Onitama is an elegant abstract strategy game played on a 5x5 board, where each player commands five pawns – a Master piece and four students. Rather than fixed rules for how pieces move, each player holds two movement cards drawn from a shared pool, with a fifth card waiting on the side to keep the options constantly shifting.

On your turn you choose one of your cards, move a piece according to its pattern, then pass that card to your opponent by swapping it with the spare – creating a rhythm of anticipation as you try to read what move your rival will be forced to make next. Capture the opposing Master, or march your own Master into their starting space, and you win. Simple to teach, but full of depth for players who enjoy pure strategy.

Key details: Publisher: Arcane Wonders | Players: 2 | Recommended age: 8+ | Standalone game: Yes | Condition: New & sealed