Shogi strategy
Shogi, like western chess, can be divided into the opening, middle game and endgame, each requiring a different strategy. The opening consists of arranging one's defenses and positioning for attack, the middle game consists of attempting to break through the opposing defenses while maintaining one's own, and the endgame starts when one side's defenses have been compromised. Tactics Many basic tactics (手筋 tesuji) of shogi are similar to those of chess tactics, involving forks, pins, removing the defender and other techniques, all of which are considered very strong when used effectively. However, other tactics, particularly ones involving dropped pieces, have no parallel in western chess. Relative piece value Shogi pieces may be considered to have different valuations in which some pieces are generally more valuable than others – all other things being equal. (Cf. piece value in western chess.) There are three main valuation groups: the king which has an absolute value since the game is lost if mated the two major (most mobile) ranging pieces (大駒 oogoma): rook, bishop the minor pieces (小駒 kogoma): pawn, lance, knight, silver, gold The minor pieces can be further grouped in the following valuation hierarchy: gold > silver > (knight, lance) > pawn