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Taikyoku shogi

is the largest known variant of shogi (Japanese chess). The game was created around the mid-16th or 17th centuries (presumably by priests) and is based on earlier large board shogi games. Before the rediscovery of taikyoku shogi in 1997, tai shogi was believed to be the largest physically playable chess variant ever. It has not been shown that taikyoku shogi was ever widely played. There are only two sets of restored taikyoku shogi pieces, one of which is held at Osaka University of Commerce. The only played game in recent history was played in 2004 for the Japanese television show Fountain of Trivia, which took 32 hours and 41 minutes, spanning over three days, and a total of 3,805 moves.

Because the game was found only recently after centuries of obscurity, it is difficult to say exactly what all the rules were. Several documents describing the game have been found; however, there are differences between them. It is not clear how accurate the rules given by modern sources for the game are, because many of the pieces appear in other shogi variants with a consistent move there, but are given different moves in taikyoku shogi. The board, and likewise the pieces, were made much smaller than usual for the other variants, making archaeological finds difficult to decipher. Research into this game continues.

Taikyoku shogi is very different from other large-board shogi variants: tenjiku shogi, dai dai shogi, maka dai dai shogi, and tai shogi. The most notable differences lie with the piece movements and their promotions.

Objective

The objective of the game is to capture the opponent's king(s) and crown prince(s). When the last of these is captured, the game ends. There are no rules for check or checkmate; however, in practice a player resigns when checkmated. Unlike standard shogi, pieces may not be dropped back into play after being captured.

Game equipment

Two players, Black and White (or 先手 sente and 後手 gote), play on a board ruled into a grid of 36 ranks (rows) by 36 files (columns) with a total of 1,296 squares. Each "square" is a 17mm by 15mm rectangle, making the playing size tantamount to 65 cm by 55 cm. The squares are differentiated by marking or color.

Each player has a set of 402 wedge-shaped pieces of 207 types. The players must remember 253 sets of moves. The pieces are of slightly different sizes with the larger pieces near the king and becoming progressively smaller for pieces further from the king, regardless of power. In general, the stronger pieces are nearer to the king.

Each piece has its name in the form of two or three kanji written on its face. On the reverse side of some pieces are two or three other characters, often in a different color (commonly red instead of black); this reverse side is used to indicate that the piece has been promoted during play. The pieces of the two sides do not differ in color, but instead each piece is shaped like a wedge, and faces forward, toward the opposing side. This shows who controls the piece during play.

Listed below are the pieces of the game and, if they promote, which pieces they promote to. Promotions prefaced with a star are not also represented as their own pieces, existing only as promotions.

In smaller variants of shogi, some pieces that move identically or similarly to chess pieces are given the name of the chess piece. However, in taikyoku shogi, this breaks down since there are other pieces with the same movements as in chess. Hence, and for the purpose of consistency, names of the pieces have simply been translated from Japanese. A list can be seen here:

Note also that even though 歩兵 translates directly to "foot soldier", it is named "pawn", the same as in chess, since "pawn" comes from the Medieval Latin term for "foot soldier".

Setup

Below is a diagram showing the setup of one player's pieces. The way one player sees their own pieces is the same way the opposing player will see their pieces.

Legend
AB – Angry boar
B – Angle mover
BA – Running bear
BB – Blind bear
BC – Beast cadet
BD – Buddhist devil
BE – Bear soldier
BG – Angle general
BI – Blind dog
BL – Blue dragon
BM – Blind monkey
BN – Cannon soldier
BO – Beast officer
BS – Boar soldier
BT – Blind tiger
C – Copper general
CA – Capricorn
CC – Huai chicken
CD – Ceramic dove
CE – Cloud eagle
CG – Chicken general
CH – Chariot soldier
CI – Stone chariot
CK – Flying chicken
CL – Cloud dragon
CM – Climbing monkey
CN – Center standard
CO – Fowl officer
CP – Crown prince
CR – Copper chariot
CS – Cat sword
CT – Fowl cadet
D – Dog
DE – Drunken elephant
DG – Roaring dog
DH – Dragon horse
DK – Dragon king
DM – Fire demon
DO – Donkey
DS – Dark spirit
DV – Deva
EA – Earth general
EB – Enchanted badger
EC – Earth chariot
ED – Earth dragon
EG – Fierce eagle
EL – Flying eagle
ES – Eastern barbarian
EW – Evil wolf
F – Fire general
FC – Flying cat
FD – Flying dragon
FE – Free eagle
FG – Fragrant elephant
FH – Flying horse
FI – Fire dragon
FL – Fierce leopard
FO – Forest demon
FP – Free pup
FR – Free demon
FS – Flying swallow
FT – Free dream-eater
FY – Flying goose
G – Gold general
GB – Go-between
GC – Gold chariot
GD – Great dragon
GE – Great standard
GG – Great general
GL – Gold stag
GM – Great master
GN – Wood general
GO – Gold bird
GR – Great dove
GS – Great stag
GT – Great turtle
GU – Guardian of the gods
H – Horse general
DL – Howling dog (left)
DR – Howling dog (right)
HE – Ram's-head soldier
HF – Horned hawk
HM – Hook mover
HO – Horseman
HR – Running horse
HS – Horse soldier
I – Iron general
K – King
KM – Kirin master
KR – Kirin
L – Incense chariot
LB – Longbow soldier
LC – Left chariot
LD – Lion dog
LE – Left dragon
LG – Left general
LI – Lion hawk
LL – Little turtle
LN – Lion
LO – Tengu
LP – Leopard soldier
LS – Little standard
LT – Left tiger
M – Mountain general
MF – Mountain hawk
MK – Side monkey
ML – Left mountain eagle
MR – Right mountain eagle
MS – Mountain stag
MT – Center master
N – Cassia horse
NB – Northern barbarian
NK – Neighboring king
NT – Fierce wolf
O – Ox general
OC – Ox chariot
OK – Old kite
OM – Old monkey
OR – Old rat
OS – Ox soldier
OW – Swooping owl
OX – Flying ox
P – Pawn
PC – Peacock
PE – Peng master
PG – Pup general
PH – Phoenix
PI – Pig general
PM – Phoenix master
PR – Prancing stag
PS – Poisonous serpent
Q – Free king
R – Flying chariot
RA – Rain dragon
RB – Rushing bird
RC – Right chariot
RD – Reclining dragon
RE – River general
RG – Right general
RH – Running chariot
RI – Right dragon
RN – Running stag
RO – Flying general
RP – Running pup
RR – Running rabbit
RS – Rear standard
RT – Running tiger
RU – Running serpent
RV – Reverse chariot
RW – Running wolf
S – Silver general
SA – Side boar
SC – Crossbow soldier
SD – Front standard
SE – Sword soldier
SF – Side flyer
SG – Stone general
SI – Side dragon
SL – Side soldier
SM – Side mover
SN – Coiled serpent
SO – Soldier
SP – Spear soldier
SQ – Square mover
SR – Silver rabbit
SS – Side serpent
ST – Strutting crow
SU – Southern barbarian
SV – Silver chariot
SW – Swallow's wings
SX – Side ox
T – Tile general
TC – Tile chariot
TD – Turtle dove
TF – Treacherous fox
TG – Fierce tiger
TS – Turtle-snake
TT – Right tiger
VB – Fierce bear
VD – Fierce dragon
VE – Vertical bear
VG – Vice general
VH – Vertical horse
VI – Vermillion sparrow
VL – Vertical leopard
VM – Vertical mover
VO – Fierce ox
VP – Vertical pup
VR – Vertical soldier
VS – Fierce stag
VT – Vertical tiger
VW – Vertical wolf
W – Whale
WA – Water dragon
WB – Water ox
WC – Wood chariot
WD – Wind dragon
WE – White elephant
WF – Side wolf
WG – Water general
WH – White foal
WI – Wind horse
WL – Woodland demon
WN – Wind general
WO – Wooden dove
WR – Sumo wrestler
WS – Western barbarian
WT – White tiger
YA – Nature spirit

