3D Shogi is played within a 9x9x3 array of cells. Each player begins the game with a force of forty-eight men: twenty-seven Pawn, four Lance, four Knight, two Rook, two Bishop, four Silver, four Gold and a King.
 
Pieces may promote when moving within or from the far three ranks of each level.
Pawns and Lances must promote on the last rank.
 
Captured pieces become part of the captor's force, and may be re-introduced at any other turn. Such may be to any vacant cell on the playing field, with the following restrictions:
-Pawns may not be placed on the same file with another friendly Pawn.
-Pawns may not be placed on a cell which results in the immediate mate of the opponent King.
-Pawns, Knights and Lances may not be placed on cells which do not allow for a future move.
 
Movement of un-promoted pieces:
The PAWN steps one forward orthogonal. It promotes to TOKIN.
The LANCE slides forward orthogonal. Upon promotion, it assumes the power of GOLD.
The KNIGHT leaps one forward othogonal then either one forward diagonal or forward triagonal. Upon promotion, it assumes the power of GOLD.
The ROOK slides orthogonal. It promotes to DRAGON.
The BISHOP slides diagonal. It promotes to HORSE.
The SILVER steps one diagonal on the level, triagonal or forward orthogonal. Upon promotion, it assumes the power of GOLD.
The GOLD steps one orthogonal, forward diagonal, side diagonal and forward triagonal.
The KING steps one orthogonal, diagonal or triagonal.
 
Movement of promoted piece:
The TOKIN steps orthogonal, forward diagonal, side diagonal and forward triagonal.
The DRAGON steps diagonal or slides orthogonal.
The HORSE steps orthogonal or slides diagonal.
 
The game is won by checkmating the opponent King.