Kamisado^*

Kamisado is an abstract duel for two players with no luck at all. Every move decides which tower your opponent has to move next.

What is it?

The board has eight by eight colored squares. Each side owns eight octagonal dragon towers, one per color. You win a round by getting a tower onto your opponent's home row first. There are no dice or cards, so only your skill counts.

How it plays

1. Move a tower any distance straight or diagonally forward.
2. You can't jump over or capture another tower.
3. The color of the square you land on decides which tower your opponent must move.

Enemy towers soon block your routes, and sometimes your own do too. If you can't move, your opponent goes again right away.

Sumos and matches

Players often compete over several rounds. These rules matter most:

• A winning tower is promoted to a sumo.
• Sumos push enemy towers back one space.
• A standard match runs to 3 points, longer formats to 7 or 15.

Who is it for?

It suits anyone aged 10 and up who likes to think ahead. The rules take minutes to learn, and a round lasts around 20 minutes. Fans of chess or checkers will find a quicker alternative here.

Conclusion

Kamisado is quick to explain and still keeps you thinking for a long time. If you want casual chatter or luck, it won't win you over.