Space shogi is a three-dimensional shogi variant invented by George R. Dekle Sr. in 1987.^[1][2] The gamespace comprises nine 9×9 shogi boards stacked vertically. Each player controls a standard set of shogi pieces.

Space shogi was included in World Game Review No. 10 edited by Michael Keller.^[3]

Space shogi follows standard shogi conventions, including the same types and numbers of pieces, and a similar initial setup. All the normal shogi rules apply, including drops, promotion, check, checkmate, and impasse. Space shogi, however, gives the pieces freedom of three-dimensional movement.

Black starts the game occupying levels 1 through 3; White starts on levels 9 through 7.

Black's level 1 (and White's level 9, rank a) starting setup. Unlike standard shogi, the silver is placed between the lance and the knight (8i and 2i in the diagram).

Black's level 2 (and White's level 8, rank b) starting setup. The bishop and rook occupy the same positions as in standard shogi.

Black's level 3 (and White's level 7, rank c) starting setup. The pawns fill the same rank as in standard shogi.

• Three-dimensional chess
• Also by George Dekle:
  • Hexshogi – a variant with hexagonal cells
  • Trishogi – a variant with triangular cells
  • Masonic shogi – a variant with standard cells but staggered ranks

Bibliography

• Pritchard, D. B. (1994). The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants. Games & Puzzles Publications. ISBN 0-9524142-0-1.
• Pritchard, D. B. (2007). Beasley, John (ed.). The Classified Encyclopedia of Chess Variants. John Beasley. ISBN 978-0-9555168-0-1.