How to play shigo is the first thing members need to grasp when participating in betting. This is a game that requires a lot of intelligence and sharpness from the participants. Besides, it is necessary to apply tactics to defeat opponents and bring back victory. Let’s learn the basic rules and playing experience of this game in detail with Hello88 right below.
Understanding the game of Shigo
How to play shigo is quite easy to understand for those who study it carefully and truly want to experience it. This is a traditional game from Japan. In Vietnam, people often refer to it generally as Japanese chess, which attracts a large number of interested players. The main objective in the game is to capture the opponent’s king to win.
At Hello88 , Shigo combines elements of Xiangqi and chess played in Vietnam. Therefore, for those who love either of these games, this is the perfect choice. However, there are still differences that make it unique and engaging for participants. This is clearly reflected in the gameplay and how the game operates.

Shigo originates from Japan
Basic Shigo chess set
To know how to play shigo, you need to know what the game set includes. This is the first important factor that members must understand clearly.
Chessboard
In how to play shigo, the board is 9×9, meaning a total of 81 squares of the same color. The first three squares on your side are called the home zone, and the first three squares on the opponent’s side are called the enemy zone. The three middle squares form the battle line between the two sides.
Movement and pieces
According to how to play shigo, each side has a total of 20 different pieces. These include: 1 king, 1 bishop, 1 rook, 2 knights, 2 silver generals, 2 gold generals, 9 pawns, 2 chariots. The Chinese characters on the pieces clearly indicate their names and ranks. Therefore, before participating, members need to memorize the face of each piece.
Each piece usually has a completely different way of moving:
- King: Can move and capture one square in all directions.
- Gold general: Can move to all squares and one step forward, cannot move two squares diagonally backward.
- Silver general: Moves diagonally one square in four directions, and can advance one square forward.
- Bishop: Can move any number of squares, moving diagonally across the board as long as it is not blocked by other pieces.
- Rook: Moves horizontally or vertically any number of squares as long as it is not blocked.
- Knight: In how to play shigo, the knight moves in an L-shape but can only advance forward. Additionally, it can jump over other pieces.
- Chariot: Moves only vertically forward. It has a movement range similar to the gold general.
- Pawn: Moves straight forward one square at a time. After promotion, it can move within the range of a gold general.
Chess arrangement
According to how to play shigo, each side has 20 pieces arranged as follows:
- Last row: The king is placed in the center, all pieces are arranged symmetrically. From outside to inside: Chariot, Knight, Silver general, and finally the Gold general.
- Second row: There are 2 pieces in this row, the rook on the member’s right side and the knight on the left side.
- Third row: A total of 9 pawns are arranged in a straight line together.
Shigo chess set components
How to play shigo basics
To participate in this game, customers need to know the most basic rules. From there, they can determine their moves and not violate the established regulations.
Arranging the game board
Each side will have a total of 20 pieces arranged in the correct order as shared. These pieces will have their black side facing up, with the pointed end facing the opponent. The two sides are distinguished as black and white. This is only used to indicate each team, not to differentiate the color of the game pieces.
How to play shigo in the early stage
When starting, the black pieces have the right to move first. Then it’s the white pieces’ turn, and then they alternate. All moves must follow the rules to avoid violating regulations. If a move is incorrect, another move must be made that is most suitable.
Capturing pieces rule
All players must adhere to the how to play shigo movement rules for each piece. If the final square moved to contains an opponent’s piece, it is captured. At this point, the opponent loses that piece, but the game continues as usual.
Dropping pieces rule
How to play shigo with the dropping pieces rule is quite special because it exists only in this game:
- Dropped pieces cannot be promoted or capture opponent’s pieces.
- Dropped pieces must move according to valid steps in subsequent turns. Therefore, bishops, knights, or pawns cannot be dropped on the furthest rank. Specifically, knights cannot be placed on rank 8.
- Pawns have the most special dropping rule because they cannot be on the same file as another unpromoted pawn. If there are 5 unpromoted pawns on all files, no more pawns can be dropped.

How to play shigo according to Hello88 regulations
Experience playing Shigo
Besides learning the basic how to play shigo, members should also refer to the experience. This helps members determine their playstyle and take full advantage of opportunities to win.
Move the king to build a castle
This is a how to play shigo strategy of positioning all your pieces defensively to protect the king. This tactic is extremely important and should be fully utilized during play. Do not leave the king in its starting position for too long, as it is easily checkmated.
Move the rook
In how to play shigo, the rook is the most flexible piece. Therefore, this piece can make many moves, so do not place it near the king. If the opponent attacks with a check, you will be forced to sacrifice the rook to save the king. At this point, members lose a crucial piece, reducing their chances of winning.
Clear the path for the bishop
Bishops often get stuck on the second rank, making it difficult to move. Therefore, at the beginning, clear the path immediately by moving a pawn one step. However, you must also calculate carefully so that the bishop can gain an advantage on its path.
Participate regularly
Shigo requires sharpness and intelligence from participants. This requires players to spend time getting acquainted and practicing how to play shigo often. Therefore, members should participate regularly to understand the game better and determine their playstyle. Additionally, you can observe opponents to learn the most flexible playing methods.
Conclusion
Through this article, customers have learned the most basic how to play shigo. This is a difficult game that requires players to research thoroughly and practice extensively. Additionally, it’s important to utilize specific strategies to increase your chances of winning and easily defeat opponents. Don’t forget to join Nổ hũ Hello88 for an extremely fun and convenient online experience.