Judkins shogi (1998) – Board Game Guys

Judkins Shogi

Judkins shogi is a modern variant of shogi (Japanese chess) that was invented by Paul Judkins of Norwich, UK, prior to April 1998. It is played on a 6×6 board with a total of 36 squares, and each player has a set of 7 wedge-shaped pieces. The game is popular and significant because it is a modern adaptation of the traditional Japanese chess game, shogi, which has a rich history dating back to the 6th century.

Game Components of Judkins shogi

Board: A 6×6 grid with undifferentiated squares.

Pieces: Each player has 7 pieces:
– 1 King
– 1 Rook
– 1 Bishop
– 1 Gold General
– 1 Silver General
– 1 Knight
– 1 Pawn

Piece Design: Flat, wedge-shaped pieces with different sizes and names in kanji on their faces. The reverse side of some pieces indicates promotion.

How To Setup Judkins shogi

The game starts with each player having their pieces arranged on the first two rows of their side of the board. The specific setup includes:

King on the center square of the first row

Rook and Bishop on the corners of the first row

Gold General, Silver General, Knight, and Pawn on the second row

All other pieces are held in hand at the start of the game.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Turns: Players alternate turns, with Black moving first.

Moves: A player can move a piece on the board, capture an opposing piece, or drop a captured piece onto an empty square.

Objective: The game is won by capturing the opponent’s King. If a player makes an illegal move, they lose immediately.

Endgame Conditions:

Checkmate: When a player’s King is under attack and cannot escape capture.

Impasse: If both kings have advanced into their respective promotion zones and neither player can mate the other or gain further material, the game ends with a piece count. Each Rook or Bishop scores 5 points, and other pieces (except Kings) score 1 point. A player with less than 12 points loses.

Player Experience

Judkins shogi offers a compact and strategic experience, blending the complexity of shogi with the simplicity of a smaller board. Players must balance piece development, capturing, and dropping pieces strategically to outmaneuver their opponent.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Despite the smaller board, the game retains deep strategic elements.

Portable: The 6×6 board makes it easy to carry and play anywhere.

Unique Pieces: The wedge-shaped pieces and promotion system add a unique twist to traditional chess-like games.

Cons

Limited Piece Movement: Some players might find the limited number of pieces and their movements restrictive compared to larger shogi variants.

Steep Learning Curve: Understanding the promotion and drop rules can take some time for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Judkins shogi

Judkins shogi is perfect for those who enjoy strategic board games but prefer a more compact and accessible version. It is ideal for fans of chess and shogi looking to try something new and challenging, yet easy to learn and play in a shorter amount of time. This game is particularly suited for casual players who want to delve into the world of shogi without committing to the larger and more complex traditional versions.

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