Shogi Online
You can play shogi online right now, on this page, with no account and no download. Pick a difficulty, make a move, and the computer answers within a few seconds. If you are looking for rated games against human opponents instead, that exists too, and we will point you to the right places below.
What playing shogi online looks like
Online shogi splits into two kinds of sites. Server-based platforms match you against live human opponents: you make an account, get a rating, and your games are stored and ranked. Browser boards like this one skip all of that: you open the page and you are playing, against a computer opponent or a friend on the same screen.
Both kinds are useful, at different times. When you are learning, a board that lets you undo, ask for a hint, and explains why a move is illegal beats being flagged by a stranger's clock. When you want real competition, nothing replaces a human who is trying to beat you.
What this site offers
- Instant play against the computer, three difficulty levels, no signup.
- Two-player mode for games on one screen or one phone.
- Coaching that explains any illegal move you attempt.
- Hints, undo, both kanji and international piece sets.
- A position editor and shareable position links on the main board.
- Everything runs in your browser. Your moves never leave your device.
Where to play rated games against humans
Honest answer: not here, and that is by design. For online multiplayer shogi, two platforms stand out.Lishogi is free and open source, with rated games at every time control, tournaments, and a strong analysis board. It is the natural home for players coming from lichess.81Dojo is a long-running international server with a traditional dojo culture and plenty of strong Japanese players. Both are excellent. Learn and warm up here, then take your game there when you want a rating.
Before your first online game
Make sure the basics are automatic, because human opponents punish hesitation. The rules reference covers every rule on one page, andhow to play shogi builds them up step by step. Then play a few full gamesagainst the computer, working up from easy to medium. The computer never gets impatient, and every game here starts in one click.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play shogi online without an account?
Yes. On this page you can start a game against the computer immediately, with no account, email, or download. The game runs in your browser and nothing is sent to a server. Rated play against human opponents does require an account on a server-based platform such as lishogi.
Where can I play rated shogi against other people?
The two best options are lishogi.org, a free open-source platform with rated games, tournaments, and analysis, and 81dojo.com, a long-running international server popular with stronger players. Both are free and both match you against live human opponents. This site is for instant practice without an account.
Is playing the computer good practice for online games?
Yes, especially early on. Against the computer you can undo mistakes, ask for hints, and get an explanation whenever you attempt an illegal move, none of which a human opponent will offer. Once you can beat medium difficulty comfortably, you are ready for casual games on a server.
Does this shogi board work on a phone?
Yes. The board fits phone screens from 375 pixels wide, works with taps or drag-and-drop, and the controls stack below the board. Your game saves to the browser after every move, so you can close the tab on the train and pick the game up later.