Shogi strategy and tactics

Even Game Initial Position 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

Shogi, like western chess, can be divided into the opening, middle game and endgame, each requiring a different strategy. The opening consists of arranging one's defenses and positioning for attack, the middle game consists of attempting to break through the opposing defenses while maintaining one's own, and the endgame starts when one side's defenses have been compromised.

Tactics

The basic tactics (手筋 tesuji) of shogi are similar to those of chess tactics, involving forks, pins, removing the defender and other techniques, all of which are considered very strong when used effectively. Other tactics, particularly ones involving dropped pieces, have no parallel in western chess.

Fork

Fork by Black's Knight   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲

Fork by Black's Silver   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲

Fork by Black's Gold   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲

Fork by Black's Bishop   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲

Fork by Black's Rook   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲

A fork (両取り ryōtori) is a move that uses one piece to attack two or more of the opponent's pieces simultaneously, with the aim to achieve material advantage, since the opponent can counter only one of the threats. (Cf. forks in western chess.)

Some forks have specific names in Japanese. A silver forking two pieces from behind is 割り打ちの銀 wariuchi gin "silver stabbing-in-the-back". A fork between a king and a rook is 王手飛車 (ōtebisha).

Pin

Bishop Pinning Pawn Protecting Rook   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲

A pin is when a defending piece that is attacked by a ranging piece cannot move without without exposing a more valuable piece behind it. (Cf. pins in western chess.) In shogi, only lances, rooks (or dragons), and bishops (or horses) can pin an opponent's piece. In the example, the Black's pawn at 3g is pinned by White's bishop because if the pawn were to advance to 3f then Black's rook would be captured by the bishop.

Dangling pawn

Pawn in Hand   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩

Threat of Promotion   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. P*9b ...

Threat of Promotion Realized   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. P*9b ... ii. P-9a+ ...

A dangling pawn or hanging pawn, (垂れ歩 tarefu) is a pawn that is dropped in a position in which it can promote (to a と tokin) in the player's next move.

Although dropping a dangling pawn may not be an immediate threat to an opponent, the later threat of promotion can be a greater danger. For example, in the diagrams below, Black is attempting to break through White's camp along the second file at 2c with a dropped pawn supported by a rook on 2h. If Black drops the pawn on 2c, White can retreat their bishop to 3a and since the pawn can only attack forward it does not threaten Black's gold on 3c. In subsequent moves, Black cannot win the piece exchanges by promoting the pawn on the b rank (P-2b+) because White can start the attack and there are an equal number of pieces (gold and bishop vs pawn and rook). In contrast, if Black drops a dangling pawn to 2d and White does nothing to prepare, when the pawn promotes at 2c both White's gold and bishop will be attacked by the tokin.

Pawn Drop   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. P*2c   ...

White's Response to P*2c   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. ...   B-3a

Dangling Pawn Drop   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. P*2d   ...

Dangling Pawn Promoted   △ 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. P*2d   ... ii. P-2c+   ...

Joining pawns

Pawn Attack on 2c   △ ▲ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩   START

Joining Pawn Drop   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. ...   Gx2c ii. P*2d   ...

Gold Floating   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   ii. ...   Gx2d

Joining pawns (継ぎ歩 tsugifu) is a tactic in which a pawn or a sequence of pawns are sacrificially dropped on the same file at the head of an opponent's piece where each drop location is one square away from the opponent's side.

This is often done in order to lure an opponent's piece to a different area of the board to allow for capture or counterattack.

Piece exchange and turn loss

Black's Turn To Play   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   START

Bishops in hand, Black's Turn Loss   △ Pieces-in-hand: 角 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 角   i. Bx2b   Sx2b

When two pieces (usually identical) are captured by each side at the same coordinates, it is referred to as an exchange. (Cf. exchanges in western chess.) Since captured pieces are never removed from play, a piece exchange has the effect of putting the exchanged pieces in hand and a turn sacrifice for the player who initiated the exchange.

For example, in the diagrams to the right, Black has decided to capture White's bishop on 2b with their bishop on the seventh file (Bx2b). White responds by capturing Black's bishop with White's silver (Sx2b). In comparing the start and end board positions of this bishop exchange, one can see that this is as if Black and White both removed each of their bishops from the board and put them each in hand and then Black skipped their turn allowing White to advance their silver to 2b. For this reason, equal piece exchanges must weigh the pros and cons of losing a turn and gaining a piece in hand (all else being equal).

Generals

Function and mobility

Golds are usually used to defend whereas silvers are used to attack.

Dancing Pawns

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩歩   START

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩歩   i. P-2c+   ...

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩歩   i. ...   Gx2c

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩   ii. P*2d   ...

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩   ii. ...   G-1c

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩   iii. P*1d   ...

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩   iii. ...   G-1b

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 歩   iv. P-2c+   ...

Dancing Pawns   △ Pieces-in-hand: 歩歩 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   iv. ...   Gx2c v. P*2d

Dancing Pawns (ダンスの歩 dansu no fu) is a pawn drop tactic that exploits the limited piece movement of the gold.

