Onitama Is one of those rare gems that’s easy to learn, quick to play, yet endlessly deep. If you enjoy games like Chess or Hive, this one should absolutely be on your radar. Onitama is a brilliantly simple yet deeply strategic two-player board game, often compared to Chess for its abstract, tactical gameplay. In this game, two martial arts masters—each with their devoted apprentices—face off in a test of skill and foresight, striving to prove their school is the finest in the land.
Designed in 2014 by Japanese game designer Shimpei Sato and published by Arcane Wonders, Onitama was later introduced to the German market in 2017 by Pegasus Games. The game draws its thematic inspiration from traditional Japanese martial arts, with each movement reflecting a different combat style.
Played on a compact 5×5 grid, each player starts with five pieces—one central Master pawn and four Students positioned symmetrically on their side. What sets Onitama apart is its unique, ever-changing movement system, ensuring no two matches ever feel the same while still being a game of pure skill.
Quick Overview
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 10–15 minutes
- Age: 8+
- Publisher: Arcane Wonders
- Designer: Shimpei Sato
- Type: Abstract strategy, perfect information, two-player duel
- Complexity: Low rules complexity, high strategic depth
How to Play Onitama
At its core, Onitama is a duel of minds, played on a 5×5 grid. Each player controls a Master pawn and four Student pawns, and the goal is simple:
- Capture the opponent’s Master (like Checkmate in Chess).
- Move your Master onto your opponent’s starting square (a bit like a simplified Shogi endgame move).
The twist? Instead of predetermined movement patterns for each piece, movement is dictated by a shared pool of five movement cards. Each turn, you:
- Pick one of your two available movement cards.
- Move one of your pawns accordingly.
- Exchange the used card with a waiting fifth card, which your opponent will soon have access to.
This means every decision you make affects what your opponent can do in the next few turns—so planning ahead is key. It’s a dance of prediction, reaction, and subtle traps.
Components: Simple, Yet Beautiful
One thing I love about Onitama is the production quality. The game comes in a sturdy box with a magnetic lid (a small but satisfying touch). Inside, you’ll find:
- A neoprene game mat – rolls out flat, no pesky folds!
- Two sets of beautifully sculpted pawns – one in red, one in blue.
- 16 movement cards – each featuring a different movement pattern inspired by martial arts animals.
There’s no clutter, no excess pieces—just pure, distilled strategy.
Playing at Different Skill Levels
Though Onitama is strictly a two-player game, it’s surprisingly adaptable to different levels of experience.
- For beginners: The game is quick to pick up, and there’s little downtime. If someone is new, they’ll learn by playing rather than sitting through a long explanation.
- For experienced players: There’s incredible depth. Once you start thinking multiple moves ahead, baiting opponents into bad trades, and controlling the flow of the available movement cards, the game transforms into a cerebral showdown.
- For kids: It’s a great alternative to Chess. The smaller board and limited movement options make it more accessible, but it still fosters logical thinking.
Expansions & Variants
Though the base game offers tons of replayability, Arcane Wonders has released a couple of expansions to shake things up:
- Sensei’s Path – Adds 16 new movement cards, increasing variety without altering core mechanics.
- Way of the Wind – Introduces a neutral pawn (the Wind Spirit), which both players can influence, adding a new layer of strategy.
If you love Onitama but want even more variety, these are well worth a look.
Digital Versions & Online Play
Can’t find an opponent in person? No problem. Onitama is available on Board Game Arena, where you can play online against real opponents or AI. The digital version faithfully replicates the experience, letting you try new strategies without waiting for a physical game night.
Final Thoughts
Onitama is a game that distills deep strategy into a tiny package. Whether you’re playing casually over coffee or seriously analysing moves like a grandmaster, it delivers. It’s one of those rare games that’s as good for a quick match as it is for repeated competitive play. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend giving it a go!