Onitama

Players  2 (Best with 2)

Playing Time 15-20 Mins

Age 8+

Complexity 1.75/5

Type  Grid Movement/Hand Management/Static Capture

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 her pieces. There is a fifth card that cannot be used by either player. On a player's turn, she chooses one of her cards, moves one of her pieces according to the chosen card, then replaces the card she 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.

AWARDS & HONORS

2023 MinD-Spielepreis 2 Players Game Nominee
2016 UK Games Expo Best Abstract Game Winner
2016 Mensa Recommended
2016 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel Nominee
2016 Board Game Quest Awards Best Two Player Game Nominee
2015 Cardboard Republic Striker Laurel Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Abstract Board Game Nominee

- $42.70