Sure to be attacked

Edi was taking Black.

I would normally play P - 8e. The move I play here is sound, but it rules out the possibility of a pawn-sacrifice (P - 6e - 6f) leading to an early attack. Ln - 7e is possible, but it could provoke a severe attack from Black (with Ky - 7i - 7g, P - 5h - 5g - 5f). From our previous games, I am quite certain that I shall be attacked fairly soon.

The first example of bad shape. The Free King should be placed somewhere in the rear, so that it will not be harassed before the game opens up. Then, if it has been placed well, it will spring into life without moving. Look at White's Free King at the end of the game for an example of this.

On 6k, The Free King is only going to exert influence on the sixth file. This is reasonable in the case of a Dragon King, but a Free King should exert influence along one diagonal as well.

In addition, if the intention of playing the Free King here, is to place it behind a Dragon King, then open up the centre (as appears to be the case in this game), then a Rook on 6c will cause Black severe embarrassment. Again, this game is a perfect exemplar.

It is normal to advance the third and tenth-file pawns by one square very early on, so as to allow the option of the Dragon Horses coming out. The latter maneuver is more or less compulsory for White in an even game, so as to restrict Black's High Lion. But Black has more flexibility. Still, the Pawns should be advanced to allow the option.

Due to the absence of a Dragon Horse from 11h, I am able to play the Copper towards 7d early on. If the Dragon Horse were on 11h, Playing the Silver to 8d first, would be more cautious. Not that it makes any real difference.

Already it is apparent that Edi intends a fight in the centre. I am resolved to be patient ‐ I shall defend in good shape, and await the chance for a counter-attack. This may not be orthodox Chu Shogi strategy, but I am a strong believer in the virtues of a strong centre, and I'm prepared to play passively.

I think this is too early, and probably in the wrong direction (P - 5g would be a more orthodox attack, but I have already defended against that.). If the intention is to prevent Ln - 8f, then note that I can quickly play R - 8c, and P - 8f, if I so desire.

P - 8g makes sense if P - 7g is going to be played next, but in that case, the Silver should move up from 9l to 8j first, so as to be able to reinforce quickly. Also, the Rook will be needed on 8c, so P - 10h and DH - 11h should be played first of all.

DK - 9c - 9a is also possible, but I foresee the need to bring it back into the centre quickly, so I prefer to place it on 9b. I go via 8c, in case I decide to attack on the eighth file. Although I am intent on defence, I have to keep my options open, in case Black launches a sudden attack.

This looks to be on the wrong diagonal here. It is pointing straight at White's Silver General and Bishop. 2h looks to be a better square (preceded by P - 2h - 2g if Black so prefers).

White now has perfect shape for defence. The left-side Copper and Silver Generals are placed to respond flexibly, according to where Black attacks. It is true that the Copper is obstructing the Rooks' ability to switch files, but that should resolve itself as soon as Black's line of attack becomes clear.

White's one remaining problem, is how to play P - 6e. Because of Black's next move, I get the chance to play Ln - 4f, but I chose not to take it, as the attack with P - 2g, P - 6e, DH - 2h, Ln - 6d, P - 5g looks unpleasant. Also, I am thinking that I might be able to capture the Pawn on 8g by moving Ln - 7f at some point.

In contrast, Black's generals are not in any coherent formation, and the third rank is over- crowded.

This makes it clear that I don't intend to open up the eighth file ‐ if I did, then I would play S - 9e and R - 8c.

A terrible move! Passing would be better!

It seems to me that many Chu players believe that maneuvers such as VM - 11k followed by B - 11j are de rigeur. Personally, I find spending two moves to take the Bishop off a perfectly good diagonal is painful. In games such as this one, where the centre is destined to explode, the Bishops work best on their original squares. Still, this would be better than B - 9l, as the Bishop is now useless.

If the intention was to allow FL - 10k - 11j - 11i, note that the Leopard can go to 11i via 12j.

