SHŌBU

About this board game

SHŌBU is a two-player abstract strategy game played in about 30 minutes, combining beautifully crafted components with a distinctive push-and-position system.

The game includes four square wooden boards—two of each color—along with 16 natural river stones for each player, in two colors. A rope divides the play area in half, creating a striking presentation for this focused head-to-head contest.

Each turn has two parts. First, you may make a passive move, shifting one of your stones up to two spaces in any direction, including diagonally. This move sets up the more aggressive action that follows.

For the second move, you must move one of your stones the same number of spaces in the same direction as your passive move. This aggressive move is used to push stones across the board—or push them off its edge.

• Play with two players.
• Move stones in any direction, including diagonally.
• Use a passive move to prepare a matching aggressive move.
• Push opposing stones across or off the boards.
• Win by removing all four of your opponent’s stones from one board.

Victory depends on seeing how one move can create the conditions for the next. The requirement to match direction and distance gives each turn a clear structure while leaving room for careful positioning and forceful attacks.

SHŌBU evokes the feeling of GO or CHESS while offering its own unique challenge. It feels immediately familiar yet remains wholly distinct and engaging, making every push across the four boards matter.