Lion King Shogi Strategy and Tips

Here is how to think about winning at Lion King Shogi, split into short lessons. Each one reads on its own, and each one comes with a real position: press Try it on the board and you play the move yourself.

Igui takes defended pieces

Lesson 1

In ordinary shogi a king cannot take a defended piece: it would be captured where it lands. The lion king, after a one-square step, has a second step in the same turn, so it can take and step straight back home. This is called igui.

Here the gold on 6c guards the pawn on 6d. Take the pawn with the lion king, then use the second step to return to 5e. The gold does not cover 5e, so it cannot reach the lion king back home.

Because of igui, any enemy piece next to the lion king is as good as lost, guarded or not. The lion side collects pieces this way and attacks with drops; the challenger's first rule is never to leave pieces beside the lion king.

Leap two squares

Lesson 2

The lion king covers all 24 squares within two. It reaches the outer ring by leaping, whatever stands in between; unlike a lance or rook, it cannot be blocked.

Here an enemy silver stands on 5c, beyond your own pawn on 5d. Leap from 5e to 5c and the lion king jumps over the pawn and takes the silver. Check first that nothing of theirs covers 5c.

A leap ends your turn — there is no second step. Landing on a square the enemy attacks would leave your king open to capture, so that leap is illegal. Before you jump, look at the enemy pieces round the landing square.

Two captures in one turn

Lesson 3

The lion king's second step is not only for going home. After taking an adjacent piece with the first step, it can take another piece next to its new square.

Here enemy pawns stand on 6d and 7c. Take the pawn on 6d first, then use the second step to take the pawn on 7c as well. Nothing covers 7c, so both captures are safe.

Ending a double capture inside the enemy's reach can get you mated next turn. Choose the second square for safety first and material second. If no square is safe, tap the lion king to stop after one step, or step back home.

Mate with a leap

Lesson 4

An ordinary check can sometimes be blocked by putting a piece in the way. The lion king's check from two squares is a leap, so nothing placed in between stops it; the defender can only move the king or capture the lion king.

Here the enemy king on 5a is boxed in by its own golds either side and pawns in front. Leap the lion king from 5e to 5c: it checks the king on 5a and also covers the only free square, 5b — checkmate, and nothing can capture the lion king.

The more a challenger's king is packed in by its own pieces, the more it suffers from leaping checks. As the lion side, look for kings with few free squares and check them from two squares away.

Try it on the board

Pick a lesson and the board starts from that position. Start over as often as you like.

Now put it to work

Last updated 2026-09-25 · Run by Qdan, Inc.