How to Play Amazons

The Game of the Amazons, invented by Walter Zamkauskas in 1988, is a territory game with chess movement: your pieces never die, but the board does.

The rules

The board is 10×10. Each side has four amazons; White's start on a4, d1, g1 and j4, Black's on a7, d10, g10 and j7. White moves first.
On your turn, move one amazon like a chess queen: any distance in a straight line or diagonal, not jumping over or landing on anything.
From its new square the amazon shoots an arrow, again like a queen. The square the arrow lands on is burnt and blocked for the rest of the game. You must shoot.
Amazons, arrows and the board edge block both moves and arrows. Nothing is captured.
The first player who cannot complete a move on their turn loses.

Playing on kawu

Tap an amazon, then its destination, then the square to burn; dots mark legal destinations and dashed diamonds legal arrow squares. The line under the board counts the squares each side can currently reach. Hint shows the hard computer's move. Play either colour against three levels, or two players on one device. Undo is allowed.

Next: Amazons strategy.

Frequently asked questions

Can the arrow land on the square the amazon just left?

Yes. The amazon has moved away, so its old square is empty and can be burnt like any other square in line.

Are pieces ever captured?

No. Amazons and arrows only block. A game is won by having moves left when the opponent has none.

Last updated 2026-10-21