How to Defend in Shogi

by Yasuharu Oyama

Introduction
What is defence?
It seems that amateur Shogi players, especially beginners, do not
like defence. Naturally, they are not good at it. Some of them say
that defence is so tedious that they cannot gain pleasure from it.
Certainly, a victory with a strong attack brings you an excitement as
if you knocked out your opponent. On the other hand, while defending,
you are apt to be mercilessly defeated because of just one small
mistake. You may have to yield before giving even one punch. It is
not fun for beginners and that feeling is quite understandable.
However, for all players, especially professional players who are
evaluated by results only, it does not matter whether the game ended
in a great victory or a crushing defeat. What matters, after all, is
that victory is victory and defeat is defeat no matter how the game
went. In order to become strong in Shogi, you must learn to defend
well. Defence is, so to speak, the way to correct your weaknesses.
It is impossible to defeat your opponent while your own position is
full of weaknesses. You don't have to be afraid of your opponent's
attack if your own position is sound. Indeed, you may even welcome a
premature attack. I would like many amateur Shogi players early in
their career to know that it's exciting to win with good defence,
making your opponent run out of breath and give up his strong attack.
That is the reason I decided to share my knowledge about defence in
Shogi.

Basic Formation 1 (Bogin)

 Make a Good Move Better
 Necessary Defence
 A Mistake Leads to Progress
 Cooperation of Rook and Bishop
 Keep Cool and Never Be Controlled by Greed

Make a Good Move Better

There are a few basics to learn about defence. The first thing
you should learn is that simply apologizing or bowing is never
defence. Endure it when you must, but always be alert for the chance
to counterattack. That is real defence. Don't be under your
opponent's thumb. He may presume on such an attitude, and your
timidness will spur him on his attack. Unless you forget the above,
you will learn defensive techniques naturally and gradually. Now let
me begin my lessons with some examples.

In Diagram 1, white is going to attack with the "bogin attack" on

the 8 file.

Diagram 1
After 1. G-5h

Moves from Diagram 1:

1... S-8e
2. P-2d Px2d
3. Rx2d P*2c
4. R-2f ---> (Diagram 2)

At the position of Diagram 1, the most important thing for black

is to have a firm conviction that black's defence with three men,
bishop, gold and silver on the 8 file will never be broken by white's
attack with only 2 men, rook and silver. A vague anxiety about the
opponent's attack may cause black to make a mistake. The aim of
white's S-8e is to capture the pawn at 7f for nothing. If this comes
true, white will easily stand better. However, if black pushes the
pawn to 7e to avoid the attack, then black will be easily defeated
with this variation: 1... S-8e 2. P-7e S-7f 3. B-5i P-3d 4. P-2d Px2d
5. Rx2d P*2c 6. R-2f Bx8h+ 7. Gx8h Sx8g+ (Diagram A). The reason for
this disaster is that black was too fearful of white's attack.

Diagram A
After 7... Sx8g+

If white wants the pawn at 7f, let him have it! Ignore white and
push the pawn to 2d to exchange pawns. This move is better because
black can gain a pawn in hand, which will be used for defence in the
future. White's 3... P*2c is indispensable. If 3... Sx7f,
avariciously capturing the pawn, black plays: 4. P*2c S-7g+ 5. Sx7g.
(Diagram B)
 Diagram B
After 5. Sx7g

Initially white makes a profit, but a bishop will soon be lost,

so that in the end, white loses a silver. Losing a silver at such at
early stage is so devastating that even a strong player could not win
with white. Black's R-2f, defending the pawn at 7f, is a good move.
Black could simply play R-2f without exchanging pawns, but this is not
as profitable because black does not gain a pawn in hand. Always play
a more profitable move, no matter how small it is. That attitude is
the key to victory. Beginners jump at a good move as soon as they
find it, but you should strive to make a good move better. This idea
is needed to gain the advantage. Calm play is always like this.

Necessary Defence

Diagram 2
After 4. R-2f

Moves from Diagram 2:

4... P*8f
5. P-7e ---> (Diagram 3)

White's 4... P*8f is the move he was aiming for. It is a natural

move that utilizes the silver at 8e. If white plays 4... P-7d instead
of 4... P*8f, still aiming to attack the bishop's head, black will
counterattack with this variation: 5. B-5e R-9b 6. N-7g. White's
bogin attack ends in failure. Similarly, 4... P-3d (instead of 4...
P*8f) is also an idea. However, the bogin still fails as white's
silver is ejected with the variation: 5. S-4h K-4a 6. B-2b+ Sx2b 7.
N-7g (Diagram D). Most of the time, you will be defeated if you
falter in the middle of your attack. You must resolve to accomplish
your plan even if you encounter some difficulties. That is why white
must not consider moves other than 4... P*8f.

Diagram D
After 6. N-7g

At first glance, black seems to be in trouble after 4... P*8f.

If black plays 5. Px8f, then 5... Sx8f 6. B-5i P*8g 7. S-7i P-3d
(Diagram E).

Diagram E
After 7... P-3d

At Diagram E, black is obviously worse, because he is confined by

white's pressure. If black ignores white's 4... P*8f and plays 5.
S-4h, white will strongly occupy the 8f point and black runs out of
moves after the variation: 5... Px8g+ 6. Sx8g P*8f. White can neither
capture nor ignore the pawn at 8f. Then did white's bogin attack
result in success? The answer is "no". This is the situation that
demands a counterattacking move for defence and if you find it, you
never have to fear the bogin attack. White attacks with two men, rook
and silver, and black defends with three men, bishop, gold and silver.
Additionally, the rook at 2f is well placed for black's defence.
Naturally it must be quite easy to thwart white's attack by the
cooperation among these pieces. The difficulty is how black lets them
cooperate. Is there a way for that? There is. Activate the rook at
2f horizontally by advancing the endangered pawn at 7f. This is an
example of "killing two birds with one stone".
A Mistake Leads to Progress

Diagram 3
After 5. P-7e

Moves from Diagram 3:

5... Px8g+
6. Sx8g P*8f
7. Sx8f Sx8f
8. Bx8f ---> (Diagram 4)

White's attack with 5... Px8g+ is very energetic. If the pawn at

8f is captured by black, the position will be quite terrible for
white. 6... P*8f is a natural follow-up move. With a move like the
silver at 8e retreats, it cannot be helped but to say that you do not
know anything about victory and defeat. In Shogi, there is a move
that must be played even knowing your men will be lost. Even if you
make a mistake after such a move, that experience will make you a
better player. To exchange bishops and avoid the loss of a pawn by
6... P-3d (instead of 6... P*8f) fares poorly for white because of the
variation: 7. P*8f Bx7g+ 8. Nx7g S-9d 9. S-4h (Diagram F).

Diagram F
After 9. S-4h

A typical fault of beginners is to be fearful of a small apparent

loss. So they avoid it, but at the cost of allowing much greater
damage that is not immediately apparent. They will never make
progress if they continue to play that way.
Black's 7. Sx8f is doubtless the only move to respond to white's
attack. If black, fearing complications, plays 7. S-9h instead, then
white plays 7... S-4b 8. S-4h K-4a (Diagram G).

Diagram G
After 8... K-4a

White's castling will be completed and his occupation of the 8

file will gradually lead to a favorable position for him. The
"peace-at-any-price" principle, in the case of Shogi, is never welcome
and it prevents you from making progress.
After white's 7... Sx8f, black's 8. Rx8f instead of 8. Bx8f may
be considered. However, it is semeai (mutual attack) which will not
be favorable for black after 8... Rx8f 9. Bx8f R*2f 10. R*8b G-7a 11.
R-8e+ (11. S*5b K-4b is to white's advantage) R-2i+ (Diagram H).
Since white has no pawn in hand, 8. Bx8f is better.

Diagram H
After 11... R-2i+

Cooperation of Rook and Bishop

 Diagram 4
After 8. Bx8f

Moves from Diagram 4:

8... P-3d 9. P*8h ---> (Diagram 5)

This is a good time to utilize white's bishop by 8... P-3d.

Cooperation of rook and bishop is, above all, important to succeed in
your attack. Beginners are apt to forget about this cooperation,
although they are worried about the utilization of their rook and
their bishop separately. Such planning does not work effectively. For
instance, instead of 8... P-3d, white can try attacking by 8... S*9e.
However, white will be defeated with this variation: 9. Bx9e Rx8i+ 10.
G-7i +R-8e 11. R-8f +Rx8f 12. Bx8f R*2f 13. R*8e Rx2i+ 14. S*2h
(Diagram I). White's promoted rook is locked on 2i, and black
threatens both Rx8a+ and S*3h. In the above variation, if 10... +R-9i
instead of 10... +R-8e, black plays 11. S*8h +R-9h 12. S*8g (Diagram
J).