Game play

The players alternate making a move, with Black moving first. (The traditional terms 'black' and 'white' are used to differentiate the sides during discussion of the game, but are no longer literally descriptive.) A move consists of moving a single piece on the board and potentially promoting that piece or displacing (capturing) an opposing piece.

Movement and capture

Most pieces in the game move in a unique manner. An opposing piece is captured by displacement: That is, if a piece moves to a square occupied by an opposing piece, the opposing piece is displaced and removed from the board. A piece cannot move to a square occupied by a friendly piece (meaning another piece controlled by the moving player).

Each piece on the game moves in a characteristic pattern. Pieces move either orthogonally (that is, forward, backward, left, or right, in the direction of one of the arms of a plus sign, +), or diagonally (in the direction of one of the arms of a multiplication sign, ×). The lion, lion hawk and cassia horse are exceptions at the beginning of the game, in that they do not move, or are not required to move, in a straight line. (The Buddhist spirit, king of teachings, heavenly horse and furious fiend are similar, but they only appear as pieces promote.)

Promotion

Complete rules have not been found, and different sources vary on how promotion is handled. Either a piece that can promote promotes when it makes its first capture, or a player must promote the piece when it enters one of the 11 ranks at the opposite side of the board.

Categories of movement

Many pieces are capable of several kinds of movement, with the type of movement most often depending on the direction in which they move. The movement categories are:

Step movers

Some pieces move only one square at a time. (If a friendly piece occupies an adjacent square, the moving piece may not move in that direction; if an opposing piece is there, it may be displaced and captured.)

The step movers are the crown prince, generals (except: angle mover, flying chariot, pig, vice, great and wood), wolves, earth dragon, running horse, running rabbit, turtle-snake, turtle dove, flying swallow, rain dragon, mountain stag, running pup, running serpent, side serpent, nature spirit, Buddhist devil, fierce stag, drunken elephant, neighboring king, chariots (except: reverse, running and copper), right tiger, left tiger, wind dragon, free pup, rushing bird, old kite, bears (except running), side boar, cloud eagle, flying cat, little standard, cloud dragon, soldiers (except soldier and chariot), fierce ox, dark spirit, deva, howling dog, side mover, prancing stag, fierce leopard, fierce eagle, poisonous serpent, flying goose, strutting crow, blind dog, Huai chicken, phoenix, kirin, side ox, angry boar, wind horse, flying chicken, monkeys, barbarians, vermillion sparrow, swooping owl, old rat, cat sword, swallow's wings, blind tiger, side flyer, coiled serpent, reclining dragon, go-between, dog, vertical mover, vertical pup, vertical horse, dragon horse, dragon king and pawn.

Limited ranging pieces

Some pieces can move along a limited number (2 to 7) of free (empty) squares along a straight line in certain directions. Other than the limited distance, they move like ranging pieces (see below).

The limited ranging pieces are the king, standards, free dream-eater, wooden dove, dragons (except: rain, side, wind, cloud, flying and reclining), demons, beast cadet, mountain eagle, white tiger, ceramic dove, turtle dove, fowl officer, mountain stag, side serpent, great dove, running tiger, running bear, nature spirit, Buddhist devil, guardian of the Gods, sumo wrestler, gold chariot, running stag, beast officer, free pup, rushing bird, old kite, peacock, phoenix master, kirin master, silver chariot, vertical bear, pig general, chicken general, horse general, ox general, silver rabbit, gold stag, fowl cadet, great stag, stone chariot, cloud eagle, mountain hawk, vertical tiger, copper chariot, gold bird, prancing stag, water ox, fierce eagle, water general, mountain general, fire general, turtles, vertical wolf, donkey, enchanted badger, flying horse, angry boar, fierce bear, wind horse, barbarians, center master, peng master, horseman, soldiers (except: flying chariot, ram's-head, spear and sword), wing general, wind general, wood general, great master and roaring dog.

Jumping pieces

Several pieces can jump, that is, they can pass over any intervening piece, whether friend or foe, with no effect on either.

The jumping pieces are the wooden dove, running horse, mountain eagle, phoenix master, kirin master, cassia horse, lion, great stag, vice general, flying cat, mountain hawk, gold bird, flying dragon, phoenix, kirin, turtles, treacherous fox, center master, peng master, free eagle, lion hawk, great master, horned hawk, flying eagle, roaring dog and lion dog.