Mating with gold

Gold in Hand   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 金

Head-Gold Checkmate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. G*5b

Gold in Hand   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 金

Buttocks-Gold Checkmate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. G*9b

Gold in Hand   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: 金

Stomach-Gold Checkmate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. G*2a

A common move in the endgame is to checkmate an opponent's king with gold drop when the position that the gold is dropped to is also defended by another piece.

Japanese has three terms for this depending on the position of the gold in relation to the king. A gold dropped directly in front of the king is 頭金 atamakin ("head-gold"). 尻金 shirikin ("buttocks-gold") is gold position directly behind the king, and 腹金 harakin ("stomach-gold") is a gold placed on the side of the king.

Since many pieces (pawn, lance, knight, silver) can all promote to gold-like piece, checkmate by a gold is usual.

Because of the relative ease of mating with a gold compared to other pieces, it is often advantageous to keep an gold in hand during the endgame so that a mate with a dropped gold can be executed.

Mating and promotion

Silver Threatening Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none

Promoted Silver Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. S-5b+

Unpromoted Silver: No Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. S-5b=

Since mate by gold is a fundamental checkmate tactic in shogi, it is common for pieces to promote into a gold to deliver checkmate.

For instance, a silver defended by a pawn can mate at the head of a king but only if the silver promotes to a gold as with S-5b+. An unpromoted silver here (S-5b=) cannot not attack the side squares (6b, 4b) leaving two escape routes for the king.

Knight Threatening Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none

Promoted Knight Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. N-2c+

As another example, a knight may mate a king if promoted to a gold as well (as shown in the diagrams to the right). If the knight didn't promote here, then there would be no checkmate.

Knight Threatening Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none

Unpromoted Knight Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. N-7c=

Promoted Knight: No Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. N-7c+

In other situations, staying unpromoted can lead to a mate while promoting does not result in mate. In the example, if the knight on 8e moves to 7c and does not promote, it attacks the king and delivers checkmate (since the horse is also attacking the b rank squares in front of the king). However, if the knight moved to 7c and promoted to the gold-like narikeima, then the promoted knight isn't attacking the king leaving White a chance to counterattack to avoid checkmate.

Silver Threatening Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none

Unpromoted Silver Mate   △ Pieces-in-hand: none 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

▲ Pieces-in-hand: none   i. S-8c=

The same is true with the silver example to the right. If the silver promoted at 8c, then it would not be checkmate since a gold-like promoted silver cannot attack backwards diagonally.

Castles

Main article: Castle (shogi)

Gold Yagura 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

Mino 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

Ranging Rook Anaguma 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

In shogi, strong defensive fortifications protecting the king are known as castles. There are many types of castles and variations which can be used, but it is essential to understand which ones are useful in the current situation and how to compensate for its weak points. Three commonly used castles are listed below.

The Yagura castle is considered by many to be the strongest defensive position in shogi. A common Yagura structure is the Gold Yagura. It has a strongly protected king; a well-fortified line of pawns; and the bishop, rook, and a pawn all support a later attack by the rook's silver or knight. It is notoriously difficult to break down with a frontal assault, though it is weaker from the side. It is typically used against Static Rook openings that involve advancing the rook's pawn. However, one's opponent may just as easily adopt this defense, giving neither side an advantage.

A defensive position that is considered easier for beginners, but still popular with professionals, is the Mino castle. The King is placed in a safe position, while the three generals work well to back each other up. This is often used when a player chooses a Ranging Rook opening rather than the Static Rook opening.

A third defense often used in professional shogi is the Anaguma castle, commonly called the "bear in the hole" castle in English. A player utilizing the Ranging Rook strategy uses a Ranging Rook Anaguma on the right side. The end result will place the king in the corner square where the lance started, defended by two gold generals and one silver. This way, the King cannot be easily checked by a knight or a ranging piece.

Opening

Main article: Shogi opening

The opening of shogi is generally slower than that of chess, due to the larger board and less mobile pieces. But since a quick offense will leave a player's home territory open to drop attacks as soon as pieces are exchanged, the aim of the opening is to build up defenses for the king, typically by moving the king to the side in a castle with three generals. Leaving a king on its original square (居玉 igyoku or "sitting king") is a particularly dangerous position.

Bishop opening 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

1. P-7f   ...

Rook opening 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 81 71 61 51 41 31 21 11 a 92 82 72 62 52 42 32 22 12 b 93 83 73 63 53 43 33 23 13 c 94 84 74 64 54 44 34 24 14 d 95 85 75 65 55 45 35 25 15 e 96 86 76 66 56 46 36 26 16 f 97 87 77 67 57 47 37 27 17 g 98 88 78 68 58 48 38 28 18 h 99 89 79 69 59 49 39 29 19 i

1. P-2f   ...

Both players can move the rook pawn forward (P-2f), or, more commonly, advance the pawn above and to the right of the bishop (P-7f). The former is known as a rook opening and the latter a bishop opening.