Diagram I
After 14. S*2h
 Diagram J
After 12. S*8g

White's promoted rook will be captured. On the other hand, if

white played 11... +Rx9e capturing the bishop, instead of 11... +Rx8f,
black would play 12. Rx8a+ aiming for mutual attack. This is
disadvantageous for white because his castle is weak. I am sure that
after studying this example you understand well that the attack by the
rook alone does not work at all.
Black's 9. P*8h is a strong defence. Pushing the pawn to 6f
carelessly allows the bishop at 8f to be captured for nothing, and 9.
N-7g is dangerous because it blocks the bishop's retreat. Defence
should be as strong as possible. At diagram 5, white's bogin attack
looks like a complete failure.

Keep Cool and Never Be Controlled By Greed

Diagram 5
After 9. P*8h

Moves from Diagram 5:

9... S-4b
10. B-7g Bx7g+
11. Nx7g ---> (Diagram 6)

White has only a silver in hand. Sadly, he has no pawn in hand

so no clever attack by white can be found in this situation.
Furthermore, if black pushes the pawn 10. P7d, white will be
overwhelmed because of black's threats 11. B-5c+ or 11. P-7c+ Nx7c 12.
P*7d. It is quite regrettable for white to give up the attack, but
protecting the 5th file by 9... S-4b is imperative. Forcing the
attack by 9... S*8e in frustration will never be effective because
black defends as follows: 10. B-6h S-7f 11. K-7i (Diagram K), and the
silver at 7f will be captured soon. Most of the time, attacking
prematurely gives an opponent a chance to counterattack, so attacking
should always be started with a proper evaluation of the outcome.

Diagram K
After 11. K-7i

In the above variation, 10. B-7g Bx7g+ 11. Nx7g instead of 10.
B-6h seems better as the knight at 7g is threatening the silver at 8e.
However this defence is not favorable to black, because white will
move the silver to 8f aiming at B*4d or Sx7g+ (Diagram L).

Diagram L
After 11... S-8f

Also in the same variation, if black captures the silver

immediately with 11. Rx7f instead of 11. K-7i, he will be strongly
attacked by 11... Bx8h+. This is a problem for black. In any case,
an inviting move is apt to have a pitfall. It is very important to
make it a habit to cool down and think. Again, don't be overcome with
greed and move without thinking. Instead of white's 9... S-4b, 9...
B-4d in order to evict the rook at 2f and capture the bishop at 8f for
nothing may be considered. However the rook will escape to 3f, and
then to 7f if white attacks the rook again by 10... S*4e. (Diagram M)
White's effort will be wasted entirely. Remember to correct the
weaknesses in your position when no attacking move is found.
 Diagram M
After 11. R-7f

After white's careful defence by 9... S-4b, black's bishop at 8f

is no longer effective. If anything, it has become a cumbersome piece
that will make a good target for white. That is why black moves the
bishop to 7g, offering to exchange bishops. The bishop can work more
effectively in the future if it is in hand. The movements of the
pieces on the board are limited, but the pieces in hand are more
accommodating. If a piece on the board is not working, be alert for
an opportunity to exchange it. Now, at the position after the bishops
were exchanged and black played 11. Nx7g, white has no good attack.
His bogin attack has failed entirely. In other words, black's defence
was very successful. After this, if black aims at attacks such as
B*5e or R-7f, he will gradually lead the game. Black is advantageous
because white has no pawn in hand.

Diagram 6
After 11. Nx7g

Basic Formation 2 (vs Nakabisha)

 A Gauche Move
 What Black Should be Cautious of
  Dodging Defence
 Don't be Too Sly

Breaking an opponent's outpost is another method of effective defence.

In this case, an equal number of defensive pieces must confront the
attacking side. It is not significant if you lose these pieces as
long as the outpost is broken. By breaking the outpost, you regain
your balance to mount a counterattack. Now, I would like to explain
how to do this with an example.

Diagram 1
After ... P*5f

Moves from Diagram 1:

1. P*5g Px5g+
2. S4hx5g P*5f ---> (Diagram 2)

In Diagram 1, white has disclosed his plan of cramping black by

occupying the 5-file with the Nakabisha or Central Rook Opening. If
left alone, he will easily achieve his objective. Black must, at any
cost, eliminate white's outpost on the 5-file.

A Gauche Move
1. P*5g is a courageous move. No one can play without learning it
beforehand. It is like offering your head under a raised fist. Black
will never eliminate white's strong point if he allows 1... P-4e. If
you stand idle, you will be beaten, but if you can break your
opponent's arms, you will never be beaten. 1. P*5g contains this
aggressive spirit, though it's very hard to play without bravery.

1... Px5g+ followed by 2... P*5f is the natural way to maintain the
forward base.

To strengthen his offensive, white can also consider 1... P-4e.

This is ineffective, however, after 2. Px5f Sx5f 3. P-6f P*5g 4.
S4hx5g Sx5g+ 5. Sx5g (Diagram A). White is out of pawns and black
threatens S*4c.
 Diagram A
After 5. Sx5g

In the above line, 3. Bx3c+ Nx3c 4. P*5g S-6e 5. S-7g (Diagram B) is

also good. Black threatens B*4c and P-2d. In either case, black
stands better if he eliminates the outpost at 5f.

Diagram B
After 5. S-7g

2. S4hx5g is the natural way to capture the white pawn at 5g. If 2.

S6hx5g, the defence on the 5-file will fail after 2... P*5f 3. S-6f
Sx6f 4. Px6f S*5g (Diagram C). If 2. Gx5g P*5f and the gold must
return to 5h. 2. Gx5g reveals poor understanding.
 Diagram C
After 4... S*5g

2... P*5f is necessary to maintain the outpost.

Instead, the forcible exchange of silvers just loses a pawn: 2... S-5f
3. S-6f P*5g 4. S6hx5g Sx5g+ 5. Sx5g S*6e 6. R-2f (Diagram D).
White's courage turns out to be misplaced. He has thrown away his
hard-earned outpost. It cannot be helped if such a gauche move (2...
S-5f) is ridiculed.

Diagram D
After 6. R-2f

2... P4e is yet another attacking method. In this case, however,

black will strongly play 3. S-6f to exchange silvers. After 3... Sx6f
4. Px6f (Diagram E), white is worse because black can aim at a
counterattack by S*4c. 2... P*5f is absolutely necessary to secure a
foothold.
 Diagram E
After 4. Px6f

What Black Should be Cautious of

Diagram 2
After 2... P*5f

Moves from Diagram 2:

3. S-6f Sx6f
2. Px6f S*5g ---> (Diagram 3)

Black may seem to be in danger after 3. S-6f. It is impossible to

achieve the feat of breaking the enemy's forward base without walking
on thin ice. The meek withdrawl 3. S-4h would conflict with black's
aggressive policy, initiated by 1. P*5g.

3. S-4f, in appearance similar to S-6f, leads near to defeat after

3... Sx4f 4. Px4f S*5g 5. G-4g P-4e 6. S*4d Bx4d 7. Bx4d Px4f 8. P*5c
R-4b (Diagram F).
 Diagram F
After 8... R-4b

In the above, if black plays 6. Px4e (instead of 6. S*4d), he will be

annihilated as follows: 6... Sx6h+ 7. Gx6h Bx7g+ 8. Nx7g B*3i 9. R-5h
S*5g (Diagram G).

Diagram G
After 9... S*5g

Black should be cautious of the participation of the bishop at 3c in

the attack. 3. S-4f is not a wise move since it allows 5... P-4e,
favorably opening the bishop's diagonal.

After 3. S-6f, 3... Sx6f is imperative. 3... S-6d, bowing to black's

vigor, loses the pawn at 5f nothing: 4. P-4f G-3b 5. G-4g G-4c 6. R-5h
(Diagram H). Naturally, white will be worse if he is deprived of his
important outpost.
 Diagram H
After 6. R-5h

Another alternative is 3... P-4e. This move, aiming to utilize the

bishop at 3c, seems like a good idea. However, white will succumb to
the counterattack: 4. Sx5e Bx5e 5. Bx5e Rx5e 6. B*6f (Diagram I).

Diagram I
After 6. B*6f

3... Sx6f falls into black's snare, but in order to seize the
advantage, white must place all his hopes in S*5g.

