Onitama

Andrew says: I love games that aren't chess. Don't get me wrong: I love chess, but I know a lot of people that don't. Onitama is one of those games that can bring someone who hates chess to the table while still scratching the same itch you get from wanting to play a chess game. In addition, it has a simple, but very dynamic move scheme as all pieces move in the same way, but the way they can move changes from turn to turn.

Candra Says: "I hate chess! But Onitama is fast and approachable while giving the tactical feel of chess. The variable movement rules mean that every game plays out differently, so you'll have to rethink the game with every play."

Onitama is a two-player, perfect information abstract game with a random starting set-up. On a 5x5 board, both players start with five pawns on their side, with the main pawn in the middle.

Each player has two open cards that each display a possible move for any of his pieces. There is a fifth card that cannot be used by either player. On a player's turn, he chooses one of his cards, moves one of his pieces according to the chosen card, then replaces the card he used with the fifth card. The other player then chooses one of his cards, moves accordingly, and exchanges that card with this fifth card — which is, of course, the card the first player just used.

Moving onto one of the opponent's pawns removes that pawn from the game. Taking the opponent's main pawn, or moving your main pawn into your opponent's main pawn's starting space, wins you the game.

2 Players, 15 Minutes, Ages 8+