Onitama
Onitama explained: shared movement cards, Master and Student pieces, captures and the two ways to win.
Each player controls a Master and four Students on a five-by-five board, but legal moves come from a rotating set of movement cards.
After using a movement card, pass it to the shared side of the board, where it will later become available to your opponent.
Why We Love It
Onitama makes move availability visible and temporary. Every action changes not only piece position but also the future movement options both players will receive.
About Onitama
Each player controls a Master and four Students on a five-by-five board, but legal moves come from a rotating set of movement cards.
After using a movement card, pass it to the shared side of the board, where it will later become available to your opponent.
Game at a Glance
Choose a Move Card
Your two available cards define legal movement patterns.
Move One Piece
Use the pattern relative to your side of the board.
Pass the Card
The used movement card enters the rotation for your opponent.
Capture or Enter
Win by taking the enemy Master or reaching its temple with yours.
Who Onitama suits
Two players who want a short perfect-information duel with more tactical variety than a fixed movement system.
Rules overview
On your turn, choose one of your two movement cards and move one piece according to its pattern. Capturing occurs by landing on an opposing piece. After moving, exchange the used card with the waiting card at the side of the board. Win by capturing the opposing Master or moving your Master onto the opponent’s temple space.
Key decisions
Editorial analysis: Before making a strong move, inspect the movement card you are about to hand over. A tactical gain can be poor if it gives the opponent exactly the pattern needed for a counterattack. Keep the Master mobile without exposing the temple route.
Common questions
Are movement cards private?
No. Both players can see all five cards and know which card will enter the opponent’s hand later.
How many ways can you win?
Capture the opposing Master or move your own Master onto the opponent’s temple space.
Does every game use the same moves?
No. A subset of movement cards is selected for each game, creating different tactical patterns.
Related games
Learn Onitama in depth
Sources and edition notes
Facts checked September 16, 2026. Strategy sections are editorial analysis based on the identified rules rather than measured win-rate claims.