After 3... Sx6f, black can also consider 4. Bx6f. In that case,
however, 4... G-4b (Diagram J) anticipates black's S*4c and aims at
S*5e or S*6e attacking the bishop's head. Black cannot rid himself of
his anxiety on the 5-file this way.
 Diagram J
After 4... G-4b

4... S*5g is very energetic. Big trouble awaits if white allows

the counterattack S*4c. If he pauses to defend, black will gain time
to solidify the 5-file and dampen white's power there.

Dodging Defence

Diagram 3
After 4... S*5g

Moves from Diagram 3:

5. G-6g ---> (Diagram 4)

4... S*5g is, for beginners, a most difficult attack to handle.

Often, they just give up. The reason is that they always think to
respond directly against the attack. Hence, if 5. Sx5g Px5g+, and the
5-file will be lost entirely. If left as is, the 5-file will likewise
be lost to white's insistent attack: 5... Sx5h+ 6. Gx5h G*5g.

Therefore, many beginners are tempted to defend with 5. P*5i. If then

5... Sx5h+, Black can be quite happy 6. Px5h. Black can hardly dispel
his anxiety on the 5-file this way, however. The attack continues:
5... Sx6h+ 6. G6ix6h S*5g (Diagram K).

Diagram K
After S*5g

5. P*5i has no offensive punch whatsoever and white can attack at

will. Passive defence without any aggressive aim usually fails. In
that context, in order to give black's defence a little aggressive
element, 5. S*4h may be tried. If white responds 5... Sx5h+ or 5...
Sx6h+, black can protect the 5-file by recapturing with his gold at
6i. Instead, white should calmly play 5... Sx4h+, and after 6. Gx4h,
attack with 6... S*3i (Diagram L). Then black is clearly losing.

Diagram L
After 6... S*3i

A somewhat stronger player may find another defensive move, 5. S*4f.

However, after the attack: 5... Sx4f+ 6. Px4f S*5g 7. G-4g P-4e
(Diagram M), black is practically defenceless. The pawn at 4f will be
soon captured and white has the severe threat of Sx6f+.
 Diagram M
After 7... P-4e

In the above analysis, it seems that black has no good defensive move.
Should black lose his temper and launch a wild attack with 5. S*4c, it
would only turn out as white wished. White crashes through in the
center: 5... R-5c 6. Sx3d+ Sx5h+ 7. Gx5h G*5g 8. +Sx3c Nx3c (Diagram
N). White's knight will journey to 4e and add strong support to the
attack. Although black captures a bishop, white enjoys a powerful
attack.

Diagram N
After 8... Nx3c

Then, is the position after 4... S*5g already advantageous? The

answer is no. Black has one good defensive move: G-6g. This, the
so-called "dodging defence", is an important technique. Black,
removes his opponent's target and prepares his own counterattack. Let
your opponent hit the air. This is also a kendo [Japanese fencing]
strategy. When your opponent hits the air and loses his balance, cut
him down with a single stroke. This is the exciting essence of kendo.
5. G-6g is similar. It is hard to fight if your target is gone. I
would like many players to learn the "dodging defence", which reminds
me of the nowadays fashionable ninja.
 Diagram 4
After 5. G-6g

Moves from Diagram 4:

5... Sx6h+
6. G6ix6h+ S*5g
7. P*5h Sx6h+
8. Bx6h ---> (Diagram 5)

Don't Be Too Sly

White is compelled by force of circumstance to play 5... Sx6h+. If he
defends with 5... G-4b instead, fearing the counterattack S*4c, he
forfeits his attack and black will solidify his position. After 6.
P*5h Sx6h+ 7. G6ix6h (Diagram O) white has no pawn in hand and 5f has
become a weakling. The former strong point is destined to be
captured.

Diagram O
After 7. G6ix6h

The alternative 6. Bx6h can, of course, be considered. This may seem

a very good idea because 6... S*5g 7. B-7i threatens P*5h, trapping
the silver. But remember: when you find a good move, keep cool and
think: 7. B-7i P-4e 8. S*7g P-4f 9. Px4f Sx6f+ 10. Sx6f Bx6f 11. Gx6f
P-5g+ (Diagram P), and although the position is not bad, white's tokin
will be very annoying.
 Diagram P
After 11... P-5g+

6. G6ix6h is more solid. It prepares against the attack on the

5-file without being so sly and greedy.

6... S*5g is indispensable under the circumstances. Stopping the

attack now would make all white's previous moves meaningless.

Black defends with 7. P*5h as planned. If instead 7. G-6i, once again

slyly aiming to trap the silver, white will trip him up: 7... S-4f+ 8.
Px4f P-5g+ (Diagram Q). Care is always advised.

Diagram Q
After 8... P-5g+

7... Sx6h+ is forced. Black recaptures with the bishop, contemplating

S*4c or P-2d. The power of white's occupation at the 5-file has
dissipated entirely. The position favors black.
 Diagram 5
After 8. Bx6h

Basic Formation 3 (vs Shikenbisha)

 Psychological Tactics
 2 R-2f is a good move
 A Likely Mistake
 An Example of "Tesuji"

One advanced defensive idea is to allow your opponent to attack while

at the same time preparing for your counterattack. You can move
forward after nipping his attack in the bud, but if the opponent
insists on forcing his attack you can take advantage of his
unreasonable attempt. Although this is a high level technique, you
cannot say that you are a mature player on defence without reaching
this stage. If you can be happy inviting your opponent to try a
premature attack then you are an accomplished player.

Now let me begin the next lesson. At Diagram 1, white has played the
shikenbisha, or 4th file rook opening, and moved a silver to 5d aiming
for a quick attack. He threatens black's two pawns at 5f and 7f with
S-6e.
 Diagram 1
After ... S-5d

Moves from Diagram 1:

1. P-5e S-6e ---> (Diagram 2)

Psychological Tactics
Many players are afraid of a move like white's S-6e so they try to
prevent it at all costs and do not consider any other plan. In fact,
leading you to such a state of mind is white's aim. It is as if he
narrows the swimming birds. If black prevents ...S-6e with 1. P-6f he
blocks his own bishop. White, unconstrained, succeeds in building a
powerful formation by pushing his pawn to 4e (Diagram A). If the
position of Diagram A comes true, it can be said that white is leading
the game.

Diagram A
After 1... P-4e

Black must not play 1. P-6f seeking safety. This is an example of a

passive move. Therefore black may want to move at diagram 1, 1.S-6h
and allow 1...S-6e. However, after 1...S-6e 2.S-7g Sx5f (Diagram B),
black has lost a pawn and white's rook on the 4th file will soon
become active.

Diagram B
After 2... Sx5f

You should play to contain the opponent's bishop as much as possible

against a strategy like the 4th file rook, but it is impossible to do
that at Diagram B. On the other hand, the variation from Diagram 1:
1.S-6h S-6e 2.P-5e Sx7f 3.R-2f aiming for P-3e next, can be
considered. However, the silver escapes with 3...S-6e, so that black
still loses a pawn and the position at Diagram C is unfavorable for
black.

Diagram C
After 3... S-6e

Timing is very important for a successful counterattack. If the

counterattack is out of tune like Diagram C, you may lose your balance
and fall flat on your face. After 1...S-6e, it may be time for black
to manfully play: 2.P-3e Px3e 3.R-3h, and counterattack. Black's
tactics are successful if white blindly plays 3...Sx7f because the
silver has no retreat after 4.Rx3e (Diagram D).
 Diagram D
After 4. Rx3e

On the other hand, if white answers 3.R-3h with 3...P-4e without

capturing a pawn at 7f black plays 4.Bx3c+ Nx3c 5.S-7g (Diagram E).
Black solidifies his position and plans Rx3e next. Black will
gradually gain the advantage.

Diagram E
After 5. S-7g

However, because white is also trying to win, he never plays as black

wishes so easily. When black plays 3.R-3h, white plays: 3...Sx5f
4.Rx3e S-4e (Diagram F). At Diagram F, black is not very bad, but for
beginners, playing the black side is more difficult.
 Diagram F
After 4... S-4e

As a result of this analysis, it is clear that black's 1.S-6h is

caught in white's tactics. Neither is 1.S-5g good, instead of 1.S-6h,
because black's formation is decided too early. On 1.S-5g, white
still plays 1...S-6e. Then if black tries to escape with 2.P-7e
(Diagram G), he creates a big hole at the head of his king. It is
difficult to correct black's weakened position and white is apt to
target that weakness. Be careful not to make a disordered formation,
otherwise you will lose many games.

