Taikyoku shogi explained

is the largest known 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 physically playable chess variant ever. (Even some infinite chess variants have been made playable in virtual space using procedural rendering of the board as pieces move outward, but of course an infinitely large chess board can not be physically printed.) It has not been shown that taikyoku shogi was ever widely played. There are only two sets of restored taikyoku shogi pieces and one of them is held at Osaka University of Commerce.[1] 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. It is not too clear how accurate the rules given by modern sources for the game are, because many of the pieces appear in other shogi variants with a consistent move there, but are given different moves in taikyoku shogi. The board, and likewise the pieces, were made much smaller than usual for the other variants, making archeological finds difficult to decipher. Research into this game continues.

Rules of the game

Taikyoku shogi is very different from other large-board shogi variants: tenjiku shogi, dai dai shogi, maka dai dai shogi, and tai 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 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 differentiated by marking or color.

Each player has a set of 402 wedge-shaped pieces of 207 types. The players must remember 253 sets of 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. Promotions prefaced with a star are not also represented as their own pieces, existing only as promotions.

PieceKanjiRōmajiPromotes toKanjiRōmaji
King 玉将 gyokushō
Prince 太子 taishi King 玉将 gyokushō
Great general 大将 taishō
Gold general 金将 kinshō Rook 飛車 hisha
Right general 右将 ushō
  • Right army
右軍 ugun
Left general 左将 sashō
  • Left army
左軍 sagun
Rear standard 後旗 kōki Center standard 中旗 chūki
Queen 奔王 honnō Great general 大将 taishō
奔獏 honbaku Queen 奔王 honnō
Wooden dove 鳩槃 kyūhan
Ceramic dove 鳩盤 kyūban
地龍 chiryū Rain dragon 雨龍 uryū
奔鬼 honki Queen 奔王 honnō
Running horse 走馬 sōma, sōba 奔鬼 honki
Beast cadet 獣曹 jūsō Beast officer 獣吏 jūri
天狗 tengu
Right mountain eagle 右山鷲 usanshū Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū
Left mountain eagle 左山鷲 sasanshū Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū
Fire demon 火鬼 kaki
  • Free fire
奔火 honka
Whale 鯨鯢 keigei
  • Great whale
大鯨 daigei
Running rabbit 走兎 sōto Treacherous fox 隠狐 inko, onko
白虎 byakko
  • Divine tiger
神虎 shinko
玄武 genbu
  • Divine turtle
神亀 shinki
Lance 香車 kyōsha White horse 白駒 hakku
Reverse chariot 反車 hensha Whale 鯨鯢 keigei
Fragrant elephant 香象 kōzō
  • Elephant king
象王 zōō
白象 hakuzō
  • Elephant king
象王 zōō
Turtle dove 山鳩 sankyū Great dove 大鳩 daikyū
Flying swallow 飛燕 hien Rook 飛車 hisha
Captive officer 禽吏 kinri
  • Captive bird
禽鳥 kinchō
Rain dragon 雨龍 uryū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū
Forest demon 森鬼 shinki
  • Thunder runner
雷走 raisō
Mountain stag 山鹿 sanroku Great stag 大鹿 dairoku
Running pup 走狗 sōku
  • Free leopard
奔豹 honpyō
Running serpent 走蛇 sōja
  • Free serpent
奔蛇 honja
Side serpent 横蛇 ōja
  • Great shark
大鱗 dairin
Great dove 大鳩 daikyū Wooden dove 鳩槃 kyūhan
Running tiger 走虎 sōko
  • Free tiger
奔虎 honko
Running bear 走熊 sōyū
  • Free bear
奔熊 hon'yū
夜叉 yasha
  • Heavenly tetrarch
四天 shiten
羅刹 rasetsu
  • Heavenly tetrarch
四天 shiten
Guardian of the gods 金剛 kongō
  • Heavenly tetrarch
四天 shiten
力士 rikishi
  • Heavenly tetrarch
四天 shiten
Silver general 銀将 ginshō Vertical mover 竪行 shugyō
Drunken elephant 酔象 suizō Prince 太子 taishi
Neighboring king 近王 kinnō Front standard 前旗 zenki
Gold chariot 金車 kinsha
  • Playful cockatoo
遊䳇 yūmo
Side dragon 横龍 ōryū
