move as a free king.
Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward.

Soaring eagle

Jump: The soaring eagle can jump to the second square diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.

Spear soldier

Step: The spear soldier can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Vertical leopard

Step: The vertical leopard can move one square orthogonally backward, sideways or diagonally forward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Cross-bow soldier

Step: The cross-bow soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally forward.

Roaring dog

Limited range: The roaring dog can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
Jump: It can jump to the third square diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.

Lion dog

Jump: The lion dog can jump to the third square in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.

Pawn

Step: The pawn can move one square orthogonally forward.

Promotion

Like other large board shogi variants, this game uses the promotion-by-capture rule. When a piece first makes a capture, it promotes. (If it can: a few important pieces do not promote.) Promotion has the effect of changing how a piece moves. See the table above for what each piece promotes to. Promotion is effected by turning the piece over after it moves, revealing the name of its promoted rank. Promotion is both compulsory and permanent.

This is all very different from smaller shogi variants, where pieces promote when they cross a promotion zone (the enemy camp), and where promotion is optional. The dots on the taikyoku shogi board that would represent promotion zones in other games are only there as placement guides for the initial setup of the two camps.

Some pieces promote, or demote, to a piece that exists in the initial setup of the board. However, such a piece cannot then promote a second time as its namesake does. For example, a bishop promotes to a dragon horse. However, while a ferocious leopard promotes to a bishop on its first capturing move, it does not promote to a dragon horse on its second. Rather, it remains a bishop for the rest of the game.

If a Lance, oxcart, savage tiger, side dragon, running wolf, knight, angry boar, evil wolf, flying cock, wood general, stone general, iron general, dog, pawn, running leopard, free wolf or raiding falcon reaches the furthest rank; it must remain there until it captures or is captured.

Individual promoted pieces

New pieces that only appear as a result of promotion are as follows:

Free bird

Limited range: The free bird can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces diagonally forward, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.

Great dream-eater

Jump: The great dream-eater can jump to the third square orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.

Ancient dragon

Range: The ancient dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
Ranging jump: It can jump over any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.

Heavenly Tetrarch king

Range: The Heavenly Tetrarch king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
Jump: It can jump to the second square before (optionally) moving on in that direction.
It can capture a piece on an adjacent square without moving (igui).

Great falcon

Range: The great falcon can move any number of squares in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward before (optionally) moving on in that direction.

Great elephant

Limited range: The great elephant can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces in a straight line diagonally backward or in one of the four orthogonal directions, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.

Fire ox and violent wind

Step: The fire ox and violent wind can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward, forward or in the four diagonal directions.

Strong bear

Limited range: The strong bear can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

Right phoenix

Limited range: The right phoenix can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.

Running leopard

Range: The running leopard can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.

Thunder runner

Limited range: The thunder runner can move one to four squares orthogonally sideways or backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.

Rain demon

Limited range: The rain demon can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward.
Range jump: It can jump any number of squares along either forward diagonal.

Free boar

Step: The free boar can move one square orthogonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.

Free dog

Limited range: The free dog can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.

Running ox

Limited range: The running ox can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.

Great horse

Limited range/range: The great horse moves as a horseman.

Cavalier and strong chariot

Range: The cavalier and strong chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.

Free fire

Limited range: The free fire can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

Burning chariot

Step: The burning chariot can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.

Free stag and strong eagle

Range: The free stag and strong eagle move as a free king.

Free dragon and free tiger

Range: The free dragon and free tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally forward.

Flying crocodile

Limited range: The flying crocodile can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Range capture: It can jump any number of pieces in one of the four orthogonal directions, as long as these do not include a royal (king or crown prince) or another range-capturing piece. Any piece it jumps over is removed from the board.

Divine tiger

Limited range: The divine tiger can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways, or diagonally forward to the left.

Divine dragon

Limited range: The divine dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally left.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, right, backward or diagonally forward to the right.

Divine turtle

Step: The divine turtle can move one square diagonally forward to the left or in the four orthogonal directions.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line along either rear diagonal, or diagonally forward to the right.

Divine sparrow

Step: The divine sparrow can move one square diagonally forward to the left or in the four orthogonal directions.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward or forward to the left.

Free serpent and coiled dragon

Range: The free serpent and coiled dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward, or diagonally backward.

Free wolf

Range: The free wolf can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.

Great tiger

Step: The great tiger can move one square orthogonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or backward.

Right dog

Step: The right dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or diagonally backward to the left.