Diagram G
After 2. P-7e

In consideration of these variations, at Diagram 1 black does better

to force white to play 1...S-6e and after that, consider the
counterattack. The only move for this is 1.P-5e. This is a good
example of a strong defence by tempting the opponent to attack.
White's S-6e is forced, but that is what white wanted to play anyway!
If white plays 1...S-4e instead of 1...S-6e, he will obviously stand
poorly because of the variation: 2.R-2f B-1e 3.R-1f P-1d 4.N-3g S-5f
5.P-3e. White's planned play is, of course, S-6e not S-4e. White's
S-6e, needless to say, aims at capturing the pawn at 7f. Black's play
after this is difficult.
2 R-2f is a good move

Diagram 2
After 1... S-6e

Moves from Diagram 2:

2. R-2f P-4e
3. P-3e ---> (Diagram 3)

Black's pawn at 7f is lost. If black desperately plays 2.K-7g to

defend it, he will lose the game. White plays: 2...P-4e 3.P-6f Bx5e
(Diagram H).

Diagram H
After 3... B-5e

To save the pawn 2.P-7e may be considered, but black's position will
be precarious because white can activate his rook with the variation:
2...P-4e 3.R-2f P-4f (Diagram I).
 Diagram I
After 3... P-4f

Black pushed his pawn to 5e aware that his pawn at 7f would be

captured, so preventing its capture now conflicts with his initial
policy. "If you want the pawn, then take it!" One good move for
black is 2.R-2f utilizing his rook horizontally on the f-rank.
Another potent countermeasure is for black to move 2.G-5g first,
instead of R-2f, and if white plays 2...Sx7f then 3.G-6f (Diagram J).

Diagram J
After 3. G-6f

However, since this disorders black's formation somewhat, an amateur

is likely to make an irrecoverable mistake later because he is not
extremely strong. It is wise to avoid complicated positions early in
your career because even if you play one or two good moves it is very
difficult to let them bear fruit.
White's 2...P-4e is a natural move that utilizes his rook and bishop.
If white gets greedy and plays 2...Sx7f instead, he will suffer total
defeat when black plays: 3.P-3e S-6e 4.Px3d B-2b 5.P-2d (Diagram K).
 Diagram K
After 5. P-2d

With 2.R-2f, black allows white to capture the pawn at 7f while the
aim of his counterattack is well hidden. In this case, white cannot
hope to oppose black's tactics without activating his rook. After
3.P-3e the attack flows naturally because black's rook is powerfully
activated by this move. If black is slow and allows white to play
2...P-4e, white's rook is activated first despite the fact that white
moved second. However, 3.P-3e is a bold move one can hardly play
without prior study because it seems that a pawn will be lost with
one's eyes wide open. I would like the readers to understand well
that pushing and abandoning a pawn is often a good move no matter
whether you are defending or attacking. Furthermore, a pawn is a
piece that works better by being sacrificed.

A Likely Mistake

Diagram 3
After 3. P-3e

Moves from Diagram 3:

3... Px3e
4. P-7e ---> (Diagram 4)
3...Px3e is a natural move because it is trouble for white to allow
his pawn at 3d to be captured. At first glance, white's 3...B-4d
looks splendid, but after the variation: 4.P-2d Bx3e 5.R-2h Bx2d
6.P-5d (Diagram L). Black secures the advantage because of his twin
threats Px5c+ and Bx1a+. 3...B-4d was seemingly a great idea, but
that was all. Such a move will frequently catch your attention.

Diagram L
After 6. P-5d

Another try, 3...R-4d, looks the other way. However, it fails after
4.P-7e Px3e. Now white's silver is caught and will be captured after
5.N-7g (Diagram M).

Diagram M
After 5. N-7g

In this variation, 4.P-5d looks attractive, but he will fall into

white's trap with the variation: 4...Sx5d 5.Bx4d Bx4d 6.S-8h B*5e
(Diagram N). As you gain experience, but before you become strong,
you are likely to make such a mistake. Be careful.
 Diagram N
After 6... B*5e

Instead of 3...P-3e, 3...B-1e may attract his eyes, but then he will
stand worse after the variation: 4.R-1f P-1d 5.P-5d. He should be
obedient and respond to 3.P-3e with ...Px3e, and wait and see what
black is going to do. Black's 4.P-7e is the final point of 2.R-2f.
If black simply plays 4.N-7g without 4.P-7e, white's silver escapes to
7d, then black is obviously losing because he has already lost a pawn
and, moreover, white is aiming at Bx5e (Diagram O).

Diagram O
After 4... S-7d

By pushing the pawn to 7e, black's 2.R-2f entirely bore fruit. A move
played with a certain purpose is always rewarded by a series of moves
after that. At Diagram 5, white's quick attack is completely
repulsed.

An Example of "Tesuji"
 Diagram 4
After 4. P-7e

Moves from Diagram 4:

4... P-4f
5. P-2d Px2d
6. Px4f R-4d
7. P-4e Rx4e
8. N-7g ---> (Diagram 5)

If black has time to move his knight to 7g, the silver at 6e will be
trapped. White must try to secure a safe square for the silver's
escape. The only way for that is 4...P-4f stopping the rook's
horizontal threat. Black's 5.P-2d in response is a well timed move.
By letting white capture the pawn at 2d, white's attack by B-1e is
blocked beforehand, and depending on how things go, black's rook can
dash out to 2d. Once a keen battle starts, white may attack without
capturing the pawn, however, this is the best time to push the pawn at
2e. If black simply respond to 4...P-4f by 5.Px4f instead of 5.P-2d,
he will stand worse as white attacks strongly with the variation:
5...R-4d 6.P-4e Rx4e 7.N-7g B-1e 8.R-1f Bx4h+ (Diagram P). Black's
P-2d is called a tesuji or standard tactical move that I want you to
learn.

Diagram P
After 8... Bx4h+

White's 5...Px2d is forced. His 5...Px4g+ is not good because it

activates black's silver at 4h, and if 5...Bx2d, then 6.P-5d is
crushing (Diagram Q).
 Diagram Q
After 6. P-5d

Black, after 5...Px2d, should calmly play 6.Px4f. This captured pawn
will soon come in handy to attack the head of the bishop by P*3d.
White's 6...R-4d is another forced move to prevent 7.P*3d. White may
want to let his silver at 6e slip to 5f, but he will be overrun by:
7.P*3d B-2b 8.Rx2d G-3b 9.P*2c (Diagram R). Since 10.P-5d is severe,
black has a decisive advantage.

Diagram R
After 9. P*2c

If 6...S-7f instead of 6...S-5f, it is the same. The only move white

can play is, after all, 6...R-4d to prevent 7.P*3d. However black
should not relax after forcing white's play. He may think that
6...R-4d is simply to defend against 7.P*3d. However, the move also
aims at an attack, 7...R-3d and 8...P-3f or, if black is idle,
7...S-7f and 8...R-8d which can beat black very quickly. Therefore
the best move for black is to promptly push the pawn to 4e,
threatening white's rook. Now black has seized upon the weak point of
6...R-4d. It is very important to play at the drop of a hat with
confidence after your own analysis. Instead of 7.P-4e, black may be
intrigued by 7.P-5d, but there is nothing commendable about the
position which arises after 7...Rx5d 8.Bx3c+ Nx3c 9.B*4c R-6d
(Diagram S).
 Diagram S
After 9... R-6d

7.P-4e is the critical move. Again, white's reply, 7...Rx4e, is

forced because if the rook escapes elsewhere, white's silver at 6e
will be trapped by 8.N-7g. Now, black has fulfilled his purpose by
8.N-7g, because he can win the silver at 6e. It must be said that the
quick attack white planned was a total failure after the silver was
captured.

Diagram 5
After 8. N-7g

Basic Formation 4 (Yagura)

 Important Mental Attitude
 A Standard Method of "Fortress Demolition"
 Clever Move is an Overplay
 Successful Interception

There is more than one type of counterattacking defence. When your

opponent attacks, you may gain pieces in hand that can then be turned
around and used to attack the opponent's weaknesses. This is one type
of counterattack.
Or, by directly facing the energy of the attack, you may make a material
profit or drive away the attack. This is another powerful type of
counterattack. Here we will examine the second of these basic patterns.

Diagram 1 shows a position from the Yagura, an opening which has long
been the most often-used in shogi. It is a lamentable fact of life that
in symmetrical positions, both sides are rather apt to run out of useful
moves, beckoning "sennichite" (perpetual repetition).

