Tori Shogi
You lead bird pieces on a 7×7 board. Swallows are limited to two per file, and you capture and drop pieces to checkmate the enemy phoenix.
Tori Shogi in 30 seconds
- GoalCheckmate the enemy phoenix.
- TurnMove one piece or drop one captured piece.
- PromotionFalcons and swallows promote on moves into, within or out of the last two ranks.
- SwallowsMax two per file. No last-rank drop or drop checkmate.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players |
| Play time | About 15 min |
| Type | Board |
| Ranked play | No |
| Practice against the CPU | Yes |
| Price | Free (no account needed) |
| Rights holder | A public-domain classic game |
| Last updated | 2026-10-07 |
How to play Tori Shogi online with friends
- Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
- Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
- Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 2 players have joined, the host taps "Start".
Rule highlights
Setup, play, winning, and house rules
Setup
- Each side starts with 16 pieces on a 7×7 board: phoenix, falcon, two cranes, two pheasants, left and right quails, eight swallows.
- Black moves first; take turns playing one move.
How to play
- Move a piece to capture an enemy piece. Captured pieces enter your hand and can be dropped on empty squares.
- Falcons promote to eagles and swallows to geese when moving into, within or out of the last two ranks. A drop does not promote. Other pieces never promote.
- Max two unpromoted swallows per file; geese do not count. Swallows cannot be dropped on the last rank or to checkmate. A swallow already on the board may move to checkmate.
- Keep your phoenix safe. Pheasants jump two forward; geese jump two diagonally forward or directly backward. Eagles range up to two diagonally backward only through an empty intervening square.
Winning
- Checkmate means the phoenix is in check and cannot escape, capture the attacker or be shielded. A side with no legal move also loses.
- Repetition includes the board, hands and side to move. The player who started the sequence must vary the third traversal. Alternatively, choose a draw after four occurrences.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show legal squares | Mark the squares a selected piece can reach. | On | Yes |
| Swap who starts | Swap who plays Black after each game. | On | Yes |
| Move limit | Draw the game once this many moves have been played. For tables that want to cut a long game short. | None | Yes |
| RepetitionRepetitionRepetition means the same board, pieces in hand and side to move. The player who started the sequence varies the third traversal. A move remains available if no alternative exists. With four-occurrence draws, perpetual check loses. | How a repeated position is handled. | Vary the third traversal | Changeable |
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FAQ
What kind of game is this?
You lead bird pieces on a 7×7 board. Swallows are limited to two per file, and you capture and drop pieces to checkmate the enemy phoenix.
How many players?
Two players. You can also practise against the CPU.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes. You can set a move limit.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. No app is needed — just open it in a browser. You can join the same party as people on a PC or tablet.
Can two people play?
Yes. This game supports 2 or more players.
Rights holder and physical edition
This is a public-domain classic game. The rules follow the standard reference rules.
Related games
Same type (Board)
Same player count
Last updated 2026-10-07 · Run by Qdan, Inc.