From: Manabu Terao <Manabu.Terao <at> JAPAN <dot> SUN <dot> COM>
Date: 16 apr 1999
Subject: Shogi strength drill - #24

Dear Shogi Fans,

Here is Problem #24.

Manabu Terao(on behalf of ISPS)



Problem #24

One of the weak points of Silver Crown is the head of the Silver.
It will be poosible for you to ruin this solid castle even if you
have only two Pawns in hand.

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




Answer #24

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



The answer is; P*2e, Px2e, P*2d

Point : How to ruin the Silver Crown

How about N3g? This is to aim at the next P*2e, but the position followed
by Nx2e and Nx2e with sacrificing White's kNight is not so easy to find
the way to attack further.

Instant P*2e will be good. If White responds it by Nx2e, your P*2f will
be effective being promised to capture the kNight by Px2e threatening the
head of White King. If White responds it by Px2e, your P*2d will give you
the Silver on 2c and ruin the head of White's King.

Please remember, even if there is no Rook at Black side, P*2e often let
you have the cause of victory. This is called 'Awase no Fu' which
is a kind of Joining Pawn.