Shibumi

About this board game

Shibumi is a minimalist square-pyramidal game system for 1–8 players, with games that can take around 15 minutes to play. Rather than representing one fixed game, it provides a simple set of components for many different games and puzzles.

The system uses a square board with a 4×4 grid of holes and 48 balls: 16 each in white, black, and red. Balls may be stacked only on a 2×2 platform formed by existing balls, creating a compact three-dimensional structure.

Shibumi’s distinctive drop mechanism makes every move matter. If a ball is removed, any balls it supports above it drop down. A ball directly supporting two or more balls on the level above is pinned and cannot be removed; balls that are not pinned are free.

• Ninja: a small, portable edition with a blue foam board, 19mm plastic balls, a cotton bag, and rules for seven games.
• Samurai: a larger edition with an 8mm laser-cut acrylic board, 25mm phenolic resin balls, a white bag, and rules for seven games.
• Shogun: an executive edition with an acrylic box, 25mm phenolic resin balls, a white bag, and a pendrive containing rules for many games.

The phenolic balls in the larger editions are light, perfectly spherical, durable, and designed to stack and drop correctly. With its simple appearance and underlying complexity, Shibumi invites players to explore a broad family of square-pyramidal games.