Ranging pieces

Many pieces can move any number of empty squares along a straight line, limited only by the edge of the board. If an opposing piece intervenes, it may be captured by moving to that square and removing it from the board. A ranging piece must stop where it captures, and cannot bypass a piece that is in its way. If a friendly piece intervenes, the moving piece is limited to a distance that stops short of the intervening piece; if the friendly piece is adjacent, it cannot move in that direction at all.

The ranging pieces are the standards, free king, free dream-eater, wooden dove, dragons (except: fierce, flying and reclining), demons, running horse, mountain eagle, whale, running rabbit, tigers (except blind), turtle-snake, ceramic dove, incense chariot, ox chariot, chariots, flying swallow, running pup, running serpent, great dove, running bear, running stag, running wolf, free pup, phoenix master, kirin master, vertical bear, side boar, silver rabbit, gold stag, great stag, cloud eagle, angle mover, flying chariot, side wolf, mountain hawk, soldiers (except: sword, cannon and crossbow), fierce ox, gold bird, white foal, howling dog, side mover, water ox, turtles, vertical wolf, side ox, wind horse, treacherous fox, peng master, vermillion sparrow, horseman, swallow's wings, side flyer, great master, side monkey, vertical mover, flying ox, vertical pup, vertical horse, dragon horse, dragon king, horned hawk, flying eagle, roaring dog and lion dog.

Hook moves (changing tack)

The hook mover, tengu, capricorn, and peacock can move any number of squares along a straight line, as a normal ranging piece, but may also abruptly change tack left or right by 90° at any one place along the route, and then continue as a ranging piece. Turning a corner like this is optional.

The range covered by a hook move is the equivalent of two moves by a rook, or two moves by a bishop, depending on the piece. However, a hook move is functionally a single move: The piece cannot capture twice in one move, nor may it capture and then move on. It must stop before an intervening piece (unless it first changes direction to avoid it), and must stop when it captures, just like any other ranging piece. It can only change direction once per move.

Area movers

The lion and lion hawk may take multiple (2) steps in a single turn. These do not have to be in a line, so these pieces can potentially reach every square within two or three steps of the starting square, not just squares along one of the diagonals or orthogonals. Such moves are also useful to get around obstructions. An area mover must stop where it captures.

Limited range jumping pieces

The heavenly tetrarch king, great hawk, rain demon, great eagle, treacherous fox and mountain crane may jump a limited number of squares, before (optionally) continuing on in the same direction as a ranging piece. This is also the likely behavior of the gold bird, free bird, ancient dragon, great elephant and king of teachings.

Range capturing pieces

The great general, vice general, flying general, angle general, fierce dragon and flying crocodile may jump over any number of pieces, friend or foe, along a diagonal or orthogonal. They capture all pieces they jump over, as well as the one they land on.

However, they may only jump over or land on pieces of lower rank, whether friend or foe. The relevant ranking is:

  1. King, crown prince
  2. Great general
  3. Vice general
  4. Flying general, angle general, fierce dragon, flying crocodile

This ranking makes it impossible for range capturing pieces to capture the king or crown prince.

Individual pieces

Pawn (歩兵)

  • Step: The pawn can move one square orthogonally forward.
  • Betza Notation: fW

Earth general (土将) and go-between (仲人)

  • Step: The earth general and go-between can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: vW
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Stone general (石将)

  • Step: The stone general can move one square diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fF

Because it cannot move orthogonally or backward, a stone general can only reach less than half the squares on the board.

Iron general (鉄将) and dog (犬)

  • Step: The iron general and dog can move one square forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: fWfF
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Swooping owl (鴟行), old rat (老鼠) and strutting crow (烏行)

  • Step: The swooping owl, old rat and strutting crow can move one square orthogonally forward or diagonally backward.
  • Notation: fWbF
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Tile general (瓦将) and sword soldier (刀兵)

  • Step: The tile general and sword soldier can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: bWfF
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Copper general (銅将), flying goose (鳫飛) and climbing monkey (登猿)

  • Step: The copper general, flying goose, and climbing monkey can move one square orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: vWfF
  • They have the same range of movement but each promotes differently (see above).

Reclining dragon (臥龍)

  • Step: The reclining dragon can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: W

Coiled serpent (蟠蛇)

  • Step: The coiled serpent can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally backward.
  • Notation: vWbF

Flying chicken (鶏飛)

  • Step: The flying chicken can move one square orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: sWfF

Cat sword (猫刀)

  • Step: The cat sword can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: F

Because it cannot move orthogonally, a cat sword can only reach half the squares on the board.

Evil wolf (悪狼)

  • Step: The evil wolf can move one square orthogonally sideways or forward; or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fFfsW

Silver general (銀将) and fierce stag (猛鹿)

  • Step: The silver general and fierce stag can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or one square orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: FfW
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Blind dog (盲犬) and Huai chicken (淮鶏)

  • Step: The blind dog and Huai chicken can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways or one square diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fFbsW
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Old monkey (古猿)

  • Step: The old monkey can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: FbW

Gold general (金将) and fierce wolf (猛狼)

  • Step: The gold general and fierce wolf can step one square in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally forward, giving them six possibilities.
  • They cannot move diagonally backward.
  • Notation: WfF
  • The pieces have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Fierce leopard (猛豹)

  • Step: The fierce leopard can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: vK

Blind monkey (盲猿), blind bear (盲熊) and angry boar (嗔猪)

  • Step: The blind monkey, blind bear and angry boar can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: sK

Drunken elephant (酔象), neighboring king (近王) and rushing boar (行猪)

  • Step: The drunken elephant, neighboring king and rushing boar can move one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: fsK
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Deva (提婆)

  • Step: The Deva can move one square in any direction orthogonally or diagonally, except diagonally forward to the right.
  • Notation: WflFbF

Dark spirit (無明)

  • Step: The dark spirit can move one square in any direction orthogonally or diagonally, except diagonally forward to the left.
  • Notation: WfrFbF

Blind tiger (盲虎)

  • Step: The blind tiger can move one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: FbWsW

Left general (左将)

  • Step: The left general can move one square orthogonally vertically or to the right, or one square diagonally to the right.
  • Notation: rFvWrW

Right general (右将)

  • Step: The right general can move one square orthogonally vertically or to the left, or one square diagonally to the left.
  • Notation: lFvWlW

Crown prince (太子), bear's eyes (熊眼) and poisonous wolf (毒狼)

  • Step: The crown prince, bear's eyes and poisonous wolf can step one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
  • Notation: K
  • A crown prince may move into check (not recommended).
  • The pieces have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Wood general (木将)

  • Limited range: The wood general can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fB2

Donkey (驢馬) and enchanted badger (変狸)

  • Limited range: The donkey and enchanted badger can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: R2
  • Their range of movement and promotions are the same.

