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Play King's Valley OnlineRace to the center!

About King's Valley

King's Valley is a fast, tactical race game on a 5×5 board. You win by moving your king to the center valley square or by leaving your opponent with no legal moves.

With no captures, every move is about positioning. Your guards are both shields and roadblocks, and tempo often matters more than material.

Play King's Valley vs AI

Play King's Valley online against the computer to practice tempo and blocking patterns.

Try to create a clear lane for your king while using guards to deny the central file and force awkward detours for your opponent.

Play King's Valley vs AI
King's Valley rules illustration

How to play King's Valley

All pieces move like chess queens and cannot jump. There is no capturing, so you win by reaching the valley square with your king.

Guards cannot enter the valley square. If your opponent has no legal moves on their turn, you also win.

Improve by learning strategy

King's Valley strategy is about controlling the lanes that lead to the center. Use guards to restrict space while keeping your own king's route flexible.

Count tempo. If you are behind in the race, switch plans and aim for stalemate traps by freezing key squares.

King's Valley strategy diagram

Frequently Asked Questions

King's Valley (王と王/Ouou Shougi) is a Japanese abstract strategy game. It's part of the family of 'race' games where players compete to reach a goal rather than capture pieces. The game became popular internationally through abstract game communities.

Learn, Play, and Have Fun!

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