Onitama

Shimpei Sato · Arcane Wonders · 2014

A two-player abstract strategy game on a 5x5 grid where movement cards rotate between players. Each card shows a movement pattern your pieces can use — then you pass that card to your opponent. Win by capturing the enemy master or reaching their temple. Chess distilled to 15 minutes.

Players

Time

20 min

Ages

Difficulty

Light

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Why you'll like it

Movement card rotation creates a unique strategic rhythm
Plays in 15 minutes
Rules explained in 2 minutes
Every game uses 5 of 16 cards, ensuring variety
Beautiful component design and box

How it plays

Onitama is a two-player abstract game that plays like a quick, simple chess. Each player has a master and four students on a 5x5 board.

Only five move cards are used each game. You hold two and can move a piece using either one; after you use a card, it passes to your opponent. You win by capturing the opponent's master or moving your master onto their starting temple space. Games take about 15 minutes.