Flying horse (馬麟)

  • Limited range: The flying horse can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: B2

Beast cadet (獣曹)

  • Limited range: The beast cadet can move one or two squares orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: B2fsR2

King (王将/玉将), fragrant elephant (香象) and white elephant (白象)

  • Limited range: The king, fragrant elephant and white elephant can move one or two squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
  • Notation: Q2
  • The king may move into check (not recommended).
  • The elephants have the same promotion.

Rushing bird (行鳥)

  • Step: The rushing bird can move one square orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: FsWfW2

Fierce bear (猛熊)

  • Limited range: The fierce bear can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: fB2fsW

Eastern barbarian (東夷) and western barbarian (西戎)

  • Limited range: The eastern barbarian and western barbarian can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Step: They can move one square orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: sWvW2fF
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Northern barbarian (北狄), southern barbarian (南蛮) and prancing stag (踊鹿)

  • Limited range: The northern barbarian, southern barbarian and prancing stag can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Step: They can move one square orthogonally forward or backward or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: vWsW2fF
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Poisonous serpent (毒蛇)

  • Step: The poisonous serpent can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can moves one or two squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
  • Notation: sfW2bW1fF

Old kite (古鵄) Kite here refers to the bird of prey.

  • Limited range: The old kite can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions; or
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: B2sW

Fierce eagle (猛鷲)

  • Limited range: The fierce eagle can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways.
  • Notation: B2fsW

Guardian of the gods (金剛)

  • Limited range: The guardian of the gods can move one to three squares in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: R3

Sumo wrestler (力士)

  • Limited range: The sumo wrestler can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: B3

Fowl cadet (禽曹)

  • Limited range: The fowl cadet can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or sideways, or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: B3fsR3

When it promotes to a fowl officer (see above), it demotes (moving only two squares orthogonally instead of three).

Horse general (馬将), ox general (牛将), wind general (風将) and river general (川将)

  • Step: The horse general, the ox general, the wind general and the river general can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fFbWfR3
  • These pieces and their promotions have the same range of motion.

Fire general (火将)

  • Step: The fire general can move one square diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: fFvR3

Water general (水将) and mountain general (山将)

  • Step: The water general and mountain general can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Limited range: They can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fB3vW
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Buddhist devil (羅刹)

  • Limited range: The Buddhist devil can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways or backward.
  • Notation: fB3bsW

Nature spirit (夜叉)

  • Step: The nature spirit can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: fFbWsR3

Sword general (刀将)

  • Step: The sword general can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: bWfQ3

Fowl officer (禽吏)

  • Limited range: The fowl officer can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or sideways; or
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions
  • Notation: B3fsR2

Beast officer (獣吏)

  • Limited range: The beast officer can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: B3sR2fR3

Heavenly tetrarch (四天)

  • Limited range: The heavenly tetrarch can move one to four squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
  • Notation: Q4

Chicken general (鶏将) and pup general (狗将)

  • Step: The chicken general and pup general can move one square diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: They can move one to four squares orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bFfR4
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Pig general (豚将)

  • Limited range: The pig general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward; or
  • Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally forward.
  • Notation: bR2fB4

Mountain stag (山鹿)

  • Step: The mountain stag can move one square orthogonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to four squares orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: fB3fWsR2bR4

Leopard king (豹王)

  • Limited range: The leopard king can move one to five squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
  • Notation: Q5

Turtle dove (山鳩)

  • Step: The turtle dove can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fB5bsW

Crossbow soldier (弓兵)

  • Step: The crossbow soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fB3bWsR3fR5

Cannon soldier (炮兵)

  • Step: The cannon soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to seven squares orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fB5bWsR3fR7

Incense chariot (香車), ox chariot (牛車), and fierce tiger (猛虎)

  • Ranging: The incense chariot, ox chariot and fierce tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fR
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Reverse chariot (反車)

  • Ranging: The reverse chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: vR

Side dragon (横龍)

  • Ranging: The side dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or sideways.
  • Notation: fsR

Mountain witch (山母)

  • Range: The mountain witch can move any number of free squares in a straight line backward, or in any diagonal direction.
  • Notation: BbR

White foal (白駒), mocking bird (⿰古寺·⿱時鳥) and multi general (雜将)

  • Ranging: The white foal, mocking bird and multi general can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
  • Notation: vRfB

Flying chariot (飛車), soldier (兵士), running chariot (走車), square mover (方行) and gliding swallow (燕行)

  • Ranging: The flying chariot, soldier, running chariot, square mover and gliding swallow can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • They have the same range of motion but promote differently (see above).
  • Notation: R

Free serpent (奔蛇), coiled dragon (蟠龍) and whale (鯨鯢)

  • Range: The free serpent, the coiled dragon and the whale can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward, or diagonally backward.
  • Notation: vRbB

Angle mover (角行)

  • Ranging: An angle mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: B

Because it cannot move orthogonally, an angle mover can only reach half the squares on the board.

