Supervised by: Yoshiharu Habu
Size: A5 | Pages: 192
ISBN: 978-4-262-10148-4

~ Table of Contents ~

Introduction
How to Read This Book and Its Features

Prologue: What is the Opening?
What is the opening?
Understanding Pieces that Favor Offense and Defense
How to Play from the First Move?

Chapter 1: Understanding the Basics of Strategies
Learning Shogi Strategies
Quick Attack Type: Characteristics of Same-side Rook Strategy and Aggressive Same-side Strategy
Methodical Type: Characteristics of Same-side Rook Strategy and Solid Castle Strategy
Both Offense & Defense Type: Characteristics of Swing Rook Strategy and Middle Rook Strategy
Counterattack Type: Characteristics of Swing Rook Strategy and Four-space Rook Strategy
Both Offense & Defense Type: Characteristics of Swing Rook Strategy and Three-space Rook Strategy
Both Offense & Defense Type: Characteristics of Swing Rook Strategy and Opposing Rook Strategy
Thinking Behind Same-side Rook vs. Swing Rook Strategy
Understanding Same-side Rook Battles
The Strategy is Determined in the First Four Moves
Protecting the King in a Castle
Understanding Good and Bad Piece Structures

Chapter 2: Let’s Engage in Same-side Rook Strategy
Thinking Behind Same-side Rook Battles
Cooperating Rook and Silver for Attacks: Aggressive Same-side Strategy, Part One
Cutting into the Opponent's Territory with a Knight: Aggressive Same-side Strategy, Part Two
Encapsulating and Fighting Methodically: Solid Castle Strategy, Part One
Countering the Forward Move of Silver with Pawn Push: Solid Castle Strategy, Part Two

Chapter 3: Let’s Engage in Swing Rook Strategy
Thinking Behind Swing Rook Battles
Quickly Aiming for the Center with Rook and Silver Cooperation: Middle Rook Strategy, Part One
Countering from Behind the Rook's Front: Middle Rook Strategy, Part Two
Aiming for Counterattacks without Advancing the Silver: Four-space Rook Strategy, Part One
Turning the Rook to Meet the Attack: Four-space Rook Strategy, Part Two
Turning the Rook for a Counterattack: Three-space Rook Strategy, Part One
Super Aggressive Known as “Hayashi Ishida Strategy”: Three-space Rook Strategy, Part Two

Chapter 4: Discovering More Enjoyable Strategies in Shogi
Enjoying Various Strategies
Exchanging the Bishop and Attacking with Rook and Silver: Bishop Exchange Stick Silver Strategy
Silver on the 5th File for Attack: Bishop Exchange Sitting Silver Strategy
The Most Fierce Strategy: Horizontal Pawn Capture Strategy
Transforming from Same-side Rook to Swing Rook: Twisted Rook Strategy
A New Swing Rook Strategy that Doesn't Block the Bishop's Path: Cheerful Middle Rook Strategy

Chapter 5: Understanding the Features and Creation of Castles
Fast to Encapsulate and Easy to Attack: Crab Castle
Moving the Bishop According to Opponent's Strategy: Double-Stack Castle
Silver at the Center of the Yagura instead of Gold: Silver Yagura Castle
Protecting the King with a Silver Crown: Silver Crown Castle
The Ultimate Castle that Hides the King: Hole Bear Castle
Eliminating Weaknesses Across the Entire Area: Middle Residence King Castle
The King On Top of the Bishop: Tenshukaku Mino Castle
The Newly Created Castle: Millennium Castle
Demonstrating Strength in Same-side Rook Battles: Gold Impressive Castle

~ Message ~

"Although I somehow memorized the movements of the pieces and the rules, I'm uncertain about which pieces to move where at first," you might be feeling if you're just starting out in Shogi.
Shogi is a game where the winner is the one who captures the opponent's king in the fewest moves. However, it’s unlikely that the king will be captured immediately after setting up the pieces. From the start, the first goal is to differentiate between pieces that attack the opponent’s territory and those that defend your own.
This battle is known in Shogi as the “Opening.” It's crucial during the opening to create better attacking and defending formations than your opponent. By doing so, you can progress the battle favorably.
This book introduces many strategies that show you how to move the pieces to create good attacking and defending shapes. These strategies are referred to as "Tactics" in Shogi. It's perfectly fine to start by imitating. As you play more, you'll understand the meaning and benefits of the strategies, and gradually be able to apply them in your own way.
Learn the thought process and steps for the strategies introduced in this book, experiment with them, and discover your own strengths. Doing so will make Shogi even more enjoyable.

Shogi Player: Yoshiharu Habu