  • Running dragon
走龍 sōryū
Running stag 走鹿 sōroku
  • Free stag
奔鹿 honroku
Running wolf 走狼 sōrō
  • Free wolf
奔狼 honrō
Bishop general 角将 kakushō
  • Rain demon
霖鬼 rinki
Rook general 飛将 hishō
  • Flying crocodile
飛鰐 higaku
Right tiger 右虎 uko 白虎 byakko
Left tiger 左虎 sako 玄武 genbu
Right dragon 右龍 uryū 青龍 seiryū
Left dragon 左龍 saryū 朱雀 suzaku
Beast officer 獣吏 jūri
  • Beast bird
獣鳥 jūchō
Wind dragon 風龍 fūryū
  • Free dragon
奔龍 honryū
Free pup 奔狗 honku
  • Free dog
奔犬 honken
Rushing bird 行鳥 gyōchō 奔鬼 honki
古鵄 kotetsu 天狗 tengu
Peacock 孔雀 kujaku 天狗 tengu
Water dragon 水龍 suiryū Phoenix-master 鳳師 hōshi
Fire dragon 火龍 karyū Kirin-master 麟師 rinshi
Copper general 銅将 dōshō Side mover 横行 ōgyō
Phoenix-master 鳳師 hōshi
Kirin-master 麟師 rinshi
Silver chariot 銀車 ginsha
  • Goose wing
鴻翼 kōyoko
Vertical bear 竪熊 shuyū
  • Free bear
奔熊 hon'yū
Knight 桂馬 keima Side soldier 横兵 ōhei
Pig general 豚将 tonshō
  • Free pig
奔豚 honton
Chicken general 鶏将 keishō
  • Free chicken
奔鶏 honkei
Pup general 狗将 kushō Free pup 奔狗 honku
Horse general 馬将 bashō
  • Free horse
奔馬 honba
Ox general 牛将 gyūshō
  • Free ox
奔牛 hongyū
Center standard 中旗 chūki Front standard 前旗 zenki
Side boar 横猪 ōcho
  • Free boar
奔猪 honcho
Silver rabbit 銀兎 ginto Whale 鯨鯢 keigei
Golden deer 金鹿 konroku White horse 白駒 hakku
Lion 獅子 shishi
  • Furious fiend
奮迅 funjin
Captive cadet 禽曹 kinsō Captive officer 禽吏 kinri
Great stag 大鹿 dairoku
  • Free stag
奔鹿 honroku
Violent dragon 猛龍 mōryū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū
Woodland demon 林鬼 rinki
  • Right phoenix[2]
右鵰 ushū
Vice general 副将 fukushō Great general 大将 taishō
Stone chariot 石車 sekisha
  • Walking heron
歩䳲 fushin
Cloud eagle 雲鷲 unjū
  • Strong eagle
勁鷲 keijū
Bishop 角行 kakugyō Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme
Rook 飛車 hisha Dragon king 龍王 ryūō
Side wolf 横狼 ōrō
  • Free wolf
奔狼 honrō
Flying cat 飛猫 hibyō Rook 飛車 hisha
Mountain falcon 山鷹 san'ō Horned falcon 角鷹 kakuō
Vertical tiger 竪虎 shuko
  • Free tiger
奔虎 honko
Soldier 兵士 heishi
  • Cavalier
騎士 kishi
Little standard 小旗 shōki Rear standard 後旗 kōki
Cloud dragon 雲龍 unryū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū
Copper chariot 銅車 dōsha
  • Copper elephant
銅象 dōzō
Running chariot 走車 sōsha
  • Burning chariot
炮車 hōsha
Ram's-head soldier 羊兵 yōhei
  • Tiger soldier
虎兵 kohei
Violent ox 猛牛 mōgyū Flying ox 飛牛 higyū
Great dragon 大龍 dairyū
  • Ancient dragon
元龍 genryū, ganryū
Golden bird 金翅 kinshi
  • Free bird
奔翅 honshi
無明 mumyō
  • Buddhist spirit
法性 hōsei
提婆 daiba
  • Teaching king
教王 kyōō
Wood chariot 木車 mokusha
  • Wind snapping turtle
風鼈 fūbetsu
White horse 白駒 hakku
  • Great horse
大駒 daiku
Howling dog (left and right) kiken
  • Left dog, *Right dog
左犬, 右犬 saken, uken
Side mover 横行 ōgyō
  • Free boar
奔猪 honcho
Prancing stag 踊鹿 yōroku Square-mover 方行 hōgyō
Water buffalo 水牛 suigyū 大獏 daibaku
Ferocious leopard 猛豹 mōhyō Bishop 角行 kakugyō
Fierce eagle 猛鷲 mōjū Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū
Flying dragon 飛龍 hiryū Dragon king 龍王 ryūō
Poisonous snake 毒蛇 dokuja Hook-mover 鉤行 kōgyō
Flying goose 鳫飛 ganhi Swallow's wings 燕羽 en'u
Strutting crow 烏行 ukō
  • Flying falcon
飛鷹 hiyō
Blind dog 盲犬 mōken Violent stag 猛鹿 mōroku
Water general 水将 suishō Vice general 副将 fukushō
Fire general 火将 kashō Great general 大将 taishō
鳳凰 hōō Golden bird 金翅 kinshi
麒麟 kirin Golden bird 金翅 kinshi
Hook-mover 鉤行 kōgyō
Little turtle 小亀 shōki
  • Treasure turtle
宝亀 hōki
Great turtle 大亀 daiki
  • Spirit turtle
霊亀 reiki
Capricorn 摩羯 makatsu Hook-mover 鉤行 kōgyō
Tile chariot 瓦車 gasha
  • Running tile
走瓦 sōga
Vertical wolf 竪狼 shurō Running wolf 走狼 sōrō
Side ox 横牛 ōgyū Flying ox 飛牛 higyū
Donkey 驢馬 roba Ceramic dove 鳩盤 kyūban
