Learn › Unit 6

First strategy 序盤の考え方

Opening principles, static versus ranging rook, the three great castles, and basic tesuji.

1. Opening principles

   Open the bishop, advance the rook pawn, build a castle before you attack, and don't hand your opponent pieces for nothing.

2. Static rook or ranging rook

   The first big decision of every game — keep the rook at home (ibisha) or swing it across the board (furibisha).

3. Castles — Mino, Yagura and Anaguma

   The three great families of shogi castles, what each is good at, and which openings they go with.

4. Basic tesuji — forks, pawn taps and joined pieces

   Three tactical ideas you'll use in every game — the knight fork, the tapping pawn, and keeping your pieces connected.

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