White has just advanced the silver to 7c, preparing to break the symmetry
and take the initiative with the pawn exchange P-7e. Let us try and find
the best way for black to counteract the attack.

Diagram 1
After ... S-7c

Moves from Diagram 1:

1. S-5g P-7e
2. Px7e Bx7e
3. P-6e ---> (Diagram 2)

Important Mental Attitude

In Diagram 1, black can prevent ...P-7e by playing 1. B-4f.

If after 1. B-4f, white persists with 1... P-7e, then 2. Px7e Bx7e 3. P*7d
S-6d 4. P-6e (Diagram A) gives black a won game.
 Diagram A
After 4. P-6e

However, shogi is not such an easy game. And 1... P-7e in spite of 1. B-4f
makes white's move ...S-7c entirely meaningless.

When your opponent launches an attack, you must assume he does so with
a fair amount of confidence. Your mental attitudes and habits can be the
cause of both good and bad moves.

To be specific, in response to 1. B-4f, white will play 1... P-4e 2. B-3g

G-4d (Diagram B), putting pressure on the bishop. Black will be pushed
back.

Diagram B
After 2... G-4d

The kind of failure in Diagram B is possible if you are too concerned with
the opponent's direct aims.

Thinking solely of preventing P-7e, black played a move with no future

potential ("aji").

A positive spirit, allowing white to push the pawn to 7e, with the idea
of "riding the attack", will be good for your game. With this in mind,
1. S-5g, bolstering the center and preparing to intercept P-7e, is the way
to play this position.
1... P-7e is the logical followup to ... S-7c. The appealing 1... B-6d
instead backfires after 2. P-4f P-4e 3. P-6e (Diagram C). Again, a
shortsighted attempt will not do.

Diagram C
After 3. P-6e

2. Px7e is the most natural move. Allowing ...Px7f would leave a weakness
in front of black's king, and give white attacking chances.

Beginners are often unduly frightened when the opponent initiates a pawn
exchange, and somehow feel that they shouldn't capture.

However, a simple one-for-one exchange is rarely something to be feared.

So do not be afraid of your own shadow, and exchange pawns without

hesitation.

3. P-6e in response to 2... Bx7e, is the aim behind 1. S-5g. With this
pawn push, black's four generals become one unit moving forward in
counterattack.

If black tamely plays 3. P*7f, white builds an excellent formation with

3... B-6d 4. P-4f S-7d (Diagram D) and black will remain at least one
step behind.

Diagram D
After 4... S-7d
3. S-7f may also be considered, but after 3... B-6d 4. P-4f P-7e 5. S-6e
B-4b 6. P*7d S-8d (Diagram E), black is lost due to the threat of ...P-6d.

Diagram E
After 6... S-8d

In any case, 1. S-5g can not come to life without 3. P-6e.

Let me repeat that a move must be allowed to achieve its aim in the same
way as a flower is allowed to bloom.

A Standard Method of "Fortress Demolition"

Diagram 2
After 3. P-6e

Moves from Diagram 2:

3... B-8d
3. S5g-6f S-7d
4. B-4f ---> (Diagram 3)

With 3... B-8d, white plans the formation ...S-7d and ...N-7c, aiming
to launch an all-out attack with ...P-6e.

This is a standard method of demolishing the Fortress.

Instead 3... B-4b, aiming at an attack along the 9-file, loses to the
forceful counterattack: 4. S5g-6f S-8d 5. B-4f P*7c 6. P*7d (Diagram F).

Diagram F
After 6. P*7d

You must not allow the opponent to make good counter-use of your attack.
3... B-4b has no intensity.

When your attack lacks intensity, it will not easily succeed.

4. S5g-6f, the followup to 1. S-5g, is absolutely required in order to

prevent white from building his attacking formation. 4. S5g-6f prepares
a very strong hidden countermeasure.

4... S-7d is the natural way to build the attacking formation white is
aiming at. If white omits 4... S-7d, black would pressurize with 5. S-7f,
threatening to take on 8e. After 3 ...B-8d, 4... S-7d becomes absolutely
essential.

The counterattacking move 5. B-4f could be called black's "trump card".

Also possible is 5. B-5g planning 6. P*7e, though this is less effective
after 5... R-7b (Diagram G).

5. B-4f is clearly more intense.

Diagram G
After 5... R-7b
Clever Move is an Overplay

Diagram 3
After 5. B-4f

Moves from Diagram 3:

5... N-7c
6. P*7e S-8c
7. S-7f ---> (Diagram 4)

White's rook is attacked and must be defended. The first move that
comes to mind is 5... R-9b, which however loses after 6. P*7e Sx7e
7. Sx7e Bx7e 8. S-6f B-8d 9. S*8c (Diagram H).

Diagram H
After 9. S*8c

If white tries 6... S-8c instead of 6... Sx7e in the above variation,
he will be completely confined after 7. S-7f.

White's rook, bishop, and silver have forgotten their attacking purpose.

Another thing I would like you to notice in this variation is the

clever-looking 6. P*7b in place of 6. P*7e. Intermediate players like
to play such stylish moves, but here 6... B-6b (Diagram I) leaves black
will no attacking continuation. 6. P*7b is an overplay.
 Diagram I
After 6... B-6b

P*7b is an oft-occuring tesuji (tactic) and should be remembered. In this

position, however, 6. P*7b is a bit too clever and doesn't work.

Instead of 5... R-9b, 5... P*7c is another defensive possibility, though

after 6. S-7f K-3a 7. P*7e S-8c 8. S-8e (Diagram J), white again has
a poor game.

Diagram J
After 8. Sx8e

Another move that can naturally be considered is 5... B-7c, offering to

exchange bishops. Here again white gets the worst of it after 6. Bx7c
Nx7c 7. B*3g.

Note that in the above, black would like to drop 7. P*7e instead of
7. B*3g. Unfortunately, this falls into a trap: 7... Sx7e 8. Sx7e
B*3i (Diagram K). Black must be careful.
 Diagram K
After 8... B*3i

White's 5... N-7c, persistently aiming at the 6-file, is the way to utilize
the bishop at 8d.

6. P*7e is a strong move, that smashes white's plan and making decisive use
of the bishop at 4f. In response, 6... S-8c looks weak but is forced.

If white bravely continues 6... Sx7e, he will lose after 7. Sx7e Bx7e 8.
Bx7c+ B-3i+ 9. +Bx8b +Bx2h 10. +Bx2h (Diagram L).

Diagram L
After 10. +Bx2h

6... Sx6e presents no problem due to 7. Sx6e Nx6e 8. Bx8b+.

With 7. S-7f, black has succeeded in building a good position and

threatens to win the game with 8. Sx8e.

Successful Interception
 Diagram 4
After 7. S-7f

Moves from Diagram 4:

7... R-8a
8. N-7g P*7b
9. Nx8e ---> (Diagram 5)

If black is able to play S-8e, white will obviously lose the game.
7... R-8a is unavoidable.

Instead, 7... R-7b is not good placement, because when the knight at
7c moves, black will have Bx9a+. 8a is clearly a better spot for the
rook.

7... S-7b, trying to correct the bad position of the silver, loses
immediately to 8. P-7d (Diagram M). Please take careful note, as this
is easy to overlook.

Diagram M
After 8. P-7d

Black completes his perfect formation with 8. N-7g.

If black can play 9. Nx8e, besides winning a pawn for nothing, he will
double the power of his bishop.

White has no defence. Though it's painful, there is no alternative to

8... P*7b, preparing against black's attack by defending the knight.

However, after 9. Nx8e, white is a pawn down and has no pawns in hand.
On top of that, the position of the silver on 8c is bad. Black's
defensive strategy, meeting the attack head-on and repelling it, has
been a complete success.

Diagram 5
After 9. Nx8e

Basic Formation 5 (Gin-yagura)

 The Vital Point P-6e
 A Tesuji that Should be Learned, but...
 Achieving the Aim

Defence by meeting the attack head-on often occurs in practical play. Here is another example for
your reference.

The Yagura complex includes castles such as the Gold Yagura, the Silver Yagura and so on. In
Diagram 1, black has formed a Silver Yagura while white has started attacking the bishop's head
with ...P-7e, Px7e, ...Sx7e.