Flying horse 馬麟 barin Queen 奔王 honnō
Violent bear 猛熊 mōyū
  • Great bear
大熊 daiyū
Angry boar 嗔猪 shincho
  • Free boar
奔猪 honcho
Evil wolf 悪狼 akurō
  • Venomous wolf
毒狼 dokurō
Liberated horse 風馬 fūma
  • Heavenly horse
天馬 temma
Flying cock 鶏飛 keihi
  • Raiding falcon
延鷹 en'yō
Old monkey 古猿 koen 山母 sanbo
Chinese cock 淮鶏 waikei
  • Wizard stork
senkaku
北狄 hokuteki Wooden dove 鳩槃 kyūhan
南蛮 nanban Golden bird 金翅 kinshi
西戎 seijū 狛犬 komainu
東夷 tōi Lion 獅子 shishi
Violent stag 猛鹿 mōroku
  • Rushing boar
行猪 gyōcho
Violent wolf 猛狼 mōrō
  • Bear's eyes
熊眼 yūgan
Treacherous fox 隠狐 inko, onko
  • Mountain crane
山鶻 sankotsu
Center master 中師 chūshi
Roc-master 鵬師 hōshi
Earth chariot 土車 dosha
  • Young bird
shakuchō
朱雀 suzaku
  • Divine sparrow
神雀 shinjaku
青龍 seiryū
  • Divine dragon
神龍 shinryū
Enchanted badger 変狸 henri Ceramic dove 鳩盤 kyūban
Horseman 騎兵 kihei
  • Cavalier
騎士 kishi
Swooping owl 鴟行 shigyō Cloud eagle 雲鷲 unjū
Climbing monkey 登猿 tōen Violent stag 猛鹿 mōroku
Cat sword 猫刄 myōjin Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme
Swallow's wings 燕羽 en'u
  • Gliding swallow
燕行 engyō
Blind monkey 盲猿 mōen
  • Flying stag
飛鹿 hiroku
Blind tiger 盲虎 mōko
  • Flying stag
飛鹿 hiroku
Oxcart 牛車 gissha
  • Plodding ox
歬牛 sengyū
Side-flyer 横飛 ōhi Side dragon 横龍 ōryū
Blind bear 盲熊 mōyū
  • Flying stag
飛鹿 hiroku
Old rat 老鼠 rōso
  • Bird of paradise
or
jichō
Square-mover 方行 hōgyō
  • Strong chariot
強車 kyōsha
Coiled serpent 蟠蛇 banja
  • Coiled dragon
蟠龍 banryū
Reclining dragon 臥龍 garyū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū
Free eagle 奔鷲 honjū
Lion hawk 獅鷹 shiō
Chariot soldier 車兵 shahei
  • Heavenly tetrarch king
四天王 shitennō
Side soldier 横兵 ōhei Water buffalo 水牛 suigyū
Vertical soldier 竪兵 shuhei Chariot soldier 車兵 shahei
Wind general 風将 fūshō
  • Violent wind
暴風 bōfū
River general 川将 senshō
  • Chinese river
淮川 waisen
Mountain general 山将 sanshō
  • Peaceful mountain
泰山 taizan
Front standard 前旗 zenki Great standard 大旗 daiki
Horse soldier 馬兵 bahei Running horse 走馬 sōma, sōba
Wood general 木将 mokushō 白象 hakuzō
Ox soldier 牛兵 gyūhei
  • Running ox
走牛 sōgyū
Earth general 土将 doshō 白象 hakuzō
Boar soldier 猪兵 chohei
  • Running boar
走猪 sōcho
Stone general 石将 sekishō 白象 hakuzō
Leopard soldier 豹兵 hyōhei
  • Running leopard
走豹 sōhyō
Tile general 瓦将 gashō 白象 hakuzō
Bear soldier 熊兵 yūhei
  • Strong bear
強熊 kyōyū
Iron general 鉄将 tesshō 白象 hakuzō
Great standard 大旗 daiki
Great master 大師 daishi
Right chariot 右車 usha
  • Right iron chariot
右鉄車 utessha
Left chariot 左車 sasha
  • Left iron chariot
左鉄車 satessha
Side monkey 横猿 ōen Side soldier 横兵 ōhei
Vertical mover 竪行 shugyō Flying ox 飛牛 higyū
Flying ox 飛牛 higyū
  • Fire ox
火牛 kagyū
Longbow soldier 弩兵 dohei
  • Longbow general
弩将 doshō
Vertical pup 竪狗 shuku
  • Leopard king
豹王 hyōō
Vertical horse 竪馬 shuba Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme
Burning soldier 炮兵 hōhei
  • Burning general
炮将 hōshō
Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme Horned falcon 角鷹 kakuō
Dragon king 龍王 ryūō Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū
Sword soldier 刀兵 tōhei
  • Sword general
刀将 tōshō
Horned falcon 角鷹 kakuō
  • Great falcon
大鷹 daiō
Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū
  • Great eagle
大鷲 daijū
Spear soldier 鎗兵 sōhei
  • Spear general
鎗将 sōshō
Vertical leopard 竪豹 shuhyō
  • Great leopard
大豹 daihyō
Savage tiger 猛虎 mōko
  • Great tiger
大虎 daiko
Crossbow soldier 弓兵 kyūhei
  • Crossbow general
弓将 kyūshō
Roaring dog 吼犬 kōken 狛犬 komainu
狛犬 komainu
  • Great elephant
大象 taizō
Dog inu
  • Multi-general
雜将 suishō
Go between 仲人 chūnin Drunken elephant 酔象 suizō
Pawn 歩兵 fuhyō Gold general 金将 kinshō