Left dog

Step: The left dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or diagonally backward to the right.

Free bear, free leopard and great whale

Range: The free bear, free leopard and great whale move as a flying ox.

Running boar

Step/range: The running boar moves as an earth chariot or vertical mover.

Heavenly horse

Jump: The heavenly horse jumps at an angle intermediate between orthogonal and diagonal, amounting to one square forward plus one square diagonally forward, in a single motion; or one square backward plus one square diagonally backward, in a single motion.
It ignores intervening pieces while jumping to its destination, though its destination square must of course be either empty, or occupied by an opponent's piece (in which case the opponent's piece is captured), just as with any other moving piece.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Spear general

Limited range: The spear general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Great leopard

Step: The great leopard can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Flying stag and copper elephant

Step: The flying stag and copper elephant can move one square orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Right army

Step: The right army can move one square orthogonally forward, backward, left or diagonally left.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line right, orthogonally or diagonally.

Left army

Step: The left army can move one square orthogonally forward, backward, right or diagonally right.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line left, orthogonally or diagonally.

Beast bird and captive bird

Limited range: The beast bird and captive bird can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or in the four diagonal directions.

Gliding swallow

Range: The gliding swallow moves as a rook.

Buddhist spirit

Area move/double capture: The Buddhist spirit can move as a lion, or
Range: It can move as a free king.

Teaching king

Jump and range: The teaching king can jump up to three pieces along a straight line in any diagonal or orthogonal direction, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.

Great shark

Limited range: The shark can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.

Furious fiend

Area move/double capture or jump: The furious fiend can move as a lion; or
Limited range: It can move three squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal. (A normal move: it can only capture once and cannot jump when doing this.)

Leopard king

Limited range: The leopard king can move one to five squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.

Goose wing

Step: The goose wing can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.

Left iron chariot

Step: The left iron chariot can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the right.

Right iron chariot

Step: The right iron chariot can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the left.

Plodding ox

Step: The plodding ox can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Wind snapping turtle

Limited range: The wind snapping turtle can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Running tile

Limited range/range: The running tile moves as a running tiger or running bear.

Young bird

Limited range: The young bird can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Playful cockatoo

Limited range: The playful cockatoo can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Walking heron

Limited range: The walking heron can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.

Tiger soldier

The tiger soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.

Running dragon

Limited range: The running dragon can move one to five squares orthogonally backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

Heavenly Tetrarch

Limited range: The Heavenly Tetrarch can move one to four squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.

Elephant king

Limited range/range: The elephant king moves as a ceramic dove.

Peaceful mountain

Limited range: The peaceful mountain can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.

Chinese river

Step: The Chinese river can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

Free chicken

Limited range/range: The free chicken moves as a woodland demon.

Free ox, free horse and free pig

Step/limited range/range: The free ox, free horse and free pig move as a free pup.

Longbow general

Limited range: The longbow general can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.

Burning general

Limited range: The burning general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.

Cross-bow general

Limited range: The cross-bow general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Mountain crane

Range: The mountain crane can move as a free king.
Jump: It can jump to the third square and (optionally) continue in that direction.

Rushing boar

Step: The rushing boar can move one square orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.

Sword general

Step: The sword general can move one square orthogonally backward.
Limited range: It can move one to three squares forward, orthogonally or diagonally.

Bird of paradise and multi general

Range: The bird of paradise and multi general move as a white horse.

Bear’s eyes and venomous wolf

Step: The bear’s eyes and venomous wolf move as a crown prince.

Mountain witch

Range: The mountain witch can move any number of free squares in a straight line backward, orthogonally or diagonally.
When it reaches the first rank, it must stay there until captured.

Flying falcon

Step: The flying falcon can move one square orthogonally forward.
Range: It can move any number of squares in the four diagonal directions.

Spirit turtle

Jump: The spirit turtle can jump to the third square in the four orthogonal directions.
Range: It can move as a free king.

Treasure turtle

Jump: The treasure turtle can jump to the second square in the four orthogonal directions.
Range: It can move as a free king.

Great bear

Step: The great bear can move one square orthogonally sideways or backward.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.

Wizard stork

Range: The wizard stork can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, backward or diagonally forward.

Raiding falcon

Step: The raiding falcon can move one square diagonally forward.
Step: The raiding falcon can move one square orthogonally sideways.
Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.

Great eagle

Range: The great eagle can move as a free king.
Jump: It can jump to the second square in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally, and (optionally) continue moving in that direction.

