From: GRIMBERGEN KUNPV1 PSYCH KUN NL Date: 24 jul 1990 Subject: The use of pawns I like to enter the discussion about the use of pawns in Shogi. I can agree with Pieters remarks about the general use of pawns in the end-game. However I have a different opinion about the opening and middle game. I think that the initial objective in Shogi is a break-through. If you break into the enemy camp it is possible to promote pieces, pick up undefended pieces (like Lances and Knights) and attack the king from different sides. The ideal break-through is a break-through near the enemy king because such a break-through leads to immediate mating chances and that is where the game is all about. Unfortunately, a lot of effort in Shogi is put into castling the king into a save position to make such a break-through very tricky. Therefore, break-through is often aimed at other parts of the board. As long as you be careful that your opponent has no way to attack your king this is just as effective, but a little more time-consuming. Naturally, your opponent will try to avoid such a break-through and here is where pawns come into play. Skillful use of pawns can displace your opponents pieces and make a break-through possible. An example might clarify what I mean: 1.P7f P3d 2.P2f P4d 3.S4h S4b 4.P5f R5b 5.K6h K6b 6.K7h K7b 7.P2e B3c 8.G4i-5h K8b 9.P9f P9d 10.P3f S7b 11.S6h P5d 12.P1f P1d 13.S4h-5g S4c 14.P4f G3b 15.R3h P6d 16.P3e Px3e 17.Rx3e P'3d 18.R3f R5a 19.N3g P7d 20.P2d Px2d 21.P4e Px4e 22.Bx3c+ Nx3c 23.P'4d Sx4d 24.Rx3d R4a 25.P'4c! (threatens Rx4d) and now: a) 25... Gx4c 26.Rx2d and the rook promotes (27.Rx2c+ or 27.Rx2b+) b) 25... Rx4c 26.B'2a R4b 27.Bx3b+ Rx3b 28.Rx4d and promotes c) 25... S5c 26.Nx4e! G2c (or 26... Nx4e 27.Rx3b+) 27.Nx5c= Gx3d 28.Nx4a+ and black wins. d) 25... B'6b 26.Rx2d P'2c 27.Rx2c+ Gx2c 28.B'3b R5a 29.Bx2c+ and black has a better position because of the threat 29.P4b+. The pawn on 4c gives black a winning attack. An opening tip: castle with three generals, attack with Rook, Bishop, Knight, remaining general and support this attack with the clever use of pawns. Best wishes, Reijer Grimbergen kunpv1 psych kun nl>