(Sometimes the queen is called the "free king", a direct translation of its Japanese name. The kirin's name is sometimes anglicised as kylin.)

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 PP P P P P P P P PP P P P P P P P PP P P P P P P P P
LC MK VM OX LB VP VH BN DHDK SE HF EL SP VL TG SC LDDG SC TG VL SP EL HF SE DKDH BN VH VP LB OX VM MK RC
CH SL VR WN RE M SD HS GNOS EA BS SG LP T BE I GMGE I BE T LP SG BS EA OSGN HS SD M RE WN VR SL CH
EC BL EB HO OW CM CS SW BMBT OC SF BB OR SQ SN RD LIFE RD SN SQ OR BB SF OC BTBM SW CS CM OW HO EB VI EC
TC VW SX DO FH VB AB EW LHCK OM CC WS ES VS NT TF RMMT TF NT VS SU NB CC OM CKLH EW AB VB FH DO SX VW TC
WC WH HD SM PR WB FL EG FDPS FY ST BI WG F KR CA GTLL HM PH F WG BI ST FY PSFD EG FL WB PR SM HD WH WC
CI CE B R WF FC MF VT SOLS CL CR RH HE VO GD GO DVDS GO GD VO HE RH CR CL LSSO VT MF FC WF R B CE CI
SV VE N PI CG PG H O CNSA SR GL LN CT GS VD WL GGVG WL VD GS CT LN GL SR SACN O H PG CG PI N VE SV
GC SI RN RW BG RO LT LE BOWD FP RB OK PC WA FI C KMPM C FI WA PC OK RB FP WDBO RI TT RO BG RW RN SI GC
RV WE TD FS CO RA FO MS RPRU SS GR RT BA BD WR S NKDE S GU YA BA RT GR SS RURP MS FO RA CO FS TD FG RV
L TS RR W DM ML LO BC HRFR ED CD FT Q RS LG G KCP G RG RS Q FT WO ED FRHR BC LO MR 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 – 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
  • 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
  • MF – Mountain Falcon
  • MK – Side Monkey
  • ML – Left Mountain Eagle
  • MR – Right Mountain Eagle
  • 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
  • Q – Queen
  • 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
  • SC – Crossbow Soldier
  • SD – Front Standard
  • SE – Sword Soldier
  • SF – Side-Flyer
  • 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
  • TD – Turtle Dove
  • 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
  • WL – Woodland Demon
  • WN – Wind General
  • WO – Wooden Dove
  • WR – Wrestler
  • WS – Western Barbarian
  • WT – White Tiger
  • YA – Yaksha

    The Howling Dog pieces (HD) are placed on the left and right depending on their promotions; the Howling dog that promotes to a Left Dog on the left, and the Howling Dog that promotes to a Right Dog on the right.

    The queen could also be abbreviated FK (for free king) and the kirin as Ky (for kylin).