Edi tells me his intention was VM - 11k - 10k. In that case, play VM - 11k first, then B - 11j then VM - 10k.

I had the chance to do this one move earlier, but I was hoping to see Black try to open up the centre. But when Edi plays VM - 11k, I suspect he may be intending to play FL - 10k - 11j - 12i, in which case I will run out of waiting moves fairly soon. I prefer to start the action while the Leopard and the Silver on 4l remain out of the action. Now, if P - 3g, I intend to play Ph x 3g.

Now if P - 3g, Ph - 5d, Ln - 4f, R - 4c, Ln x! 5e (or 3e), P - 4e, Ln - 5g, P - 4f, DH - 3h, Ln x! 8g, Ln x! 4f, Ln x! 6g, then material remains equal, and White still has the stronger centre, and overall better shape.

Edi had overlooked the Phoenix. The crossroads rook maneuver would be quite strong here, if it wasn't for the Phoenix, but the crossroads Dragon King is less effective. Inexperienced players often forget that the Phoenix defends 3f.

Black really has little choice ‐ Ln - 7f would be met by C - 7e.

This seems to be a good time to look at the position, and assess each side's prospects. As far as material goes, White is a pawn ahead. Black has more space in the centre, but whether or not this is an advantage depends upon each side's shape.

White's shape is very good, especially in the centre. His silver on 4b can easily move up to 5d, which will give him a very strong pawn centre. His Vertical Mover on 11c can move to 10c in one move, which will make the Free King very effective in the endgame. His Bishops are aiming into the centre, at Black's strong pieces, and his Rook is aiming at White's Free King, so any attempt by either side to open the centre will be to White's advantage. The third file is his only area for concern, but if Black plays VM - 3j, White can cope by playing DH - 2d, R - 4c, then VM - 3c (or, in an emergency, play C - 3d, but this is undesirable, as it weakens the centre).

Black's shape, in comparison, has several defects. On the left flank, the Bishop is out of play,and the Dragon Horse needs developing so that the Rook can reach the centre, and no good square suggests itself. On the right flank, the Silver needs developing. The obvious way to do this is via 4k, 5j, 6i to reach 7h. But note that when S - 4k is played, the Bishop becomes undefended. Therefore if White plays DH - 2d, Black's Lion will be forced to retreat to 5i, if the Silver has moved. The Dragon Horse and the Copper are in poor shape, and cannot easily improve their positions. In the centre, the Copper is not supporting any pawns, and all the powerful pieces are positioned there. These factors suggest Black should expand the centre (aim for P - 6f), but we have already seen that this must be to the advantage of White

The conclusion must be that White is clearly better at this point of the game. So he can leisurely develop his remaining pieces, then expand on his right flank. It is difficult to find a decent plan for Black.

White can hardly improve his shape any further, so being forced to expand the centre at this time was pleasant for me. There are quite a lot of tactics to consider at this point, but because I have such good shape, I don't have to examine many lines.

Suicide. White's Rook is aiming at the Black Free King.

Whether DH - 1j is better or not than 2i, I leave you to ponder (I don't know). But Black should certainly play P x 6e before retreating the Dragon Horse. I presume Edi was thinking of the line-up of my Dragon king and Free King, and so did not want to provoke S x 6e, but he is never going to get a chance to take advantage of this alignment.

The Dragon King should certainly retreat to 7i. Now White has a won game.

It is much better to retreat the Dragon King to 6j, so as to gain time.

This doesn't work, and so should not be played, as now the Leopard on 10g is loose.

Again, it is better to simply retreat, with Ln - 5i, giving up the Silver and the Ferocious Leopard. But Black will not enjoy the endgame.

The final mistake. DH - 11h continues the fight.

Now Edi resigns (somewhat to my surprise, as in our first game, he played on for about 50 moves in a worse position than this one). If Ln - 11h, B x 11i+, SM x 11i, P - 5f. White is very much better.