Chu shogi

Chu shogi, or middle shogi, emerged during the Muromachi period in Japan, serving as a complex expansion of the traditional game. It was developed as a more intricate alternative to standard shogi, featuring a larger board and an array of powerful, specialized pieces, such as the lion, which can move twice in a single turn. This variant was designed for high-level strategic play, reflecting the sophisticated cultural pastimes of the Japanese aristocracy and warrior classes of the era.

The game is characterized by its dramatic scale and the increased mobility of its pieces, which fundamentally alters the pace of the game compared to modern shogi. While it fell into relative obscurity following the rise of the smaller, faster standard shogi, it has been preserved by enthusiasts and historians. The design reflects a tactical philosophy centered on heavy attrition and the management of high-value pieces, requiring a deeper board-reading capacity than its more common counterpart.