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Dobutsu Shogi

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description Dobutsu Shogi Overview

Dobutsu Shogi, also marketed as "Let's Catch the Lion," is a simplified variant of the traditional Japanese board game shogi, released in 2009. Created by professional shogi player Madoka Kitao, the game is played on a 3x4 grid and uses wooden animal figures such as lions, giraffes, elephants, and chicks. Despite its visual appeal to children, the game successfully preserves core shogi mechanics, including the ability to drop captured pieces back onto the board. It serves as an effective educational tool for teaching spatial strategy to young beginners.

help Dobutsu Shogi FAQ

How do you play Dobutsu Shogi (Let's Catch the Lion)?

Dobutsu Shogi is a simplified version of Japanese chess played on a small 3x4 board using wooden animal figures. The objective is to catch the opponent's lion, similar to capturing the king in traditional chess, while moving pieces like giraffes and elephants based on their specific rules.

What are the rules for dropping captured pieces in Dobutsu Shogi?

Like in traditional shogi, when you capture an opponent's piece, you hold it in your hand and can 'drop' it back onto the board as your own piece on a future turn. However, you cannot drop a piece onto a square if it would have no legal moves, nor can you drop a chick onto the last row where it would be unable to move.

Can you win instantly in Dobutsu Shogi?

Yes, you can win instantly by moving your lion onto the opponent's baseline (the first row), provided it is completely safe from capture on the opponent's next turn. Alternatively, you win the game by directly capturing the opponent's lion.

What ages is Dobutsu Shogi suitable for?

The game was specifically created by professional shogi player Madoka Kitao to teach young children the basic concepts of shogi, making it suitable for kids ages 4 and up. Despite being an educational tool, its deep tactical choices make it highly enjoyable for adult strategy gamers as well.

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