Free wolf (奔狼) and running leopard (走豹)

  • Range: The free wolf and running leopard can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fBfsR

Wizard stork (仙·⿱而鷦)

  • Range: The wizard stork can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, backward or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fBsbR

Flying ox (飛牛), free bear (奔熊), free leopard (奔豹) and great whale (大鯨)

  • Ranging: The flying ox, the free bear, the free leopard and the great whale can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: BvR

Treacherous fox (隠狐)

  • Ranging: The treacherous fox can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Jump and range: It can jump to the second or third square in those directions, then (optionally) continue moving in that direction.
  • Notation: BAGvRvDvH(mAmG-B)(mvDmvH-R)

Cavalier (騎士) and strong chariot (強車)

  • Range: The cavalier and strong chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RfB

Free dragon (奔龍) and free tiger (奔虎)

  • Range: The free dragon and free tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: BbsR

Free king (奔王), free stag (奔鹿) and strong eagle (勁鷲)

  • Ranging: The free king, the free stag and the strong eagle can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
  • Notation: Q

Howling dog (left and right) (𠵇犬)

  • Step: The howling dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bWfR
  • The left and right howling dogs have the same range of motion but promote differently (see above).

Vertical horse (竪馬)

  • Step: The vertical horse can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fFbWfR

Spear soldier (鎗兵)

  • Step: The spear soldier can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: WfR

Vertical pup (竪狗)

  • Step: The vertical pup can move one square backward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bFbWfR

Raiding hawk (延鷹)

  • Step: The raiding hawk can move one square diagonally forward.
  • Step: The raiding hawk can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fFsWfR

Right iron chariot (右鉄車)

  • Step: The right iron chariot can step one square right.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backwards in either direction, or in the forward left diagonal.
  • Notation: rWbBflB

Left iron chariot (左鉄車)

  • Step: The left iron chariot can step one square left.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backwards in either direction, or in the forward right diagonal.
  • Notation: lWbBfrB

Vertical leopard (竪豹)

  • Step: The vertical leopard can move one square orthogonally backward, sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: WfFfR

Right dog (右犬)

  • Step: The right dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or diagonally backward to the left.
  • Notation: bWfRblB

Left dog (左犬)

  • Step: The left dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or diagonally backward to the right.
  • Notation: bWfRbrB

Ram's-head soldier (羊兵) and Flying swallow (飛燕)

  • Ranging: The ram's-head soldier and the flying swallow can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: bWfB

Wood chariot (木車)

  • Step: The wood chariot can move one square diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: flFbrFvR

Tile chariot (瓦車)

  • Step: The tile chariot can move one square diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: frFblFvR

Running boar (走猪), Running pup (走狗), running serpent (走蛇), Earth chariot (土車) and vertical mover (竪行).

  • Step: The running boar, running pup, running serpent, earth chariot and vertical mover can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).
  • Notation: WvR

Fierce ox (猛牛)

  • Step: The fierce ox can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
  • Notation: vWfB

Side wolf (横狼)

  • Step: The side wolf can move one square diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: flFbrFsR

Side ox (横牛)

  • Step: The side ox can move one square diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: frFblFsR

Side mover (横行) and swallow's wings (燕羽)

  • Ranging: The side mover and the swallow's wings can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: WsR

Side monkey (横猿)

  • Step: The side monkey can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: bWfFsR

Divine sparrow (神雀)

  • Step: The divine sparrow can move one square diagonally forward to the right or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward or forward to the left.
  • Notation: WfrFflBbB

Plodding ox (歬牛)

  • Step: The plodding ox can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: FvR

Side flyer (横飛)

  • Step: The side flyer can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: FsR

Flying stag (飛鹿) and copper elephant (銅象)

  • Step: The flying stag and copper elephant can move one square orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: KvR

Vermillion sparrow (朱雀)

  • Step: The vermillion sparrow can move one square in the four orthogonal directions, or diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
  • Notation: KflBbrB

Turtle-snake (玄武)

  • Ranging: The turtle-snake can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the right or backward to the left.
  • Step: It can move one square in any of the remaining directions.
  • Notation: KfrBblB

Side boar (横猪)

  • Step: The side boar can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: KsR

Left chariot (左車)

  • Ranging: The left chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the right.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the left.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally left.
  • Notation: lWfRfrBblB

Right chariot (右車)

  • Ranging: The right chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the right.
  • Step: It can move one square orthogonally right.
  • Notation: rWfRflBbrB

Great tiger (大虎)

  • Step: The great tiger can move one square orthogonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or backward.
  • Notation: WbsR

Right tiger (右虎)

  • Step: The right tiger can move one square diagonally right.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally left or diagonally left.
  • Notation: FlQ

Left tiger (左虎)

  • Step: The left tiger can move one square diagonally left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally right or diagonally right.
  • Notation: FrQ

Great bear (大熊)

  • Step: The great bear can move one square orthogonally sideways or backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: WfQ

Running rabbit (走兎)

  • Step: The running rabbit can move one square orthogonally or diagonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: bKfQ

Left army (左軍)

  • Step: The left army can move one square orthogonally forward, backward, right or diagonally right.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line left, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: KlQ

Right army (右軍)

  • Step: The right army can move one square orthogonally forward, backward, left or diagonally left.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line right, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: KrQ

Divine turtle (神亀)

  • Step: The divine turtle can move one square diagonally forward to the left or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line along either rear diagonal, or diagonally forward to the right.
  • Notation: KfrBbB

Running wolf (走狼)

  • Step: The running wolf can move one square orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fWfBsR

Flying hawk (飛鷹)

  • Step: The flying hawk can move one square orthogonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of squares in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: BfW

Cannon chariot (炮車)

  • Step: The cannon chariot can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: WfBvR

Dragon king (龍王)

  • Ranging: A dragon king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Step: It can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: RF

Dragon horse (龍馬)

  • Ranging: A dragon horse can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Step: It can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: WB

Free boar (奔猪)

  • Step: The free boar can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: WfsRfB

Wind dragon (風龍)

  • Step: The wind dragon can move one square diagonally backward to the left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, diagonally forward or diagonally backward to the right.
  • Notation: FfBbrBsR

Cloud dragon (雲龍)

  • Step: The cloud dragon can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: BWbR

Rain dragon (雨龍)

  • Step: The rain dragon can move one square orthogonally or diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or backward; or diagonally backward.
  • Notation: WbsRFbB

Fire ox (火牛) and fierce wind (暴風)

