From: Manabu Terao <Manabu.Terao <at> JAPAN <dot> SUN <dot> COM>
Date: 11 dec 1998
Subject: Shogi strength drill - #7

Dear Shogi Fans,

Here is the problem #7. This is very easy but an important
technique called 'Ikken Ryu' in the endgame.

Manabu Terao(on behalf of ISPS)


Problem #7

Black's +R4b is just threaten with White's G*3b.
Anyone by no means would think to let the promoted
Rook escape. The next move should be right and proper
to be the final glory to the endgame.

   9    8    7    6    5    4    3    2    1
+--------------------------------------------+       White in hand:
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    | wL |  a   +------------------+
+--------------------------------------------+      |                  |
|    |    |    |    |    |+bR | wG | wK |    |  b   |                  |
+--------------------------------------------+      +------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    | wP |    |  c
+--------------------------------------------|
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    | wP |  d
+--------------------------------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    | bP |    |  e
+--------------------------------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  f
+--------------------------------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  g
+--------------------------------------------+      Black in hand:
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  h   +------------------+
+--------------------------------------------+      |S                 |
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  i   |                  |
+--------------------------------------------+      +------------------+

Answer #7

   9    8    7    6    5    4    3    2    1
+--------------------------------------------+       White in hand:
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    | wL |  a   +------------------+
+--------------------------------------------+      |                  |
|    |    |    |    |    |    |+bR |    |    |  b   |                  |
+--------------------------------------------+      +------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    | bS | wP | wK |  c
+--------------------------------------------|
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    | wP |  d
+--------------------------------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    | bP |    |  e
+--------------------------------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  f
+--------------------------------------------+
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  g
+--------------------------------------------+      Black in hand:
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  h   +------------------+
+--------------------------------------------+      |G                 |
|    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |  i   |                  |
+--------------------------------------------+      +------------------+

The right answer line is S*3c, K1c, +Rx3b.


Point : An indispensable move for endgame

(A) To let the promoted Rook escape (Approx. 50 kyu)

(B) To be in distress after S*3a, K2a(Approx. 50 kyu)

A shogi player would immediately see S*3c.
S*3c, this is an indispensable move for endgame, and
never miss this move.
In case a Silver is not in hand but a Gole, of course
G*3c.
If there is P3d on the board, you should play P3c+
resulting the similar position to the answer figure.
When your major piece is near the opponent's King and
you have some pieces in hand, then there exists certainly
a line of endgame.