How to Play King's Valley: Learn the Rules
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.
How to Play King's Valley: Learn the Rules
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 soldiers. Your pieces start on your home row: the king in the center with two soldiers on each side. The center square of the board is the valley. That is the goal.
Gameplay
On your turn you move one piece, either the king or a soldier. Every piece slides in a straight line, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and always travels as far as it can: it stops only at the board edge or just before another piece. You cannot stop part way, and there is no capturing. The very first move of the game must be a soldier. Passing is not allowed.
Winning
Move your king to the center valley square to win instantly. You also win if your opponent has no legal moves. Note: soldiers may slide across the valley but can never stop on it; only the king can rest there to win.
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 soldiers. Your pieces start on your home row: the king in the center with two soldiers on each side. The center square of the board is the valley. That is the goal.
Gameplay
On your turn you move one piece, either the king or a soldier. Every piece slides in a straight line, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, and always travels as far as it can: it stops only at the board edge or just before another piece. You cannot stop part way, and there is no capturing. The very first move of the game must be a soldier. Passing is not allowed.
Winning
Move your king to the center valley square to win instantly. You also win if your opponent has no legal moves. Note: soldiers may slide across the valley but can never stop on it; only the king can rest there to win.
Learn, Play, and Have Fun!
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