Onitama

An elegant chess-like game on a 5×5 board with card-driven movement. Every game is different because the available moves change each turn.

Rules

Setup

Each player has 5 pieces: 1 master and 4 students. Masters start in the center of their home row. Five of the 16 movement cards are drawn at random: 2 per player, 1 neutral (set aside).

While a match waits for its players no cards are dealt, so nobody sees them before the game begins. They’re dealt the moment the match starts, and Red moves first.

Turns

On your turn:

1. Choose one of your 2 movement cards
2. Move one of your pieces using that card’s movement pattern
3. Place your used card in the neutral position; take the old neutral card into your hand

Movement Cards

Each card shows a pattern of possible moves relative to the piece. Cards are mirrored for each player — “forward” is always toward your opponent.

Capturing

Move onto a space occupied by an opponent’s piece to capture it. You cannot land on your own pieces.

Winning

Two ways to win:

• Way of the Stone: Capture your opponent’s master
• Way of the Stream: Move your master to your opponent’s shrine (the center of their home row)