From: Yoshinori Sawada FA2 SO-NET OR JP> Date: 3 nov 1997 Subject: How to Defend in Shogi --- Part 1 Dear Shogi Lovers, I and Mr. Randy Andrews are now translating a Japanese shogi book, "How to Defend in Shogi" (The original Japanese title is "Shogi no Ukekata") written by Mr. Yasuharu Ohyama. This book was first printed in 1967, and the 80th edition which I have was published on November 20, 1974. The book is out of print now, so you cannot buy it in ordinary book store even in Japan. I had looked around some second hand book stores since one of my shogi friend introduced it (because I am not good at defense), but sadly could not found it. I finally asked in a shogi mailing list in Japan if someone has the book and can sell it to me. Fortunately I, at last, found a member who has the book and lives in Kansai area (west of Japan), and exchanged it with two \500 book tokens. Our method to translate is that first I make rough translation, and send it to Randy-san in the U.S.. He corrects and edits to make my poor English the natural one, and returns it to me. Since my English is never good, his contribution is indispensable for this project. The other day, I telephoned the publisher of the book to ask their permission to post our translation here. They said they are no longer in a position to permit as the book so old that their agreement has already been expired. Thus they gave me a telephone number of Mr.Ohyama's widow's, and fortunately I had a chance to talk with her directory. Because she graciously gave me the permission, I will post our translation to Shogi-L one part at a time, although I cannot post it so frequently (maybe once a month at least), since my work is only done on weekend and Randy san's days off from his work are Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Now, please find the first part as follows. We are happy if this helps many shogi players who use English only to make a progress. ************************************************************************ "How to defend in Shogi" by Yasuharu Ohyama --- Part 1 ************************************************************************ What is defense? It seems that amateur Shogi players, especially beginners, do not like defense. Naturally, they are not good at it. Some of them say that defense 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. Defense 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 defense, making your opponent run out of breath and give up his strong attack. That is the reason I decided to share my knowledge about defense in Shogi. Basic formation < Part 1 > Make a good move better There are a few basics to learn about defense. The first thing you should learn is that simply apologizing or bowing is never defense. Endure it when you must, but always be alert for the chance to counterattack. That is real defense. 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---------- up to Black's G-5h White in hand: P 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * wS * * * * * * * |d | * * * * * * * bP * |e | * * bP * * * * * * |f |bP bP bB bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bS bG * bG * * bR * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: nothing Moves from Diagram 1: (white plays) S-8e, P-2d, Px2d, Rx2d, P*2c, 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 defense 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: (white plays) S-8e, P-7e, S-7f, B-5i, P-3d, P-2d, Px2d, Rx2d,P*2c, R-2f, Bx8h+, Gx8h, Sx8g+ (Diagram A). The reason for this disaster is that black was too fearful of white's attack. --------Diagram A ---------- up to white's Sx8g+. White in hand: S P2 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG * * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * * * * * * * bR * |f |bP wS+ * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bG * * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK bB * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: B P 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 defense in the future. White's P*2c is indispensable. If Sx7f, avariciously capturing the pawn, black plays: Px2c, S-7g+, Sx7g. (Diagram B) --------Diagram B ---------- up to black's Sx7g White in hand: B P3 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP bP wP |c | * * * * * * * bR * |d | * * * * * * * * * |e | * * * * * * * * * |f |bP bP bS bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * * bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S 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. --------Diagram 2 ---------- up to black's R-2f White in hand: P 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d | * wS * * * * * * * |e | * * bP * * * * bR * |f |bP bP bB bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bS bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: P Moves from Diagram 2: (white plays) P*8f, P-7e ---> (Diagram 3) Necessary Defense White's P*8f is the move he was aiming for. It is a natural move that utilizes the silver at 8e. If white plays P-7d, instead of P*8f, still aiming to attack the bishop's head, black will counterattack with this variation: B-5e, R-9b, N-7g. White's bogin attack ends in failure. Similarly, white's P-3d (instead of P*8f) is also an idea. However, the bogin still fails as white's silver is ejected with the variation: S-4h, K-4a, B-2b+, Sx2b, 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 P*8f. --------Diagram D ---------- up to black's N-7g White in hand: B P 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG * wK * wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wS * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * wS * * * * * * * |e | * * bP * * * * bR * |f |bP bP bN bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bS bG * bG bS * * * |h |bL * * bK * * * bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: B P At first glance, black seems to be in trouble after P*8f. If black plays Px8f, then Sx8f, B-5i, P*8g, S-7i, P-3d (Diagram E). --------Diagram E ---------- up to white's P-3d White in hand: nothing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * * * * * * * * * |e | * wS * * * * * * * |f |bP wP bP bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * * bG * bG * * bR * |h |bL bN bS bK bB * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: P2 At diagram E, black is obviously worse, because he is confined by white's pressure. If black ignores white's P*8f, and plays S-4h, white will strongly occupy the 8f point and black runs out of moves after the variation: Px8g+, Sx8g, P*8f. White cannot 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 defense 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 defense. 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 "Kill two birds with one stone". --------Diagram 3 ---------- up to P-7e. White in hand: nothing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d | * wS bP * * * * * * |e | * wP * * * * * bR * |f |bP bP bB bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bS bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: P Moves from Diagram 3: (white plays) Px8g+, 2.Sx8g, P*8f, Sx8f, Sx8f, Bx8f ---> (Diagram 4) A Mistake Makes Progress White's attack with Px8g+ is very energetic. If the pawn at 8f is captured by black, the position will be quite terrible for white. 