Shogi, the Japanese variant of Chess (well, technically chaturanga) is now in public beta!
The goal, like in all chess variants, is to checkmate the king. The biggest difference in Shogi is that captured pieces can be dropped back on the board, making for a lot of interesting strategies and a very dynamic endgame. There are also more advanced promotion rules, making promotion a crucial part of the game.
Played on a 9x9 board with overall weaker pieces compared to Chess or Xiangqi (eg only one rook and bishop per player), Shogi has a very different feel. While Chess players will find value in trying out Shogi, it's also very possible to like this game without being one (it's my case!).
While Shogi is not that well-known game in the western world, it's a popular national sport in Japan with a long history and an active professional scene, going so far as having TV broadcast for some of the 8 major tournaments and other minor ones.
There are also federations in the US and Europe, and a bunch of other countries such as Brazil or Vietnam. Online there's also a community of dedicated players trying to make the game more popular and accessible over the world, with a bunch of English-speaking Youtube channels, Discord servers etc. Make sure to look them up!
This BGA implementation supports beginner-friendly pieces and handicap games, to help you learn the ropes!
Hope to see you across the board!
https://boardgamearena.com/gamepanel?game=shogi