This is the fourth installment of "Hanyu Yoshiharu's Easy Children's Shogi Introduction." It gently explains strategies for navigating the intense battles of the mid-game, including acquiring pieces, positioning them, and the nuances of playing first or second, along with tips and thought processes for gaining an advantageous position.

Supervisor: Yoshiharu Hanyu
Size: A5; Pages: 192
ISBN: 978-4-262-10150-7

~Table of Contents~

Prologue: What is the mid-game?
Where does the mid-game begin and end?
What is positional judgement? Etc.

Chapter 1: Strategies for Various Typical Approaches
What is a strategy?
Aggressive Approach 1: Silver versus Silver – "Clashing Silver"
Aggressive Approach 2: "Stick Silver" - Attacking with Rook and Silver Coordination Etc.

Chapter 2: Strategies for Various Approaches
"Exchange Rook" with Stick Silver - Advancing Silver Straight Ahead
"Exchange Rook" with Sitting Silver - Battling with Silver on Top of the 5th File
"Horizontal Pawn Capture" - Likely to Exchange Rook and Bishop Etc.

Chapter 3: Let's Learn Mid-Game Techniques
Techniques to Enhance Team Performance
Pawn Technique 1: Aligning Pawns
Pawn Technique 2: Dropping Pawns Etc.

~Message~

As the game starts and you advance your piece formation, the stage is set for serious battles where pieces are captured, promoted, and exchanged. This is the mid-game.
The opening involves "dividing pieces into offensive and defensive groups," and the endgame is to "checkmate the opponent's king as quickly as possible." The main goal of the mid-game can be said to be "entering the endgame with a more advantageous position." However, unlike the opening and endgame, there isn't a clear pattern of play in the mid-game.
What's crucial in the mid-game is the ability to read whether the current situation is favorable or unfavorable—this is called "positional judgement." Because Shogi changes with each move, continuously assessing what has changed and how it has shifted is key to drawing closer to victory.
This book is intended for learning effective mid-game strategies. It introduces "strategies for different typical approaches" and "techniques for advancing battles favorably." Notably, it covers many commonly used pawn techniques packed with tips for cleverly overcoming your opponent's territory.
The "Yoshiharu Hanyu's Children's Shogi" series, following the "Beginner's Edition," "Opening Techniques," and "Endgame Winning Techniques," is now at its fourth volume. By reading through it, you will understand the flow of a game and effective strategies. We hope this series helps you step up from a beginner to an intermediate player.

Shogi Player: Yoshiharu Hanyu