Black defends with 4 generals. In this case, as in the previous example, the idea of meeting the
opponent's attack head-on springs to mind.
 Diagram 1
After ... Sx7e

Moves from Diagram 1:

1. P-6e ---> (Diagram 2)

The Vital Point P-6e

In Diagram 1, the first move to consider is 1. P*7f. White will naturally reply by initiating an exchange with
1... P-8f, as the retreat 1... S-6d would weaken the effect of the offensive move P-7e. Then after 1... Px8f 2.
Px8f Sx8f 3. Sx8f Bx8f 4. P*8g B-4b, even if black plays 5. P-6e, white has 5...R-5b 6. S*6f S-4d (Diagram A).
In Diagram A, black has no pawns in hand. On top of that, black has used his valuable silver and cannot
avoid a disadvantage. As the shogi proverb "You cannot win without a pawn" tell us, you must avoid a
situation where you have no pawns in hand.

Diagram A
After 6... S-4d
In the preceding variation, 2. Px7e instead of 2. Px8f may be considered. However, after 2... Px8g+
3. Gx8g Rx8g+ 4. P*8f P*7f 5. S6gx7f G*7h 6. K-5i +Rx7f 7.Sx7f Gx8h (Diagram B), black has a
an obvious disadvantage. Already down a silver, black stands to lose the knight and lance as well.

Diagram B
After 7... G*8h

Although 1. P*7f looks like a solid defence, it is actually exactly what white is hoping for. After
this move, it is no wonder white gets the upper hand.

Another idea is to redeploy the bishop with 1. B-7i. If white replies 1... P-8f, black can solidify his
position by 2. Px8f Sx8f 3.Sx8f Bx8f 4. P*8g B-4b 5. B-6h (Diagram C). In Diagram C, black has a
satisfactory game.

Diagram C
After 5. B-6h

After 1. B-7i, instead of exchanging with 1... P-8f, white will attack as follows: 1... P-9d 2. B-6h P-
9e 3. B-5i P-8f 4. Px8f Sx8f 5. Sx8f Bx8f 6. Bx8f Rx8f 7. P*8g R-8b 8. B*5c P-5f 9. B-2f+ P-9f 10.
Px9f P*9g 11. Lx9g S*9h (Diagram D). Black's position is invaded from the 9th file.
 Diagram D
After 11... S*9h

In the preceding, if black plays 9. Px5f instead of 9. B-2f+, he loses after 9...P*5g 10. Gx5g B*3i
11. R-5h S*4i 12. R-5i B-4h+ (Diagram E). If 10. G-4h, 10... S*3i, and if 10. G5h-6h, 10... S*4g. In
any case, black is worse. Try to master the attacking method after white's 9... P*5g. It is a tesuji that
often occurs in actual games.

Diagram E
After 12... B-4h+

On the other hand, if black tries 9. Sx5f, then 9... P*7g 10. Nx7g (If 10. Gx7g, 10... B*8h is terrible
for black) P*7f 11. N-6e P-7g+ 12. Gx7g B*8h (Diagram F). Black's disadvantage is again obvious.
 Diagram F
After 12... B*8h

Redeploying the bishop to 6h via 7i results in a big loss of time when the bishops are exchanged. As
we can now see, meeting the white's attack head-on by pushing the pawn to 6e is black's best
countermeasure.

A Tesuji that Should be Learned, but...

Diagram 2
After 1. P-6e

Moves from Diagram 2:

1.... P-8f
2. Px8f Sx8f
3. Sx8f Rx8f
4. P*8g R-8d ---> (Diagram 3)

1... P-8f is white's planned thrust. If he falters here, his attack becomes insignificant. For example, if
white plays 1... P*7f 2. S6gx7f Sx7f 3. Sx7f P-8f 4. Px8f Rx8f 5. S*8g R-8d 6. Bx5e P*7c 7. B-6f
(Diagram G), he winds up with no pawns in hand, having forced black into an ideal formation.
 Diagram G
After 7. B-6f

1... P*7f does have the aim of breaking up black's formation, but the impact of the pawn loss is
large enough that the attack fails. Generally, is is best to avoid loss of material.

After 1... P-8f, instead of 2. Px8f, black can play 2. Sx8f with the idea 2... Sx8f 3. Bx5e. In this
case, however, black loses the initiative after 3... P*7c 4. Px8f S-4d (Diagram H).

Diagram H
After 4... S-4d

Instead of 2... Sx8f, the attacking tesuji 2... P*8g may naturally be considered. Here, however, white
loses after 3. Gx8g Sx8f 4. Sx8f Bx8f 5. P*8e Rx8e 6. S-7f R-8b 7. Bx5e (Diagram I).
 Diagram I
After 7. Bx5e

In the preceding variation, if 5. Gx8f Rx8f, white's rook will promote and the position will be
troublesome for black. On the other hand, the immediate 5. Bx5e, omitting 5. P*8e, allows 5... B-
5i+ 6. Kx5i Rx8g+ (Diagram J), and again, though the position is not necessarily bad for black, the
promoted rook at 8g is annoying. Such annoyances are best avoided.

Diagram J
After 6... Rx8g+

2... P*8g is a tesuji to be aware of, but in this case, it fails since black's formation is too solid.

4... R-8d is the best retreat. If the rook goes all the way back 4... R-8b, white plays 5. Bx5e P*7c 6.
P*7d (Diagram K). In Diagram K, white has no good defence. The capture of P5e is inevitable, but
allowing the rook to be attacked at the same time will naturally be doubly disadvantageous. We
must avoid allowing a capture to simultaneously attack a second piece.
 Diagram K
After 6. P*7d

Achieving the Aim

Diagram 3
After 4... R-8d

Moves from Diagram 3:

5. Bx5e P*7c
6. S-7f ---> (Diagram 4)

Black's 5. Bx5e captures a pawn and attacks the lance on 9a. Rarely can we play such a juicy move.
This counterattack was the reason for black's 1. P-6e in Diagram 1. White proceded to fall into the
trap, but once he started to attack with Sx7e, this result is unavoidable. As you can see from this
example, you must be especially careful when launching an offensive. 5... P*7c is a bitter pill, but
there is no better way to prevent black's B-9a+. 5... P-6d instead gives black a good attacking
formation after 6. S*7e R-8e 7. S-7f (Diagram L).
 Diagram L
After 7. S-7f

5...P*8b, on the other hand, cuts off the rook's retreat and puts and end to white's 8th file attack.
This defensive move is out of question.

6. S-7f is good move, intending S*7e or B-6f. Instead of 6. S-7f, you may want to play 6. B-6f to
threaten the rook. However, this idea backfires after 6... S*7e 7. B-5e S-4d 8. B-8h P*8f (Diagram
M).

Diagram M
After 8... P*8f

"Do not jump at a move that seems too good". Please keep this phrase in mind at all times.

In Diagram 4, white has nothing to show for the loss of a pawn. His attack is entirely shut out.
Black's defensive strategy of meeting the attack head-on has been a complete success.
 Diagram 4
After 6. S-7f

Practical Examples
In the first section, we have looked at the basic patterns of defence.

In a practical game the possibilities are so varied that it is often not possible to apply the basic
patterns exactly as the have appeared here. If you study and get the knack of the basic patterns,
however, you will find frequent chances to apply them.

In the second section, we will examine developments of the basic patterns when applied to practical
situations.

Practical Example 1 (Counterattack 1)

 Awase-fu Counterattack
 Good Dodging Move
 Retrict White's Attack
 Successful Defence by Counterattack

In shogi, attack and defence are like two wheels of a cart. It is difficult to win without both. In terms
of a shogi move, attack and defence are often two sides of the same coin. The famous shogi master
in the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate, Soho Amano, said "The attack is the defence". Even
today these are regarded as golden words, and rightly so. If you forget defence in the midst of the
attack, or vice versa, then you're not playing real shogi.

We will now examine what is meant by a "defensive counterattack" using as an example a basic
Nakabisha (Central Rook) formation.

Diagram 1 shows black's static rook versus white's central rook. White has just dropped the
dangling pawn at 5f. White threatens N-3c-4e, so black mustn't dilly-dally. It looks as if black has
neither an attack nor a suitable defence against N-3c-4e. In this case, an effective defence can be
made by counterattacking the white outpost (silver at 5e and pawn at 5f).
 Diagram 1
After ... P*5f

Moves from Diagram 1:

1. P*5g Px5g+
2. S4hx5g P*5f
3. S-6f ---> (Diagram 2)

Awase-fu Counterattack

Black drops a pawn at 5g, the "head" of the enemy pawn. This tesuji is known as "awase-fu". At
first glance, the pawn drop results (after 1... Px5g+ 2. S4hx5g P*5f) in a mere loss of time.
However, black has a strong move in this position: 3. S-6f, challenging white to exchange silvers.

