Go & Shogi Board Thickness: Tabletop 2-Sun vs Legged 5–6 Sun

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The short answer: pick a thickness that fits the form (tabletop or legged)

Decide the form first — tabletop or legged — then choose a thickness suited to it. As a guide, tabletop boards run about two sun, legged boards about five to six. Thickness drives the feel and sound of play, the sense of presence, and the price. Thicker is better on many counts, but heavier and dearer, so choose for your use, not “thicker is always better.”

What “sun” means

Thickness is measured in sun; one sun is about 3.03 cm. So two sun is roughly 6 cm, five sun about 15 cm, six sun about 18 cm. It is the traditional yardstick for board thickness.

What thickness changes

• Feel: a thicker board gives a “sticking” sensation as a stone lands, because there is enough wood beneath for a stable response.
• Sound: thicker boards ring better; a legged board lifted off the floor resonates especially well.
• Presence and price: thicker looks weightier and uses more wood, and good timber is harder to source thick, so price rises.

Tabletop board guide

A tabletop board sits on a table or floor; the guide is about one to two sun. Around two sun gives a satisfying sound and a settled look; around one sun is light and easy to store and move. For casual play at a table and chair, about two sun balances feel and handling.

Legged board guide

A legged board is the traditional form, set on the floor and played from seiza; the guide is about five to six sun. More thickness means more feel, sound, and presence, and the finest boards are thick. But a five-to-six-sun legged board is very heavy, so decide where it will sit in advance.

“Thicker” isn’t always right

A thick board excels in feel, sound, and presence, but isn’t best for everyone. If you want casual tabletop play, an over-thick board is heavy and hard to place. Weigh thickness together with form, wood, and budget — e.g. hold the thickness down and raise the grade of the wood, or vice versa. Decide finally by “does it fit how I’ll use it.”

FAQ

How thick should a tabletop board be?

About one to two sun. Around two sun is a good baseline if you want sound and stability with easy handling.

Why are legged boards usually thick?

More thickness means more feel, sound, and presence, and the legs lift the board so it resonates — the finest boards tend to be thick.