81Dojo (World Online Shogi)

I’ve played on ShogiWars, ShogiQuest, and lishogi (still do). In my opinion, this is the best online shogi experience: large, friendly, and dedicated worldwide community. I hope it will continue to spread the beauty of shogi to others. Just remember, though: no nifu!

This app is DECENT’. You definitely need to know the rules of shogi before playing here, the app has no teaching features itself, but with a fairly large community you can learn quick enough. English speakers are a bit sparse it seems though I have been undeterred. Switching over from playing years of chess I find having pieces in hand excitingly refreshing. The app is strictly for games watching/playing, in conjunction with the web system found online much more can be found to play well google translate is sufficient to navigate the website well enough.

I like 81Dojo for the most part, but the non-Japanese experience is poor for new players. When I try to get friends to download the app and play locally through WiFi we kick each other off. Additionally, on the mobile app there is no way to change the image used for the pieces to an international set, so I cannot teach my friends as easily (this feature exists on the website). Having to create an account on the website to work for mobile feels really bad and confusing. Single player experience playing online is pretty good. Watching others is great. Signing in as guest is great.