If white, instead of 2... P*5f, plays 2... S-6b, the situation will favor black, who recaptures the
central outpost by 3. S-6f S-6d 4. S6h-5g K-8b 5. S-4f G-7b 6. S-4e G-3c 7. P*5e (Diagram A).

Diagram A
After 7. P*5e
If, in the above variation, white tries 3...Sx6f, black continues 4. Px6f P-7d (Black also stands better
after 4... P*5f 5. G-6g S*5g 6. P*5h.) 5. G-6g, threatening S*4e, and black has the easier game
(Diagram B).

Diagram B
After 5. G-6g

On the other hand if white plays 3... S-4d, then 4. P-4f P-7d 5. G-4g S6b-5c 6. P-3f S-5d 7. N-3g
(Diagram C). The position will then be still favorable to black, since he can apply pressure by P-4e.

Diagram C
After 7. N-3g

Thus, white has no alternative to 2... P*5f. Diagram 2 shows the situation after black's silver has
advanced to 6f.
 Diagram 2
After 3. S-6f

Moves from Diagram 2:

3... Sx6f
4. Px6f S*5g
5. G-6g ---> (Diagram 3)

Good Dodging Move

3. S-6f, challenging white to exchange silvers, seems a little adventurous due to the attack 3... Sx6f
4. Px6f S*5g. What to keep in mind here, though, is the relative strength of the two forces. Black
has three generals contesting the central file, versus white's rook and pawn. In shogi, it is important
to play strongly where you have a numerical advantage, even if a certain amount of danger is
involved. 3. S-6f is a good example of this principle in action.

White naturally accepts black's challenge, exchanging silvers and invading with the silver drop at
5g.

Instead, if white retreats with 3... S-4d, black will repeat the awase-fu: 4. P*5g. Then after 4...
Px5g+ 5. S6hx5g P*5f 6. S-4f S-6b 7. P*5e (Diagram D), black has again recaptured the central
outpost. Here black is advantageously prepared to meet 7...S-5c with 8. S-4e.
 Diagram D
After 5. P*5e

4. P*5g in the above variation is again a good example of defence by counterattack. Black uses the
awase-fu tesuji to redeploy both silvers to the critical center.

Returning to 4... S*5g, since 5. Sx5g Px5g+ is out of the question, dodging lightly with 5. G-6g is a
good defensive maneuver.

Diagram 3
After 5. G-6g

Moves from Diagram 3:

5... Sx6h+
6. G6ix6h S*5g
7. P*5h Sx6h+
8. Kx6h ---> (Diagram 4)

Restrict White's Attack

5. G-6g in Diagram 3 is a clever defence, making way for P*5h while restricting white's attacking
options to just one: 7... Sx6h+. I'd like the reader to remember this "dodging defence" when faced
with an attack that cannot be met directly. Your results will surely improve along with your skill.

White is forced by circumstances to exchange silvers with 5...Sx6h+ and again drop 6... S*5g.
Black defends solidly with 7. P*5h and after 7... Sx6h+ 8. Kx6h, white's attack has suffered a
setback. 8. Kx6h is important. The natural-looking 8. Gx6h leads to a tedious defensive situation for
black after 9... G*5g (Diagram E).

Diagram E
After 9... G*6g

Diagram 4
After 8. Kx6h

Moves from Diagram 4:

8... G*5e
9. S*4f Gx4f
10. Px4f S*5e
11. G*4g S-6b
12. S*4e ---> (Diagram 5)

Successful Defence by Counterattack

In shogi, the situation where an attack has run out of power is called "sashikiri". In Diagram 4,
white's attack has been broken. Since the gold drop at 5g bears no fruit after 9. Px5g Px5g+ 10.
Gx5g, white may try to correct his formation by 8... S-6b, awaiting another chance to attack. This,
however, fails to the counterattack 9. S*4e (Diagram F).

Diagram F
After 9. S*4e

In Diagram F, white cannot allow the pawn at 5f to be captured. He must therefore play 9... G*5e.
His disadvantage becomes obvious when black advances Sx3d, aiming next at Sx2c+.

For this reason, white must play 8... G*5e a move earlier, not only to protect the pawn at 5f but also
to prevent 9. S*4e. Black answers with the interesting 9. S*4f, continuing the theme of defence by
counterattack. Sente's position will be completely safe if he can eliminate the gold at 5e and again
threaten S*4e.

White exchanges generals with 9...Gx4f and once again occupies the center with 10...S*5e. This
time, however, it is a silver, not a gold, on 5e. Diagram 5 shows the position after black has
prevented ...Sx4f with 11. G*4g and then realized his long-sought aim, 12. S*4e.

At diagram 5, black's defence by counterattack has succeeded. He threatens Sx3d, and if white
defends with 12... G-3c, black can capture white's precious pawn at 5f with 13. Sx5f. Black's
advantage is clear.
 Diagram 5
After 12. S*4e

Practical Example 2 (Counterattack 2)

 The Right Course
 Grasp the Whole Situation
 Rook Invasion
 Vulgar yet Strong

When you attack, the counterattack that steals the initiative is often best. In defence, it is generally
the same. The counterstrike that comes just as the opponent starts to move is the most effective.

Let's look at a concrete example.

In Diagram 1, against white's Mukaibisha (Opposing Rook), black has chosen a quick attack Ibisha
(Static Rook) formation. It is white to move. Black must be on guard against white's possible
challenge 1... Nx2e, with the following possibilities:

 2. Nx2e P*2d, or
 2. Rx2e Rx2e 3. Nx2e R*2i

From black's perspective, both variations could be difficult.

 Diagram 1
After P-5e

Moves from Diagram 1:

1... Nx2e
2. Rx2e Rx2e
3. Nx2e R*2a ---> (Diagram 2)

The Right Course

After 1... Nx2e (Diagram A), how should black defend? He has two options: 2. Nx2e and 2. Rx2e.
In this case, the right course is usually to exchange rooks by 2. Rx2e. If instead 2. Nx2e, then after
2... P*2d 3. S4h-5g Px2e 4. S-5f P-2f 5. P-4e P-2g+ (Diagram B), white's attack on the 2-file is too
fast and black is worse. 3. S4h-5g and 4. S-5f may appear lax, but without pawn in hand, black has
nothing better.

Diagram A
After 1... N*2e
 Diagram B
After 5... P-2g+

After the rook exchange, space is naturally opened for a white rook drop in black territory, and vice
versa. This is the reason why black can play 2. Rx2e. 2... Rx2e and 3. Nx2e are forced.

In Diagram 2, white has dropped a rook in his own territory. Common sense normally indicates that
rooks are to be dropped in enemy territory. In this case, however, 3... R*2i is met by 4. R*2a
(Diagram C), after which white ends up in difficulties.

Diagram C
After 4. R*2a

In Diagram C, white is down a knight. If he grabs the lance with 4... Rx1i+, black responds in kind
with 5. Rx1a+, and with N-1c+ to follow, black is better. That leaves only 4... P*2d to capture the
knight, but then after 5. P-5d Px5d 6. P-4e (if 6... Px4e, 7. Bx1a+), white is worse as he cannot
easily spare time to capture the knight.
 Diagram 2
After 3... R*2a

Moves from Diagram 2:

4. P-9e Px9e
5. Lx9e ---> (Diagram 3)

Grasp the Whole Situation

In Diagram 2, it is very important for white to think beyond the immediate problem of the knight on
2e, and to consider the entire board. Certainly 3...R*2a, which threatens Rx2e while preventing a
black rook drop in white territory, is an interesting move that follows the proverb "drop where the
opponent wants to drop". If black protects the knight with 4. R*2i, white will play 4... P*2d
(Diagram D) and the situation resembles Diagram B. Even after 4. N*3g, instead of 4. R*2i, 4...
P*2d is bad for black.

Diagram D
After 4... P*2d
However, if we reflect again on Diagram 2, we will notice that the knight capture on 2e merely
restores the material balance. Moreover, while white has already dropped his rook, black still has
his in hand. Consider the entire board --- the edge attack, 4. P-9e Px9e 5. Lx9e was born from this
idea. Black of course intends R*9b if white plays 6...Lx9e, and a pawn in his hand is a big profit.