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 P-3d (instead of P*8f) fares poorly for white because of the variation: P*8f,Bx7g+, Nx7g, S-9d, S-4h (Diagram F). --------Diagram F ---------- up to black's S-4h. White in hand: B P 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG * * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c |wS * * * * * wP * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * bP * * * * * bR * |f |bP bS bN bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * * bG * bG bS * * * |h |bL * * * bK * * bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: B P 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 Sx8f is doubtless the only move to respond to white's attack. If black, fearing complications, plays S-9h instead, then white plays S-4b, S-4h, K-4a (Diagram G). --------Diagram G ---------- up to white's K-4a White in hand: nothing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG * wK * wN wL |a | * wR * * * wS wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d | * wS bP * * * * * * |e | * wP * * * * * bR * |f |bP * bB bP bP bP bP * bP |g |bS * bG * bG bS * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * * bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: P2 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 Sx8f, black's Rx8f instead of Bx8f may be considered. However, it is semeai (mutual attack) which will not be favorable for black after white plays: Rx8f, Bx8f, R*2f, R*8b, G-7a, R-8e+ (S*5b, K-4b is to white's advantage), R-2i+ (Diagram H). Since white has no pawn in hand, Bx8f is better. --------Diagram H ---------- up to white's Rx2i+. White in hand: S N 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * * * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d | *+bR bP * * * * * * |e | * bB * * * * * * * |f |bP * * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * * bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS+wR bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S P3 --------Diagram 4 ---------- up to black's Bx8f. White in hand: S 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * bB * * * * * bR * |f |bP * * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * * bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S P3 Moves from Diagram 4: (white plays) P-3d, P*8h ---> (Diagram 5) Cooperation of Rook and Bishop This is a good time to utilize white's bishop by 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 P-3d, white can try attacking by S*9e. However, white will be defeated with this variation: black plays Bx9e, Rx8i+, G-7i, +R-8e, R-8f, +Rx8f, Bx8f, R*2f, R*8e, Rx2i+, 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 white's +R-9i instead of +R-8e, black plays S*8h, +R-9h, S*8g (Diagram J). --------Diagram I ---------- up to black's S*2h. White in hand: N2 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * * * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d | * bR bP * * * * * * |e | * bB * * * * * * * |f |bP * * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * * * * bG * * bS * |h |bL * bG bK * * bS wR+bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S P3 --------Diagram J ---------- up to black's S*8g. White in hand: N L 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * * * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP wP wP wP |c | * * * * * * * * * |d |bB * bP * * * * * * |e | * * * * * * * bR * |f |bP bS * bP bP bP bP * bP |g |+wRbS * * bG * * * * |h | * * bG bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: P3 White's promoted rook will be captured. On the other hand, if white played +Rx9e capturing the bishop, instead of +Rx8f, black would play 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 P*8h is a strong defense. Pushing the pawn to 6f carelessly allows the bishop at 8f to be captured for nothing, and N-7g is dangerous because it blocks the bishop's retreat. Defense should be as strong as possible. At diagram 5, white's bogin attack looks like a complete failure. --------Diagram 5 ---------- up to black's P*8h. White in hand: S 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * bB * * * * * bR * |f |bP * * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bP bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S P2 Moves from Diagram 5: (white plays) S-4b, B-7g, Bx7g+, Nx7g --->(Diagram 6) Keep Cool and Never Be Controlled By Greed White has only a silver in hand. Sadly, he has no pawn in hand so any clever attack by white cannot be found in this situation. Furthermore, if black pushes the pawn to 7d, white will be overwhelmed because of black's threats B-5c+ or P-7c+, N-7c, P*7d. It is quite regrettable for white to give up the attack, but protecting the 5th file by S-4b is imperative. Forcing the attack by S*8e in frustration will never be effective because black defends as follows: B-6h, S-7f, 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 ---------- up to black's K-7i. White in hand: nothing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG wB * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * * wS * * * * bR * |f |bP * * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bP bG bB bG * * * * |h |bL bN bK * * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S P2 In the above variation, black's B-7g, B-7g+, N-7g instead of B-6h seems better as the knight at 7g is threatening the silver at 8e. However this defense is not favorable to black, because white will move the silver to 8f aiming at B*4d or Sx7g+ (Diagram L). --------Diagram L ---------- up to black's S-8f. White in hand: B 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG * * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * wS * * * * * bR * |f |bP * bN bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bP bG * bG * * * * |h |bL * * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: B S P2 Also in the same variation, if black captures the silver immediately with R-7f instead of K-7i, he will be strongly attacked by B-8h+. 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 S-4b, 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 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 ---------- up to black's R-7f. White in hand: nothing 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * wS wN wL |a | * wR * * * * wG * * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * wB wP * * |d | * * bP * * wS * * * |e | * bB bR * * * * * * |f |bP * * bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bP bG * bG * * * * |h |bL bN * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: S P2 After white's careful defense by 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 N-7g, white has no good attack. His bogin attack has failed entirely. In other words, black's defense 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 ---------- up to black's N-7g. White in hand: B S 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 +---------------------------+ |wL wN * wG wK * * wN wL |a | * wR * * * wS wG * * |b |wP * wP wP wP wP * wP wP |c | * * * * * * wP * * |d | * * bP * * * * * * |e | * * * * * * * bR * |f |bP * bN bP bP bP bP * bP |g | * bP bG * bG * * * * |h |bL * * bK * * bS bN bL |i +---------------------------+ Black in hand: B S P2 Translated by Yoshinori Sawada & Randy Andrews ********************************************************************* ---- Yoshinori Sawada Tokyo Japan E-mail address: sawada fa2 so-net or jp Nifty-serve ID: VED05133