How to Play King's Valley
King's Valley is an elegant Japanese abstract strategy game that feels like a distilled essence of chess. On a small 5×5 board, players race to move their king to the center 'valley' square while blocking their opponent from doing the same. With just 5 pieces per player, every move is critical in this fast-paced tactical duel.
Objective
Be the first to move your king to the center square (the 'valley'). Alternatively, you win if your opponent cannot make a legal move on their turn (stalemate).
Setup
The game uses a 5×5 board. Each player has one king and four guards (soldiers). Your pieces start on your home row: the king in the center with two guards on each side. The center square of the board is the valley. That is the goal.
Gameplay
All pieces move like chess queens, any number of squares horizontally or vertically, but they cannot jump over other pieces. On your turn, move one of your pieces. There is no capturing in King's Valley; you simply cannot move through occupied squares.
Winning
Move your king to the center valley square to win instantly. You also win if your opponent has no legal moves. Note: guards cannot occupy the valley; only kings can enter it to win.
Learn, Play, and Have Fun!
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