Check and mate

When a player makes a move such that the opponent's sole remaining king or crown prince could be captured on the following move, the move is said to give check to the king or crown prince; the king or crown prince is said to be in check. If a player's last king or crown prince is in check and no legal move by that player will get the king or crown prince out of check, the checking move is also mate, and effectively wins the game.

Unlike Western chess, a player need not move out of check, and indeed may even move into check. Although obviously not often a good idea, a player with more than one royal (king or crown prince) may occasionally sacrifice one of these pieces as part of a gambit.

A player is not allowed to give perpetual check to the sole objective piece.

Game end

A player who captures the opponent's sole remaining king or crown prince wins the game. In practice this rarely happens; as a player will resign when checkmated, as otherwise when loss is inevitable.

A player who makes an illegal move loses immediately. (This rule may be relaxed in casual games.)

Another possible, if rather uncommon, way for a game to end is repetition (sennichite). If the same position occurs four times with the same player to play, then the game is no contest. Recall, however, the prohibition against perpetual check.

Game notation

The method used in English-language texts to express shogi moves was established by George Hodges in 1976. It is derived from the algebraic notation used for chess, but differs in several respects. Modifications have been made for taikyoku shogi.

A typical example is P-12h. The first letter represents the piece moved (see above). Promoted pieces have a + added in front of the letter. (e.g., +CC for a wizard stork (promoted Chinese cock). The designation of the piece is followed by a symbol indicating the type of move: - for an ordinary move or x for a capture. Next is the designation for the square on which the piece lands. This consists of a number representing the file and a lowercase letter representing the rank, with 1a being the top right corner (as seen from Black's point of view) and 36jj being the bottom left corner. (This method of designating squares is based on Japanese convention, which, however, uses Japanese numerals instead of letters. For example, the square 2c is denoted by 2三 in Japanese.)

If a lion, golden bird, heavenly tetrarch king or teaching king captures by 'igui’, the square of the piece being captured is used instead of the destination square, and this is preceded by the symbol !. If a double capture is made, than it is added after the first capture.

If a move forces the player to promote the piece, then a + is added to the end to signify that the promotion was taken. For example, ORx7c+ indicates an old rat capturing on 7c and promoting.

In cases where the above notation would be ambiguous, the designation of the start square is added after the designation for the piece in order to make clear which piece is meant.

Moves are commonly numbered as in chess.

External links

Shogi Net
History.chess.free/taikyoku shogi
Chessvariants.org/taikyoku
taikyokushogi.hp.infoseek.co.jp/taikyoku^{[dead link]} An online flash version of the game with illustrated piece movements. No AI.
taikyoku.swf^{[dead link]} Download the game here (right-click, save link as)
The previous two links are dead these days, but the .swf file can still be downloaded here ...taikyoku.swf (You need to actually go to the page. Right-click, save link won't work with this link)

v t e Shogi variants
Standard shōgi (9×9, drops)
Small variants	Dōbutsu shōgi (3×4, for children) Micro shōgi (4×5) Minishōgi (5×5) Kyoto shōgi (5×5) Goro goro shōgi (5×6) Janken shōgi (6×6; ja, zh) Judkins shōgi (6×6) Whale shōgi (6×6) Tori shōgi (7×7) Yari shōgi (7×9) EuroShogi (8×8) Heian shōgi (8×8 or 9×8, 12th c.)
Standard-size variants	Sho shōgi (9×9, 16th c.) Hasami shōgi (9×9, 9 or 18 pc.) Tobi shōgi (9×9; zh) Annan shōgi (9×9, neighbors influence movement) Masonic shōgi (9×9, staggered ranks) Hexshōgi (85 hex cells) Kawanakajima shōgi (ja) Trishōgi (9×10, triangular cells)
Large variants	Kyō shōgi (10×10; ja) Okisaki shōgi (10×10) Great whale shōgi (11×11) Oni shōgi (11×11; zh) Wa shōgi (11×11) Chu shōgi (12×12) Heian dai shōgi (13×13) Dai shōgi (15×15) Tenjiku shōgi (16×16) Dai-dai shōgi (17×17) Maka-dai-dai shōgi (19×19) Hishigata shōgi (19×19) Kō shōgi (19×19) Tai shōgi (25×25) Taikyoku shōgi (36×36)
Multiplayer variants	Sannin shōgi (hex board, 7 cells per side, 3-player game) Yonin shōgi (9×9, 4-player game)
3D variants	Space shōgi (9×9×9 variant)
Miscellaneous variants	Gunjin Shōgi (various sizes)