    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 prince, generals (except: bishop, rook, pig, vice, great and wood), wolves, earth dragon, running horse, running rabbit, turtle snake, turtle 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, turtle 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, 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, queen, 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 crossbow), 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:

    1. King, prince
    2. Great general
    3. Vice general
    4. Rook general, bishop general, violent dragon, flying crocodile

    Individual pieces

    Notation
    align=center style="background:#d0d0f0;" Steps a limited number of squares along a straight line.
    align=center width="20" style="background:#f0f0b0;" Jumps to this square, bypassing any intervening piece.
    align=center style="background:#d0f0d0;" ! Igui (capture without moving). Counts as two steps.
    align=center style="background:#d0f0d0;" May jump directly to this square, or reach it through a multiple-step move.
    align=center style="background:#f0d0d0;" Ranges along a straight line, crossing any number of empty squares
    align=center style="background:#f0d0d0;"
    align=center style="background:#f0d0d0;"
    align=center style="background:#f0d0d0;"
    align=center style="background:#f0d0d0;" May turn 90° at this square.
    align=center style="background:#f0d0d0;"
    Pawn (歩兵)

    fW

             
           
           
             
    Earth general (土将) and go between (仲人)
             
           
           
           
             
    Stone general (石将)

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

             
         
           
             
             
    Iron general (鉄将) and dog (犬)
             
       
           
             
    Swooping owl (鴟行), old rat (老鼠) and Strutting crow (烏行)
             
           
           
         
             
    Tile general (瓦将) and sword soldier (刀兵)
             
         
           
           
             
    Copper general (銅将), flying goose (鳫飛) and climbing monkey (登猿)
             
       
           
           
             
    Reclining dragon (臥龍)
             
           
       
           
             
    Coiled serpent (蟠蛇)
             
           
           
       
             
    Flying cock (鶏飛)
             
         
       
             
    Cat sword (猫刄)

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

             
         
           
         
             
    Evil wolf (悪狼)
             
       
       
             
    Silver general (銀将) and violent stag (猛鹿)
             
       
           
         
             
    Blind dog (盲犬) and Chinese cock (淮鶏)
             
         
       
           
             
    Old monkey (古猿)
             
         
           
       
             
    Gold general (金将) and violent wolf (猛狼)
             
       
       
           
             
    Ferocious leopard (猛豹)
             
       
           
       
             
    Blind monkey (盲猿) and blind bear (盲熊)
             
         
       
         
             
    Drunken elephant (醉象), neighboring king (近王) and Rushing boar (行猪)
             
       
       
         
             
    Deva (提婆)
             
         
       
       
             
    Dark spirit (無明)
             
         
       
       
             
    Blind tiger (盲虎)
             
         
       
       
             
    Prince (太子), left general (左将), right general (右将), bear's eyes (熊眼) and venomous wolf (毒狼)
             
       
       
       
             
    Wood general (木将)
                 
             
             
               
                 
    Donkey (驢馬) and enchanted badger (変狸)
                 
               
               
       
               
               
                 
    Flying horse (馬麟)
                 
             
             
               
             
             
                 
    Beast cadet (獣曹)
                 
           
           
       
             
             
                 
    King (玉将), fragrant elephant (香象) and white elephant (白象)
                 
           
           
       
           
           
                 
    Rushing bird (行鳥)
             
           
       
       
         
             
             
    Angry boar (嗔猪)
                 
             
           
           
                 
                 
                 
    Violent bear (猛熊)
                 
             
           
           
                 
                 
                 
                 
             
             
           
             
                 
                 
    Eastern barbarian (東夷) and western barbarian (西戎)
             
           
       
       
           
           
             
    Northern barbarian (北狄), southern barbarian (南蛮) and prancing stag (踊鹿)
                 
           
       
               
                 
    Poisonous snake (毒蛇)
                 
               
           
       
               
                 
    Old kite (古鵄)

    Kite here refers to the bird of prey.

                 
             
             
           
             
             
                 
    Fierce eagle (猛鷲)
                 
             
           
           
             
             
                 
    Guardian of the gods (金剛)
                     
                   
                   
                   
       
                   
                   
                   
                     
    Wrestler (力士)
                     
                 
                 
                 
                   
                 
                 
                 
                     
    Captive cadet (禽曹)

    When it promotes to a captive officer (see above), it demotes (moving only two squares orthogonally instead of three).