With a bishop opening, it's common to exchange bishops by having one capture the other. This allows each player to put their newly captured bishop into play anywhere on the board, although care must be taken to avoid weaknesses in defense which may allow for a bishop drop. However, it is not advantageous to exchange bishops if your opponent has a better defensive setup, or more lines of attack. Moreover, making a bishop exchange constitutes one turn loss, so it's not advised without a good reason.

Many common opening attacks involve advancing a silver and ideally pawns, protected by other pieces. Because silvers have more possibilities for retreat, while golds better defend their sides, silvers are generally considered superior as attacking pieces, and golds superior as defensive pieces. It is common practice to defend the king with three generals, two golds and a silver.

Because defense is so important, and because shogi pieces are relatively slow movers, the opening game tends to be much longer in shogi than in international chess, commonly with a dozen or more moves to shore up defenses before the initial attack is made.

Over many decades, Japanese professional players have all invented various jōseki, which determine moves and sequences which are thought to be the best for a particular situation. It also covers a branch of different variations within an intricate strategy, including alternative options and the certain consequences that some moves may bring.

Openings are also classified as Static Rook openings, where the offense is supported by the rook in its original position, and Ranging Rook openings, where the rook moves to the center or left of the board to support an attack there, typically with the idea of allowing the opponent to attack while arranging a better defense and aiming for a counterattack. However, as the most powerful piece on the board, the rook invites attack, and in most cases, especially for weaker players, it is a good idea to keep the king well away from the rook. Relatedly, the static vs ranging classification corresponds to castle development: static rook positions tend to have castles on the left side of the board while ranging rook positions tend to have castles on the right side.

Middle game

Professional shogi players tend to evaluate the flow of the game, that is, the sequence of moves leading to the current position and its likely development, much more than chess players.

Because pawns attack head on, and cannot defend each other, they tend to be lost early in the game, providing ammunition for such attacks. Dropping a pawn behind enemy lines, promoting it to a tokin (gold general), and dropping a second pawn immediately behind the tokin so that they protect each other makes a strong attack; it threatens the opponent's entire defense, but provides little value to the opponent if the attack fails and the pieces are captured.

Players raised on international chess often make poor use of drops, but dropping is half the game. If a player has more than a couple of captured pieces in hand, it is likely that dropping attacks are being overlooked. However, it is wise to keep a pawn in hand, and often to exchange pieces if necessary to get one. Compared with international chess players, shogi players are more likely to sacrifice pieces, even powerful ones, if the resulting capture can be dropped back into play for a specific purpose.

Attacking pieces can easily become trapped behind enemy lines, as the opponent can often drop a pawn on a protected square to cut off the line of retreat. For this reason, rooks, which can retreat in only one direction, are commonly kept at a safe distance in the early parts of the game, and used to support attacks by weaker pieces. However, once the game has opened up, a promoted rook is an especially deadly piece behind enemy lines.

Advancing a lance pawn can open up the side of the board for attack. Therefore, when a player first advances a lance pawn, it is common, though not obligatory, for the opponent to answer by advancing the opposing pawn, in order to avoid complications later in the game. It also allows the king to escape if attacked from the side.

End game

The collapse of one side's defense marks the beginning of the end game. Once a player has broken through the enemy lines, the opponent's king can be easily trapped by its own pieces. A common last-ditch defensive tactic is to open the pawn line to allow the king to escape. Kings are more difficult to checkmate in the open, especially if the opponent does not have many ranged pieces in play.

In the endgame, it comes down to a race over who can checkmate the opponent first. A tactic known as speed counting plays an important role in the endgame. By counting the number of moves until checkmate (assuming the opponent doesn't get to move) for both Black and White, this will help to influence decisions on whether to attack or defend. A simple mistake can change the flow of the game drastically. Among this, there are many other delicate factors to look out for within the endgame, including sacrificial attacks and traps.

A player's endgame play is strengthened by training on tsumeshogi.

Bibliography

• : Many shogi games (professional, online, AI) put into a decision tree structure with user-generated commentary and references and some opening classifications.

External links

• Shogi Openings · Strategy blog by 6-dan professional, Akira Nishio.
• Quest of the Lost Systems · Partial translation of 消えた戦法の謎 kieta Senpō no nazo by Kiyokazu Katsumata.
• How to Defend in Shogi · Partial translation of 将棋の受け方 shōgi no ukekata by Yasuharu Ōyama.
• Lightning Speed Endgame Technique · Translation of 光速の終盤術 kōsoku no shūbanjutsu by lifetime Meijin, Koji Tanigawa.
• 戦法図鑑 (zenpozukan) · List of animated opening diagrams. (Japanese)
• 将棋の棋譜でーたべーす (shogi no kifu dētabēsu) · A database with full game records of professionals grouped into 16 opening classifications: http://kifdatabase.no-ip.org/shogi/index.php?lan=en&page=senkei_index (Japanese) (Wikipedia globally disallows linking to .no-ip URLs)
• Ricoh Shogi Club