Shogi Rules

Shogi is played on a 9x9 board by two players

Players alternate turns: Sente (first player) moves first, Gote second

The goal is to checkmate the opponent's King (no escape moves)

Captured pieces become yours and can be dropped back on the board

Each player starts with 20 pieces, pointed toward the opponent

You capture by moving onto the opponent's piece

King (Gyokusho/Osho) - Moves one square in any direction

Rook (Hisha) - Moves any number of squares vertically or horizontally

Bishop (Kakugyo) - Moves any number of squares diagonally

Gold General (Kinsho) - Moves one square forward, backward, sideways, or diagonally forward (not diagonally backward)

Silver General (Ginsho) - Moves one square forward, diagonally forward, or diagonally backward (not sideways or straight back)

Knight (Keima) - Moves two squares forward and one square left or right (jumps over pieces)

Lance (Kyosha) - Moves any number of squares forward only

Pawn (Fuhyo) - Moves one square forward only (captures straight ahead)

A promotable piece may promote when a move enters, leaves, or stays within the promotion zone (last 3 ranks)

Promotion improves movement and is optional except where forced

Rook→Dragon King: rook moves plus one-square diagonals

Bishop→Dragon Horse: bishop moves plus one-square orthogonal moves

Silver, Knight, Lance, Pawn→Gold General movement

Pawn and Lance must promote on the last rank; Knight must promote on the last two ranks

Captured opponent pieces become your pieces

You can drop them on empty squares during your turn

Cannot place two pawns in the same column (Nifu)

Cannot drop a pawn for immediate checkmate (Uchifuzume)

Pawn/Lance cannot be dropped on the last rank; Knight cannot be dropped on the last two ranks

Checkmate the opponent's King

Opponent resigns

Opponent violates rules

Jishogi (impasse/draw)

First, secure your King's defense

Use Rook and Bishop effectively

Save captured pieces for crucial moments

Focus on blocking the opponent King's escape routes