                     
               
               
               
       
                 
                 
                 
                     
    Horse general (馬将), ox general (牛将), wind general (風将) and river general (川将)
             
           
           
       
           
           
             
    Fire general (火将)
                 
               
           
           
               
               
               
               
                 
    Water general (水将) and mountain general (山将)
                     
                 
                 
               
                   
                   
                     
                     
                     
    Buddhist devil (羅刹)
                     
                 
                 
                 
               
                   
                     
                     
                     
    Yaksha (夜叉)
                     
                 
       
                   
                     
    Sword general (刀将)
                     
               
               
               
                   
                   
                     
                     
                     
    Captive officer (禽吏)
                     
                 
               
               
           
                 
                 
                 
                     
    Beast officer (獣吏)
                     
               
               
               
           
                 
                 
                 
                     
    Heavenly tetrarch (四天)
                         
                   
                   
                   
                   
       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                         
    Chicken general (鶏将) and pup general (狗将)
             
           
           
           
           
           
         
             
    Pig general (豚将)
                         
                     
                     
                     
                     
                       
                       
                       
                         
    Mountain stag (山鹿)
                     
                 
                 
               
           
                   
                   
                   
                   
                     
    Leopard king (豹王)
                             
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                             
    Turtle dove (山鳩)
                             
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                       
                           
                             
    Crossbow soldier (弓兵)
                     
                   
                   
               
               
               
       
                   
                     
    Burning soldier (炮兵)
                             
                           
                           
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
                           
                             
    Lance (香車), oxcart (牛車), and savage tiger (猛虎)
           
           
           
             
    Reverse chariot (反車)
           
           
           
           
           
    Side dragon (横龍)
           
           
             
             
    Mountain witch (山母)
             
           
       
       
    White horse (白駒), bird of paradise (⿰古寺·⿱時鳥) and multi-general (雜将)
       
       
           
           
           
    Rook (飛車), soldier (兵士), running chariot (走車), square-mover (方行) and gliding swallow (燕行)
           
           
           
           
    Free serpent (奔蛇), coiled dragon (蟠龍) and whale (鯨鯢)
           
           
           
       
       
    Bishop (角行)

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

         
         
           
         
         
    Free wolf (奔狼) and running leopard (走豹)
       
       
             
             
    Wizard stork (仙·⿱而鷦)
         
         
           
           
    Flying ox (飛牛), free bear (奔熊), free leopard (奔豹) and great whale (大鯨)
       
       
           
       
       
    Treacherous fox (隠狐)
               
               
               
               
                   
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
                   
               
               
               
               
    Cavalier (騎士) and strong chariot (強車)
       
       
           
           
    Free dragon (奔龍) and free tiger (奔虎)
         
         
       
       
    Queen (奔王), free stag (奔鹿) and strong eagle (勁鷲)
       
       
       
       
    Howling dog (left and right) (犬)
           
           
           
           
             
    Vertical horse (竪馬)
           
       
           
           
             
    Spear soldier (鎗兵)
           
           
       
           
             
    Vertical pup (竪狗)
           
           
           
       
             
    Raiding falcon (延鷹)
           
       
       
             
             
    Right iron chariot (右鉄車)
             
           
       
         
           
    Left iron chariot (左鉄車)
             
           
       
         
           
    Vertical leopard (竪豹)
           
       
       
           
             
    Right dog (右犬)
           
           
           
         
           
    Left dog (左犬)
           
           
           
         
           
    Ram's-head soldier (羊兵) and Flying swallow (飛燕)
         
         
           
           
             
    Wood chariot (木車)
           
         
           
         
           
    Tile chariot (瓦車)
           
         
           
         
           
    Running boar (走猪), Running pup (走狗), running serpent (走蛇), Earth chariot (土車) and Vertical-mover (竪行).
           
           
       
           
           
    Violent ox (猛牛)
         
       
           
           
             
    Side wolf (横狼)
             
           
           
             
    Side ox (横牛)
             
           
           
             
    Side-mover (横行)
             
           
           
             
    Side monkey (横猿)
             
         
           
             
    Divine sparrow (神雀)

    Note : this description is ambiguous and can be interpreted two ways.

           
         
       
         
           
           
         
       
       
         
    Plodding ox (歬牛)
           
       
           
       
           
    Swallow's wings (燕羽)
             
       
           
             
    Side-flyer (横飛)
             
         
         
             
    Flying stag (飛鹿) and copper elephant (銅象)
           
       
       
       
           
    Vermillion sparrow (朱雀)
           
       
       
       
           
    Turtle-snake (玄武)
           
       
       
       
           
    Side boar (横猪)
             
       
       
             
    Left chariot (左車)
         
         
         
           
           
    Right chariot (右車)
         
         
         
           
           
    Great tiger (大虎)
             
           
           
           
    Right tiger (右虎)
           
        
       
         
           
    Left tiger (左虎)
           
         
       
         
           
    Great bear (大熊)
       
       
       
           
             
    Running rabbit (走兎)
       
       
           
       
             
    Left army (左軍)
           
       
     
       
           
    Right army (右軍)
           
       
     
       
           
    Divine turtle (神亀)
           
       
       
       
         
    Running wolf (走狼)
         
       
             
    Flying falcon (飛鷹)
         
       
           
         
         
    Burning chariot (炮車)
       
       
       
           
           