  • Step: The fire ox and fierce wind can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward, forward or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: vQW

Huai river (淮川)

  • Step: The Huai river can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: WsQ

Vertical tiger (竪虎)

  • Limited range: The vertical tiger can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fRbR2

Wind snapping turtle (風鼈)

  • Limited range: The wind snapping turtle can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: fB2vR

Running tile (走瓦), Running tiger (走虎) and running bear (走熊)

  • Limited range: The running tile, running tiger and running bear can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).
  • Notation: vRsR2

Gold stag (金鹿)

  • Ranging: The gold stag can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Notation: fBbB2

Silver rabbit (銀兎)

  • Limited range: The silver rabbit can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.
  • Notation: fB2bB

Walking heron (æ­©ä³²)

  • Limited range: The walking heron can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: sR2fB2vR

Reed bird (芦鳥)

  • Limited range: The reed bird can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: sR2bB2vR

Right dragon (右龍)

  • Limited range: The right dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally right.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally left or diagonally left.
  • Notation: rR2lQ

Left dragon (左龍)

  • Limited range: The left dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally left.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally right or diagonally right.
  • Notation: lR2rQ

Blue dragon (青龍)

  • Ranging: The blue dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward to the right.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: sR2vRfrB

White tiger (白虎)

  • Ranging: The white tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, or diagonally forward to the left.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: vR2sRflB

Divine tiger (神虎)

  • Limited range: The divine tiger can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways, or diagonally forward to the left.
  • Notation: bR2fsRflB

Divine dragon (神龍)

  • Limited range: The divine dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally left.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, right, backward or diagonally forward to the right.
  • Notation: lR2vrRfrB

Running stag (走鹿)

  • Limited range: The running stag can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: bR2sRfB

Rear standard (後旗)

  • Limited range: The rear standard can move one or two squares diagonally.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally
  • Notation: B2R

Ceramic dove (鳩盤) and Elephant king (象王)

  • Limited range: The ceramic dove and the elephant king can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions
  • Notation: R2B

Horseman (騎兵) and great foal (大駒)

  • Limited range: The horseman and the great foal can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: sR2vRfB

Woodland demon (林鬼), free chicken (奔鶏) and free dog (奔犬)

  • Limited range: The woodland demon, the free chicken and the free dog can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: sR2bB2vRfB

Running ox (走牛)

  • Limited range: The running ox can move one or two squares backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: bR2fsRfB

Chariot soldier (車兵)

  • Limited range: The chariot soldier can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, orthogonally backward or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: sR2vQ

Fire demon (火鬼) and Water ox (水牛)

  • Limited range: The fire demon and water ox can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: vR2sQ

The fire demon cannot burn other pieces as in tenjiku shogi.

Strong bear (強熊)

  • Limited range: The strong bear can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: bR2fsQ

Wind horse (風馬)

  • Step: The wind horse can move one square diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: fFbR2fR

Vertical bear (竪熊) and Vertical soldier (竪兵)

  • Step: The vertical bear and vertical soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: They can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bWsR2fR

Tiger soldier (虎兵)

  • Step: The tiger soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
  • Notation: bWfR2fB

Earth dragon (地龍)

  • Step: The earth dragon can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.
  • Notation: fFbWfR2bB

Silver chariot (銀車)

  • Step: The silver chariot can move one square diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: bFfB2vR

Stone chariot (石車)

  • Step: The stone chariot can move one square diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: fFsR2vR

Side soldier (横兵)

  • Step: The side soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: bWfR2sR

Gold chariot (金車)

  • Step: The gold chariot can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: FsR2vR

Boar soldier (猪兵), leopard soldier (豹兵) and bear soldier (熊兵)

  • Step: The boar soldier, leopard soldier and bear soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: They can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: bWsR2fQ

Free pup (奔狗), free ox (奔牛), free horse (奔馬) and free pig (奔豚)

  • Step: The free pup, the free ox, the free horse and the free pig can move one square diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: FsR2vRfB

Little standard (小旗)

  • Step: The little standard can move one square diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RfB2bF

Copper chariot (銅車)

  • Limited range: The copper chariot can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: fB3vR

Forest demon (森鬼)

  • Limited range: The forest demon can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fsR3fBbR

Great dragon (大龍)

  • Limited range: The great dragon can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: BvR3

Center standard (中旗) and front standard (前旗)

  • Limited range: The center standard and front standard can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above). Uniquely, when a center standard promotes to a front standard, it gains no new abilities.
  • Notation: B3R

Great dove (大鳩)

  • Limited range: The great dove can move one to three squares in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: R3B

Great standard (大旗)

  • Limited range: The great standard can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RbB3fB

Vertical wolf (竪狼)

  • Step: The vertical wolf can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: sWbR3fR

Side serpent (横蛇)

  • Step: The side serpent can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: bWfR3sR

Cloud eagle (雲鷲)

  • Step: The cloud eagle can move one square orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: sWfF3vWW

Goose wing (鴻翼)

  • Step: The goose wing can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: FsW3vWW

Horse soldier (馬兵) and ox soldier (牛兵)

  • Step: The horse soldier and ox soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).
  • Notation: bWsR3fQ

Spear general (鎗将)

  • Limited range: The spear general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bR2sR3fR

Cannon general (炮将)

  • Limited range: The cannon general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: bR2sR3fQ

Beast bird (獣鳥) and fowl (禽鳥)

  • Limited range: The beast bird and fowl can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: BbR2sR3fR

Great leopard (大豹)

  • Step: The great leopard can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bWsR2fRfB3

Longbow soldier (弩兵)

  • Step: The longbow soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bWsR2fRfB5

Thunder runner (雷走)

  • Limited range: The thunder runner can move one to four squares orthogonally sideways or backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: bsR4fQ

Fire dragon (火龍)

  • Limited range: The fire dragon can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RbB2fB4

Water dragon (水龍)

  • Limited range: The water dragon can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RfB2bB4

Longbow general (弩将)

  • Limited range: The longbow general can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fBvRsR5

Stone peng (石鵬)

  • Limited range: The stone peng can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: BsR5

Mount Tai (æ³°å±±)

