Sannin shogi

ByMichail

Sannin shogi

Sannin shogi is a three-person shogi variant invented by Tanigasaki Jisuke around 1930. The game is played on a hexagonal board with 127 cells. The board is thought to have originally been in the shape of an equilateral triangle bordered by three rectangles which contained the players’ home territories and promotion zones. However, in terms of movement, this was equivalent to a hexagon, and the modern form of sannin shogi is played on a hexagonal board, rather like the central portion of a Chinese checkers board.

Why is Sannin shogi Popular?

Sannin shogi is a unique and challenging game that involves three players attempting to gridlock their opponents into a state of checkmate. The game is significant because it is a variant of shogi, which is a popular family of chess variants native to Japan. Sannin shogi is also unique because it has two of the three players form an alliance against the third.

Game Components of Sannin shogi

  • Board:** Hexagonal with 127 cells
  • Pieces:** 18 pieces per player, including various types from traditional shogi
  • Players:** 3 players
  • Designer:** Tanigasaki Jisuke

    How To Setup Sannin shogi

    The setup for Sannin shogi involves placing the pieces on the hexagonal board in a specific configuration. Each player starts with 18 pieces, which are arranged to reflect the triangular nature of the game. The exact setup can be found in detailed rules, but essentially, each player has their own corner of the board with pieces arranged to facilitate triangular gameplay.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Objective:** Capture the other players’ kings.
  • Turns:** Players take turns moving one piece at a time.
  • Piece Movement:** Pieces move similarly to those in traditional shogi, with some adjustments due to the hexagonal board.
  • Alliances:** Temporary alliances can form between two players to take down the third, adding a dynamic layer of strategy.
  • Winning Condition:** The game ends when one player’s king is captured.

    Player Experience

    Sannin shogi offers a rich and complex gameplay experience, particularly due to its three-player dynamic. Players must balance individual strategy with the potential for short-term alliances, making each game both challenging and unpredictable. The hexagonal board adds an additional layer of complexity, as pieces move differently compared to the traditional square board of shogi.

    Pros

  • Unique Board Design:** The hexagonal board provides a fresh and challenging environment.
  • Strategic Depth:** The possibility of temporary alliances adds depth to the gameplay.
  • Dynamic Games:** Each match can unfold differently due to the three-player setup.
  • Historical Significance:** Designed in the early 20th century, it offers a glimpse into the evolution of shogi variants.

    Cons

  • Steep Learning Curve:** Understanding the unique piece movements and alliance dynamics can be challenging.
  • Complex Setup:** The hexagonal board and piece placement can be confusing for new players.
  • Limited Resources:** Compared to other shogi variants, resources and community support for Sannin shogi might be limited.

    Personal Thoughts on Sannin shogi

    Sannin shogi is for players who enjoy complex strategy and are intrigued by the unique dynamics of a three-player game. It is ideal for those familiar with shogi or other strategy board games, as it builds upon existing knowledge while introducing new challenges. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to its complexity and the need for a specific setup and rules understanding.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl