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 movement cards are drawn: 2 per player, 1 neutral (set aside).

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)