    Dragon king (龍王)
           
       
       
           
    Dragon horse (龍馬)
         
       
       
       
         
    Free boar (奔猪)
       
       
           
             
    Wind dragon (風龍)
         
        
         
           
    Cloud dragon (雲龍)
         
       
       
       
       
    Rain dragon (雨龍)
             
       
       
       
    Fire ox (火牛) and violent wind (暴風)
       
       
       
       
       
    Chinese river (淮川)
         
       
       
         
    Vertical tiger (竪虎)
           
           
           
           
           
           
             
    Wind snapping turtle (風鼈)
               
           
           
               
               
               
               
    Running tile (走瓦), Running tiger (走虎) and running bear (走熊)
               
               
       
               
               
    Golden deer (金鹿)
             
             
             
              
             
             
                 
    Silver rabbit (銀兎)
                 
             
             
              
             
             
             
    Walking heron (歩䳲)
               
           
           
       
               
               
               
    Young bird (鳥)
               
               
               
       
           
           
               
    Right dragon (右龍)
               
               
     
               
               
    Left dragon (左龍)
               
               
     
               
               
    Blue dragon (青龍)
             
             
       
               
               
    White tiger (白虎)
               
             
             
               
               
                 
    Divine tiger (神虎)
           
         
         
           
           
             
    Divine dragon (神龍)
             
             
     
               
               
    Running stag (奔鹿)
             
         
         
           
           
             
    Rear standard (後旗)
               
           
           
           
           
               
    Ceramic dove (鳩盤) and Elephant king (象王)
             
           
           
       
           
           
             
    Woodland demon (林鬼), Free chicken (奔鶏), Horseman (騎兵) and Great horse (大駒)
           
           
           
       
               
               
               
    Free dog (奔犬)
           
           
           
       
           
           
               
    Running ox (走牛)
           
           
           
             
             
                 
    Chariot soldier (車兵)
           
           
       
           
           
    Fire demon (火鬼) and Water buffalo (水牛)

    The fire demon cannot burn other pieces as in tenjiku shogi.

             
           
           
           
           
             
    Strong bear (強熊)
           
       
       
       
       
             
    Liberated horse (風馬)
           
           
       
           
           
           
             
    Vertical bear (竪熊) and Vertical soldier (竪兵)
               
               
       
               
                 
    Tiger soldier (虎兵)
             
       
       
           
           
             
    Earth dragon (地龍)

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

                 
             
           
               
             
             
             
                 
               
           
               
           
             
             
    Silver chariot (銀車)
               
           
           
               
           
               
               
    Stone chariot (石車)
               
           
       
               
               
    Side soldier (横兵)
             
           
           
           
             
    Gold chariot (金車)
               
           
       
           
               
    Boar soldier (猪兵), leopard soldier (豹兵) and bear soldier (熊兵)
           
           
       
               
                 
    Free pup (奔狗), free ox (奔牛), free horse (奔馬) and free pig (奔豚)
           
           
       
           
               
    Little standard (小旗)
               
           
           
           
               
               
    Copper chariot (銅車)
                   
               
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
    Forest demon (森鬼)
                 
               
               
               
       
                   
                   
                   
                   
    Great dragon (大龍)
             
           
       
       
           
       
       
           
             
    Center standard (中旗) and front standard (前旗)
                   
               
               
               
               
               
               
                   
    Great dove (大鳩)
                 
               
               
               
       
               
               
               
                 
    Great standard (大旗)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
                   
    Vertical wolf (竪狼)
           
           
           
           
       
           
           
           
             
    Side serpent (横蛇)
             
           
           
           
           
             
             
             
    Cloud eagle (雲鷲)
                   
               
               
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
    Goose wing (鴻翼)
                   
               
       
               
                   
    Horse soldier (馬兵) and ox soldier (牛兵)
               
               
       
                   
                     
    Spear general (鎗将)
                   
                   
                   
       
                   
                   
                     
    Burning general (炮将)
               
               
               
       
                   
                   
                     
    Beast bird (獣鳥) and captive bird (禽鳥)
               
               
               
       
               
               
                 
    Crossbow soldier (弩兵) and Great leopard (大豹)
                   
               
               
               
           
                   
                     
                     
                     
    Thunder runner (雷走)
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                         
    Fire dragon (火龍)
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                       
                       
                       
    Water dragon (水龍)
                       
                       
                       
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                       
    Longbow general (弩将)
                       
                       
       
                           
                           
    Right phoenix (右鵰)
                         
                         
       
                         
                         
    Peaceful mountain (泰山)
                         
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
       
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
    Free demon (奔鬼)

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

             
             
             
             
         
         
       
       
       
           
           
           
             
             
           
           
           
       
       
       
       
           
           
           
