Maka daidai shōgi ('ultra-huge chess') is a large board variant of shogi (Japanese chess). The game dates back to the 15th century and is based on dai dai shogi and the earlier dai shogi. The three Edo-era sources are not congruent in their descriptions of the pieces not found in smaller games. Apart from its size and number of pieces, the major difference from these smaller games is the promotion by capture rule. Maka Dai Dai Shogi is played on a board of 19 19 spaces and each player has 96 pieces (including 19 pawns). The fabulous "hook moving" pieces of Dai Dai Shogi are also present in Maka Dai Dai Shogi, but together with many of the other powerful pieces, they start directly behind the Pawns making for a more dynamic opening game.

We may earn a small commission when you buy through these links.