Jungle Chess
Animal chess: climb the food chain to win.
↑ This is Jungle Chess running right here in your browser — no download needed.
About the game
Jungle, or Dou Shou Qi, is a Chinese animal-strategy game on a board with rivers and dens. Move your eight animals by the food-chain rule to capture the enemy flag.
How to play
Each piece can capture an equal or weaker animal, except the rat and elephant have a special relationship. Leap your lion or tiger across the river, but beware the rat. Reach and capture the opponent's den to win.
Tips & strategy
['The rat is the only piece that enters the river.', 'Protect your den with a strong piece nearby.', "Use the lion and tiger's river leap to surprise."]
Advanced guide
Jungle rewards careful piece management. Anchor a strong animal near your den for defense, and use the lion or tiger's river leap to strike where your opponent least expects. Remember the rat's unique role: it alone swims and it alone can topple the elephant.
History & origins
Dou Shou Qi is a traditional Chinese board game dating back over a century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't the elephant capture the rat?
The rat can capture the elephant, but not vice versa.
Can the rat block a river leap?
Yes - if a rat sits in the river, lions and tigers cannot leap over it.
How do I win?
Capture the opponent's den, or eliminate all their movable pieces.
Which animal is strongest?
Elephant is highest, then lion, tiger, leopard, wolf, dog, cat, rat.
Can pieces cross the river?
Only the rat swims; lions and tigers may leap if the path is clear.
What is the den?
Each side has a den; entering the enemy den wins the game.
Where can I play Jungle Chess for free?
Right on this page — Jungle Chess is embedded above, free, legal, and with no download or sign-up. Play with your keyboard on desktop or touch controls on mobile. Your best score is saved in your browser, so it's still there next time. Every game here is original or open-source, with links that stay valid.