Play on paper
Use the complete set and keep the movement guide open.
Open-book first game →Play a first game as a thinking exercise
You do not need to memorise every move before playing. Keep the whole-army guide open, pause before each move and learn by noticing what changes.
Choose how to play
Begin with a paper game, use an online board, and treat every move as a chance to observe, decide and learn.
Play online
Try a computer game or invite someone you know.
Online options →Explore the wider shogi world
See how learning can lead to dojo practice, tournaments and professional shogi.
Follow the path →A friendly open-book first game
The first goal is to begin real play — not to finish perfectly.
1 · Use all 40 pieces
Set up the complete board. Keep the move guide between both players.
2 · Check, then move
Forgot a move? Look it up together and continue.
3 · Allow take-backs
Correct illegal moves without turning the game into a test.
4 · Stop after 15–20 min
A finished game is optional. End with one thing each player noticed.
Where can shogi take you?
Learning the moves is only the beginning. Shogi can become online practice, face-to-face study, tournament competition and, for a small number of dedicated players, a professional path.
1 · Learn
Learn the basics
Learn the pieces, promotion, drops and the principles of a first game.
2 · Online
Play online
Use online boards to practise at your own pace, review mistakes and play against a computer or another player.
3 · Dojo
Visit a shogi dojo
A shogi dojo is a playing hall or club for face-to-face games, teaching games and regular practice. It is also a place to learn turn-taking, greetings and respect for the opponent.
4 · Events
Enter tournaments
School, local and amateur tournaments give players a goal and a way to test what they have practised.
5 · Route
Explore the professional route
In Japan, aspiring professional players may enter the Shōreikai（奨励会）, the Japan Shogi Association’s professional training system. In the combined third-dan league, the top two players advance to fourth dan and become professional shogi players; routes and rules can change. Read the official overview (opens in a new tab)
6 · Titles
Follow the professionals
As checked on 26 July 2026, the eight major title events are Ryūō, Meijin, Ōi, Ōza, Kiō, Ōshō, Kisei and Eiō. Sponsorship names and schedules can change. See the Japan Shogi Association’s current title events (opens in a new tab)
Most people enjoy shogi as learners, teachers, club players or tournament amateurs. The professional route is one possible path, not a requirement.
Play online in English
For a ready-to-play board, start against a computer or use a supervised friend link.
Lishogi
Often useful for beginners. An independent, free open-source shogi service with computer games, friend links and learning tools. Check its current terms before use.
- Account: optional for casual play; useful to save progress
- Under 16: use kid mode or parental/guardian supervision and consent; check the current terms
- Chat: can be limited — prefer friend links or computer in class
Open Lishogi (opens in a new tab) Learn path (opens in a new tab)
81Dojo
Useful for club-style play. Many languages, tournaments and a serious hobby culture. Check its current terms before use.
- Account: usually required for full features
- Nickname and country may be public; follow current terms and never use a child’s real name
- Better after students know drops and piece moves
| Situation | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| First school session | Paper set first · then Lishogi vs computer or friend link, only after the teacher checks current age and privacy rules |
| After-school club | Supervised 81Dojo or Lishogi play after parent/teacher approval |
| Home with parent | Print pack + Lishogi Learn · 10–15 minutes |
School safety
- Prefer computer / private friend links in class
- Disable or avoid chat if policy requires — on Lishogi, use vs computer or challenge links; do not leave open lobby chat unattended
- Time-box screens (e.g. 10 minutes)
- Paper set remains the main manipulative
- Teacher projects one board when possible instead of 30 private chats
Manners
- Be kind after wins and losses
- Don’t abandon rated games
- Ask before coaching on someone’s board
- Optional: short bow / “good game” habit from class
External sites are independent; age rules, features, privacy, chat and policies may change. Check the current terms before creating an account. We are not affiliated with Lishogi or 81Dojo.