Shogi Rules

Shogi is played on a 9×9 board by two players

Players alternate turns, with first player (Sente) and second player (Gote)

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

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

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, sideways, or diagonally forward

Silver General (Ginsho) - Moves one square forward or diagonally

Knight (Keima) - Moves in an L-shape forward

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

Pawn (Fuhyo) - Moves one square forward only

Pieces can promote when entering the opponent's territory (last 3 ranks)

Promotion enhances piece movement capabilities

Rook→Promoted Rook (Dragon King), Bishop→Promoted Bishop (Dragon Horse)

Silver, Knight, Lance, Pawn→Gold General movement

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)

Cannot drop pieces where they cannot move

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