Let's Catch the Lion!

AURUM, Inc., Benesse, Egmont Polska · Board game · 2008
2 · best 2 15 min Weight 1.7/5
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Buy
rating Ludopedia
6.6 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Chess or abstract game fans will adore this animal-themed mini-Shogi. Pure strategy in 15 minutes!

Highlights
  • Ultra portable and fast
  • Great for teaching kids strategy
  • Simple yet deep rules
Keep in mind
  • Tiny board may feel cramped
  • Only for 2 players
RECOMMENDED
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About the game
Let's Catch the Lion! (a.k.a. Dōbutsu Shōgi, meaning 'animal shogi') is a super simplified version of Shogi, Japanese chess. Each player controls just four pieces — a chick, giraffe, elephant, and the lion — aiming to either capture the opponent's lion or move their own lion to the opposite side of the tiny 3x4 board. Designed to introduce kids to Shogi, it’s also a blast for adults as a quick 15-minute brain teaser. Pieces mimic Western chess but with limits: the giraffe moves like a rook (one square at a time), the elephant like a bishop (also one step), and the chick advances like a pawn. The lion? It’s the kingpin and can even win by reaching the far side — if it avoids check! Plus, a cool twist: captured pieces can be dropped back into play (like traditional Shogi), but here, you can even stack two chicks in a column. Perfect for a portable, quirky, and fast-paced strategy fix.
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Rules videos

In English

BEST PLAYER COUNT
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Game details

Families

Category: Combinatorial Components: 3 x 4 Grids Components: Wooden pieces & boards Containers: Zippered Pouch Crowdfunding: nestorbooster Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Digital Implementations: Pychess Players: Two-Player Only Games Traditional Games: Chess Traditional Games: Shogi
Publisher AURUM, Inc., Benesse, Egmont Polska, EiSystem, Gentosha Education, Ginbis, Japon Brand, LPSA, Magpie (Korean Co), MARUKAWA CONFECTIONERY CO., LTD., MINDOK, Nekomado, nestorgames, pieco design, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., Wanted Games
Designer Madoka Kitao
Artist Maciej Szymanowicz, Maiko Fujita, Silvia Romeral Andrés
Community
1,036 owners
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0 played
1,036 interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum recommended age?
5+, but younger kids might need help with piece movements.
Can I play it online?
Yep! It’s on Board Game Arena and Pychess.
How long does a game last?
Around 15 minutes — perfect for a quick break.
Do I need to know Shogi to enjoy it?
Nope! Rules are dead simple, and it teaches the basics.
Does it come with a carrying pouch?
Yes, the original includes a handy zippered pouch.