  • Limited range: Mount Tai can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: BfsR5

Free demon (奔鬼)

  • Limited range: The free demon can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: BvR5sR

Free dream-eater (奔獏)

  • Ranging: The free dream-eater can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: vQsR5

Free fire (奔火)

  • Limited range: The free fire can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: sQvR5

Running dragon (走龍)

  • Limited range: The running dragon can move one to five squares orthogonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: fsQbR5

Great shark (大鱗)

  • Limited range: The shark can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RbB2fB5

Crossbow general (弓将)

  • Limited range: The crossbow general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: bR2sR3fRfB5

Playful parrot (遊䳇)

  • Limited range: The playful parrot can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: bB2fB3sR5vR

Cassia horse (桂馬)

  • Jump: A cassia horse jumps at an angle intermediate between orthogonal and diagonal, amounting to one square forward plus one square diagonally forward, in a single motion. That is, it has a choice of two forward destinations.
  • The cassia horse ignores intervening pieces on the way to its destination, though its destination square must of course be either empty, or occupied by an opponent's piece (in which case the opponent's piece is captured), just as with any other moving piece.
  • Notation: ffN

Flying dragon (飛龍)

  • Jump: The flying dragon can jump to the second square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Because it cannot move orthogonally or to every diagonal square, a flying dragon can only reach one eighth of the squares on the board.
  • Notation: A

Kirin (麒麟)

  • Step: A kirin can move one square orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally sideways.
  • Notation: FvWsD

Phoenix (鳳凰)

  • Step: The phoenix can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: WA

Flying cat (飛猫)

  • Step: The flying cat can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or sideways, or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: bWbFfsHfG

Running horse (走馬)

  • Step: The running horse can move one square orthogonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square diagonally backwards.
  • Notation: bWbAfQ

Mountain hawk (山鷹)

  • Limited range: The mountain hawk can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: fDbB2RfB

Little turtle (小亀)

  • Limited range: The little turtle can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
  • Notation: vQsR2vD

Great stag (大鹿)

  • Limited range: The great stag can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RfAbB2

Left mountain eagle (左山鷲)

  • Limited range: The left mountain eagle can move one or two squares diagonally backward to the right.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square along either left diagonal.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally left, diagonally forward to the right, or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RlAfBblBbrB2

Right mountain eagle (右山鷲)

  • Limited range: The right mountain eagle can move one or two squares diagonally backward to the left.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square along either right diagonal.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally right, diagonally forward to the left, or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: RrAblB2fBbrB

Kirin master (麟師) and Great turtle (大亀)

  • Limited range: The kirin master and great turtle can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally or orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Jump: They can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Notation: vQvHsR3

Phoenix master (鳳師)

  • Limited range: The phoenix master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally or orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the third square diagonally forward.
  • Notation: vQfGsR3

Great master (大師)

  • Limited range: The great master can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the third square forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally, or orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: fGfHbB5sR5fBvR

Horned hawk (角鷹)

  • Ranging: The horned hawk can move as a queen.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: QfD

Flying eagle (飛鷲)

  • Jump: The flying eagle can jump to the second square diagonally forward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: QfA

Roaring dog (吼犬)

  • Limited range: The roaring dog can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the third square diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Notation: HfGRbB3fB

Lion dog (狛犬)

  • Jump: The lion dog can jump to the third square in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: QHG

Great dream-eater (大獏)

  • Jump: The great dream-eater can jump to the third square orthogonally sideways.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Notation: QsH

Heavenly horse (天馬)

  • Jump: The heavenly horse jumps at an angle intermediate between orthogonal and diagonal, amounting to one square forward plus one square diagonally forward, in a single motion; or one square backward plus one square diagonally backward, in a single motion.
  • It ignores intervening pieces while jumping to its destination, though its destination square must of course be either empty, or occupied by an opponent's piece (in which case the opponent's piece is captured), just as with any other moving piece.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
  • Notation: vNfR

Spirit turtle (霊亀)

  • Jump: The spirit turtle can jump to the third square in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Range: It can move as a queen.
  • Notation: QH

Treasure turtle (宝亀)

  • Jump: The treasure turtle can jump to the second square in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Range: It can move as a queen.
  • Notation: QD

Wooden dove (鳩槃)

  • Limited range: The wooden dove can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Jump plus limited range: It can jump to the third square in the four diagonal directions, and then (optionally) move one or two squares in the same direction.
  • Notation: R2BG(G-B2)

Center master (中師)

  • Limited range: The center master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forwards or orthogonally backwards.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
  • Notation: sR3bB3vDfAvRfB

Peng master (鵬師)

  • Limited range: The peng master can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Jump: It can jump to the third square in either forward diagonal direction.
  • Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward or orthogonally backward.
  • Notation: fGbB5fBsR5vR

Free eagle (奔鷲)

  • Ranging: The free eagle can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any orthogonal or diagonal direction.
  • Jump/ranging: It can jump up to 3 steps in any orthogonal or diagonal direction (squares ① - ③), or up to 4 steps if diagonally forward (squares ① - ④), and then (optionally) continue moving any number of free squares in that direction.
  • Multi capture/ranging: It can capture all pieces on squares ① - ③ (or if moving forward diagonally, ① - ④), and then (optionally) continue moving any number of free squares in that direction.
  • When it is performing a multi-capture move, it must captureall pieces on squares ① - ③ (or if moving forward diagonally, ① - ④). It cannot jump to ② or ③ then start a multi-capture, and it cannot stop before reaching a ③ square (or if moving forward diagonally, a ④ square).
  • It does not have to jump before moving or move after jumping.
  • It may move to an adjacent (a ① square) and return to its original square in the same move.
  • This means it may capture a piece on an adjacent square without moving (igui).
  • This also means it may move to an adjacent empty square and immediately return, effectively staying put and passing the player's turn (jitto).
  • Notation: QDAHGf(4,4)(cK-bK)(D-R)(A-B)(H-R)(G-B)(f(4,4)-B)

Free bird (奔翅)

  • Limited range: The free bird can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces diagonally forward, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
  • Notation: RbB3(f(mpB)3-B)