4... Rx2e instead of 4... Px9e is also possible, but after 5. Px9d P*9b 6. P-4e Px4e 7. P-5d (Diagram
E), white is worse because his king is hemmed in and black threatens Bx1a+. If 6... Rx4e instead of
6... Px4e, white will again be worse after 7. R*2a.

Diagram E
After 7. P-5d

Diagram 3
After 5. Lx9e

Moves from Diagram 3:

5... Lx9e
6. R*9b P*9c ---> (Diagram 4)

Rook Invasion
When there is no room to drop a rook in the opponent's territory, drawing the enemy lance forward
is a practical tesuji. 5. Lx9e is a good example. Accordingly, the calm defensive move 5... P*9c
(Diagram F) should also be considered. In this case, black will attack with 6. P-4e Px4e 7. P-5d
(Diagram G), aiming at P*4d or P*2b. The situation is unfavorable for white.

Diagram F
After 5... P*9c

Diagram G
After 7. P-5d

Also if 5...P*9d directly on the lance's head, then 6. Lx9d P*9c 7. Lx9c+ Nx9c 8. P*9d N-8e 9. B-6f
(Diagram H). Again white stands worse.
 Diagram H
After 9. B-6f

In the preceding variation, if 7... Lx9c instead of 7... Nx9c, white is still worse after 8. P*9d Lx9d 9.
P*9e Lx9e 10. R*9b. In any case, when the battle starts near the king as in Diagram H, white cannot
escape a disadvantage because black still has power of the rook in hand.

In Diagram 4, white has answered 6. R*9b with 6... P*6c.

Diagram 4
After 6... P*9c

Moves from Diagram 4:

7. Bx9e Rx2e
8. L*8b R-2i+
9. R-9a+ ---> (Diagram 5)

Vulgar yet Strong

6... P*9c in Diagram 4 is an unavoidable makeshift. Instead of this move, white would prefer to
capture the knight with 6... Rx2e. However, if white allows 7. N*9d (Diagram I), he will soon be
lost.

7. Bx9e, capturing the lance, is the correct order of moves.

8. L*8b seems like a very simple-minded attack. Such simple moves are often ridiculed as "vulgar"
[zokushu]. In this case, though, the vulgar move is indeed effective. As they used to say, "victory
with vulgar moves is the best". There is nothing better than winning by ordinary means. One could
say moves like 8. L*8b are vulgar yet strong.

Diagram I
After 7. N*9d

Instead of 8...R-2i+, 8... Rx5e, capturing a pawn and threatening the bishop on 9e can be
considered. This, however, fails to black's strong rejoinder 9. B-7g, threatening the rook and
stealing back the initiative.

9. R-9a+ is a skillful attacking move, dodging in advance the threat on the rook which occurs after
9. L-8a+ Sx8a.

In Diagram 5, black threatens 10. Lx8a+ Sx8a 11. Bx7c+, while his own king is still safe. Black's
advantage is clear.
 Diagram 5
After 9. R-9a+

Practical Example 3 (Counterattack 3)

 Rook's Head Counterattack
 Clever Defence
 Early Escape is Worth Three Moves
 Black's K-1h is Successful

Diagram 1 shows black's opposing rook versus white's static rook. White has just played ...S-4c to
reinforce his castle.

Black is being pressured at the midpoint of the board. However, black has 2 pawns in hand as well
as rook at 8i and bishop at 7h keeping their eyes on the 8th file. It is thus still possible to recover his
losses.

In this position, black played 1. P-8e Px8e 2. P*8d to counterattack the rook's head. Although this
play belongs to "attack" rather than "defense", I dared to introduce this as a "defense of
counterattack" because black has a great defensive move afterwards.
 Diagram 1
After ...S-4c

Moves from Diagram 1:

1. P-8e Px8e
2. P*8d ---> (Diagram 2)

Rook's Head Counterattack

Considing the full-board situation, 1. P-8e is a natural counterattack for black. If he dawdles, white
will threaten to open his Bishop's line with ...P-4e, putting black in an unpleasant position.

If instead of 1... Px8e white plays 1... Nx8e, 2. Nx8e Px8e 3. P*8c Rx8c 4. P*8d (Diagram A)
followed by 5. Rx8e will be very strong for black.

Diagram A
After 4. P*8d
If, in the main line after 1... Px8e, black plays 2. P*8c, then 2...Rx8c 3. P*8d R-8a 4. Nx8e P-4e
(Diagram B). In Diagram B, white's 5... Gx7c is a good answer to 5. Nx7c+ and the defense of the
8th file holds strong.

Diagram B
After 4... P-4e

Therefore 2. P*8c is an overplay. 2. P*8d, dropping the pawn one square further back (Tare-fu =
"Hanging Pawn"), is correct.

Diagram 2
After 2. P*8d

Moves from Diagram 2:

2... P-4e
3. K-1h ---> (Diagram 3)

Clever Defense
White's 2... P-4e is the best move in this situation. He has no good way to prevent black's
counterattack on the 8th file (Knight's jump to 8e). Therefore he activates his bishop which so far
has done no work at all, and aims to answer 3. Nx8e with 3... P-5f (Diagram C), opening the
bishop's line.

Diagram C
After 3... P-5f

The purpose of 3. K-1h is to dodge white's counterattack before it happens. This technique (tesuji)
is called "hayanige" or "early escape". If black hurries to attack with 3. Nx8e instead, his position
will be disadvantageous after 3... P-5f 4. Sx5f Nx8e 5. Rx8e N*4d (Diagram D). The Knight drop at
4d interestingly aims not only at the silver on 5f, but the fork of king and bishop by to Nx3f. 3. K-
1h avoids this.

Diagram D
After 5... N*4d
 Diagram 3
After 3. K-1h

Moves from Diagram 3:

4... P-1d
5. Nx8e P-1e
6. Nx7c+ Gx7c ---> (Diagram 4)

Early Escape is Worth Three Moves

There is a shogi proverb, "Early escape is worth three moves". 3. K-1h is a perfect example of what
this means, and is completely successful in silencing white's counterattack (P-5f). If white pushes
3... P-5f in Diagram 3, he will be at a loss for a continuation after 4. Sx5f. Therefore, although it
appears quite slow, white has no better option than 4... P-1d aiming at the king's head. Black, as
planned, recommences his counterattack with 5. Nx8e.

It seems that white has too few ideas with 5...P-1e. However, even if white plays 5...P-5f instead,
the situation will be unfavorable after 6. Sx5f Nx8e 7. Rx8e N*4d (if 7... Bx9i+, black stands better
after 8.P-8c+) 8. S-6g Nx3f 9. B-3i (Diagram E).
 Diagram E
After 9. B-3i

In Diagram E, black's P-8c+ will be very brutal. Even though white defends with ...G-7c, black has
N*9e that is an attack by force of numbers. Therefore white can hardly defend in this situation.
Moreover, since black can capture a knight with P*3g, his advantage is obvious.

After knights are exchanged, we arrive at Diagram 4.

Diagram 4
After 6... Gx7c

Moves from Diagram 4:

7. P-8c+ Gx8c
8. N*9e ---> (Diagram 5)

Black's K-1h is Successful

The combination 7. P-8c+ and 8. N*9e is a light and clever attacking tesuji. 7. N*8c instead is not
to be admired since, if anything, the knight blocks the way of the rook. On the other hand, if simply
7. N*9e, then 7...P-5f 8. P-8c+ P*8h (Diagram F).

Diagram F
After 8... P*8h

In Diagram F, if rooks are exchanged, 7. N*9e comes to nothing. Therefore, the game would be
likely to continue 9. R-5i Gx8c 10. Nx8c+ Rx8c 11. P*8d R-5c (Diagram G).

Diagram G
After 11... R-5c

In Diagram G, white's power in the center is so strong that black cannot be happy in spite of the
exchange of knight for gold. It should be clear that the speedy 7. P-8c+ Gx8c 8. N*9e is a better
attack. If 7... Rx8c, black will keep the advantage with 8. Rx8c+ Gx8c 9. R*8a.

In Diagram 5, if white plays 8...P-5f, black will gain a gold and stand far better after 9. Rx8c+ Rx8c
10. Nx8c+ R*8i 11. R*8b (Diagram H).
 Diagram H
After 11. R*8b

Even if white defends with 8...P*8d in Diagram 5, black strongly exchanges rooks with 9. Nx8c+
Rx8c 10. Rx8d Rx8d 11. Bx8d. The result will be still favorable for him as his king position is
stronger than white's.

Black's early escape, 3. K-1h, was in the end splendidly successful.

Diagram 5
After 8. N*9e