             
    Free dream-eater (奔獏)
                       
                       
       
                       
                       
    Free fire (奔火)
             
           
           
           
       
       
       
       
           
           
           
             
    Running dragon (走龍)
           
           
           
           
       
       
       
       
           
           
           
             
    Great shark (大鱗)
                           
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                           
                           
                           
                           
    Crossbow general (弓将)
                           
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
               
                           
                           
                             
    Playful cockatoo (遊䳇)
                           
                       
                       
                       
       
                       
                       
                           
                           
    Knight (桂馬)
             
         
             
           
             
    Flying dragon (飛龍)
                 
             
                 
               
                 
             
                 
    Kirin (麒麟)
                 
             
           
             
                 
    Phoenix (鳳凰)
                 
             
               
           
               
             
                 
    Flying cat (飛猫)
                     
               
                     
                     
               
               
                     
    Running horse (走馬)
           
           
           
               
               
             
                 
    Mountain falcon (山鷹)

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

           
           
           
           
           
               
           
           
           
               
           
           
               
    Little turtle (小亀)
           
           
           
       
           
           
           
    Great stag (大鹿)
               
           
               
           
           
               
    Left mountain eagle (左山鷲)
           
           
           
           
           
             
    Right mountain eagle (右山鷲)
           
           
           
           
           
             
    Kirin-master (麟師) and Great turtle (大亀)
               
               
               
               
       
               
               
               
               
    Phoenix-master (鳳師)
               
               
               
               
       
               
               
               
               
    Great master (大師)
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                       
                           
    Horned falcon (角鷹)
           
           
           
           
           
           
    Soaring eagle (飛鷲)
           
           
           
           
           
           
    Roaring dog (吼犬)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
                   
    Lion-dog (狛犬)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
    Great dream-eater (大獏)
               
               
               
               
    Heavenly horse (天馬)
           
       
           
           
             
         
             
    Spirit turtle (霊亀)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
    Treasure turtle (宝亀)
           
           
           
           
           
           
    Wooden dove (鳩槃)
                         
                         
                         
                         
                       
                       
                   
                       
                       
                         
                         
                         
                         
    Center master (中師)
               
               
               
                 
       
               
               
               
                   
    Roc-master (鵬師)
                       
                       
                       
                       
                           
                           
       
                       
                       
                   
                       
                       
                        
    Free eagle (奔鷲)
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
    Free bird (奔翅)
               
               
               
          3 3      
               
               
               
                   
    Great falcon (大鷹)
           
       
       
       
       
           
    Teaching king (教王)
               
               
                     
                     
           
                     
                     
               
               
    Mountain crane (山鶻)
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
    Great eagle (大鷲)
           
           
           
           
           
           
    Great elephant (大象)
                   
               
               
          1      
    1 1
          3 1 3      
               
               
               
    Golden bird (金翅)
               
               
               
          3 3      
       
               
               
               
                   
    Ancient dragon (元龍)
       
       
           
       
       
    Rain demon (霖鬼)
                 
           
           
           
       
               
               
               
               
    Rook general (飛将)
           
           
           
           
    Bishop general (角将)
         
         
           
         
         
    Great general (大将)
       
       
       
       
    Violent dragon (猛龍)
             
           
           
       
           
           
             
    Flying crocodile (飛鰐)
                   
               
               
               
               
               
                   
                   
    Vice general (副将)
             
           
             
           
             
           
             
    Hook-mover (鉤行)
       
       
       
       
    Long-nosed goblin (tengu) (天狗)

    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.

         
         
           
         
         
    Capricorn (摩羯)

    The description of the Tengu implies the capricorn also can move one square orthogonally. If it isn't the case, it can only reach half of the squares on the board.

         
         
           
         
         
         
       
       
       
         
    Peacock (孔雀)
         
             
         
           
         
             
                 
    Heavenly tetrarch king (四天王)
           
           
           
           
           
           
    Lion (獅子)

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

                 
       
       
       
       
       
                 
                 
       
       
       
       
       
                 
    Furious fiend (奮迅)
                     
                     
           
           
           
           
           
                     
                     
                     
                     
           
           
           
           
           
                     
                     
    width=20p                  
               
               
               
       
               
               
               
                     
    Buddhist spirit (法性)
                 
       
       
       
       
       
                 
                 
       
       
       
       
       
                 
           
           
           
           
           
           
    Lion hawk (獅鷹)
                 
       
       
       
       
       
                 
                 
       
       
       
       
       
                 
             
             
             
               
             
             
             

    See also

    References

    External links

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Osaka University of Commerce: Amusement Industry Labo . 過去の展示情報 (Past exhibition information) . 18 January 2013.
    2. Depending on the source, this might instead be 古鵰 (old phoenix) or 石鵰 (stone phoenix)