How to Play Raichu
A step-by-step beginner guide to the chess-inspired abstract strategy game.
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Up the Board
Raichu is played on a standard 8×8 board. Each player starts with eight pieces: four Pikachus on alternating squares of their first row, and four Pichus on alternating squares of their second row. The four center rows are empty. White occupies rows 1–2 (top), Black occupies rows 7–8 (bottom).
Learn Your Three Piece Types
- Pichu: moves one square diagonally forward. Captures by jumping over an adjacent enemy Pichu, landing on the empty square beyond. Can only capture other Pichus.
- Pikachu: moves 1 or 2 squares forward, left, or right (no diagonal, no backward). Captures Pichus and other Pikachus by jumping over them.
- Raichu: moves any number of squares in any of the 8 directions. Captures any piece by jumping over it and can land anywhere along the line beyond it. Earned through promotion.
White Moves First
White always takes the first turn. Players alternate turns. On each turn you move exactly one piece: either a quiet move to an empty square or a capture.
Captures Are Optional
Unlike checkers, captures are not mandatory. You may always choose any legal move on your turn. There is no chain capturing, one capture per move.
Promote to Raichu
When a Pichu or Pikachu reaches the opponent's back row (row 8 for White, row 1 for Black), it immediately promotes to a Raichu. Promotion is automatic at the end of the move.
Win by Capturing Everything
The game ends when one player has no pieces remaining. Capture every enemy piece to win. There are no draws in Raichu.
First-Move Advice
Pichus control center diagonals. Early Pichu development creates capture threats and opens lanes for Pikachus.
Pikachus cover ranks and files. Getting them into active positions early puts tactical pressure on the opponent.
Pikachus are your main attacking pieces before promotion. Losing one early without compensation is costly.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Forgetting Pichu can only capture Pichus. A Pichu adjacent to an enemy Pikachu cannot capture it. it can only threaten Pichus.
- Ignoring promotion threats. A Pichu or Pikachu two squares from the back row is a serious threat. Defend or counter immediately.
- Moving Pikachus sideways without a plan. Pikachus can move left and right, but aimless lateral movement wastes tempo.
- Forgetting captures are optional. Sometimes the best move is a quiet development, not an available capture.
- Leaving promoted Raichus unprotected. A Raichu can capture anything, but so can the opponent's Raichus.