Great hawk (大鷹)

  • Range: The great hawk can move any number of squares in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Jump and range: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward before (optionally) moving on in that direction.
  • Notation: QfD(fD-R)

King of teachings (教王)

  • Jump and range: The king of teachings can jump up to three pieces along a straight line in any diagonal or orthogonal direction, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
  • Notation: HG(H-R)(G-B)

Mountain crane (山鶻)

  • Range: The mountain crane can move as a queen.
  • Jump and range: It can jump to the second, third or fourth square in any direction, then (optionally) continue moving in that direction.
  • Notation: QDAHG(4,0)(4,4)(D-R)(A-B)(H-R)(G-B)((4,0)-R)((4,4)-B)

Great eagle (大鷲)

  • Range: The great eagle can move as a queen.
  • Jump: It can jump to the second square in a forward diagonal direction, before (optionally) continue moving in that direction.
  • Notation: Q(fA-B)

Great elephant (大象)

  • Limited range: The great elephant can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces in a straight line diagonally backward or in one of the four orthogonal directions, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
  • Notation: fB3(pR-R)(b(mpB)3-B)

Gold bird (金翅)

  • Limited range: The gold bird can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
  • Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces diagonally forward, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
  • Notation: bF3sW3vF(f(mpFF)3-FF)

Ancient dragon (元龍)

  • Range: The ancient dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
  • Jump and range: It can jump over up to three squares pieces orthogonally forward or backward, before (optionally) continue moving in that direction.
  • Notation: B(v(mppR3)-R)

Rain demon (霖鬼)

  • Limited range: The rain demon can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
  • Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward, or diagonally forward.
  • Jump and range: It can jump to the second square along either forward diagonal, before (optionally) moving on in that direction.
  • Notation: fR3sR2bB2bR(fmB-B)

Flying general (飛将)

  • Range capture: The flying general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any orthogonal direction, so long as they don't contain a royal (king or crown prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
  • Notation: ((cRcdR)-R), ignoring capturing restrictions

Angle general (角将)

  • Range capture: The angle general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any diagonal direction, so long as they don't contain a royal (king or crown prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
  • Notation: ((cBcdB)-B), ignoring capturing restrictions

Great general (大将)

  • Range capture: The great general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally, as long as they don't contain a royal (king or crown prince) or another great general. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
  • Notation: ((cQcdQ)-Q), ignoring capturing restrictions

Fierce dragon (猛龍)

  • Limited range: The fierce dragon can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
  • Range capture: It can fly over any number of pieces along one of the four diagonal directions, as long as they don't include a royal (king or crown prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
  • Notation: W2((cBcdB)-B), ignoring capturing restrictions

Flying crocodile (飛鰐)

  • Limited range: The flying crocodile can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
  • Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
  • Range capture: It can jump any number of pieces in one of the four orthogonal directions, as long as these do not include a royal (king or crown prince) or another range capturing piece. Any piece it jumps over is removed from the board.
  • Notation: bB2fB3((cRcdR)-R), ignoring capturing restrictions

Vice general (副将)

  • Jump: The vice general can jump to the second square in the four orthogonal directions. This is a standard jump.
  • Range capture: It can fly over any number of squares along one of the four diagonal directions, as long as they don't contain a royal (king or crown prince), great general, or another vice general. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
  • Notation: D((cBcdB)-B), ignoring capturing restrictions

Hook mover (鉤行)

  • Hook move: The hook mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.
  • Notation: R(R-sR)

Tengu (天狗)

  • Hook move: The tengu can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.
  • Notation: B(B-sB)

Unlike in other shogi variants, in taikyoku the tengu cannot move orthogonally, and therefore can only reach half of the squares on the board. This is the move of the capricorn, and may be an error.

Capricorn (摩羯)

  • Hook move: The capricorn can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.
  • Notation: B(B-sB). If the capricorn can also move one square orthogonally, the notation can be represented as WB(B-sB)
The description of the Tengu implies the capricorn also can move one square orthogonally. If it isn't the case, it can only reach half of the squares on the board.

Peacock (孔雀)

  • Hook move: The peacock can move any number of free squares in a straight line along one of the two forward diagonals, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a straight line in a perpendicular diagonal direction.
  • Limited range: It can move one or two squares in one of the two rearward diagonals.
  • Notation: bB2fB(fB-sB)

Heavenly tetrarch king (四天王)

  • Range: The heavenly tetrarch king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Jump and range: It can jump to the second square in any direction before (optionally) moving on in that direction.
  • Notation: QDA(D-R)(A-B)

Lion (獅子)

  • Area move/double capture: The lion can step one square in any direction up to twice in a turn. It can change directions after its first step, and is not restricted to following one of the eight orthogonal or diagonal directions. That is, it can also step to one of the in-between squares that a knight jumps to in Western chess.
  • Unlike the hook movers, it can continue after a capture on the first step, potentially capturing two pieces on each turn.
  • By moving back to its starting square, it can effectively capture a piece on an adjacent square without moving. This is called 居喰い igui "stationary feeding".
  • A similar move without capturing leaves the board unchanged, which is a way to pass a turn (jitto).
  • Jump: The lion can jump anywhere within two squares. This is equivalent to jumping in any of the eight diagonal or orthogonal directions, or making any of the jumps of a knight in Western chess.
  • Notation: KDAN(cK-bK)
Note: The restrictions when capturing a lion in chu shogi do not apply in taikyoku shogi.

Furious fiend (奮迅)

  • Area move/double capture or jump: The furious fiend can move as a lion; or
  • Limited range: It can move three squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal. (A normal move: it can only capture once and cannot jump when doing this.)
  • Notation: Q3DAN(cK-bK)

Buddhist spirit (法性)

  • Area move/double capture: The Buddhist spirit can move as a lion, or
  • Range: It can move as a queen.
  • Notation: QDAN(cK-bK)

Lion hawk (獅鷹)

  • Area move/double capture/ranging: The lion hawk can move as a lion or as a bishop.
  • Jump/ranging: It can leap to the second square in any diagonal direction.
  • Notation: WBDAN(cK-bK)

See also

Notes

References

External links