Chu Shogi Strategy
 
 


The Two Dragons strategy.
This is the shape where both Dragon Kings slot into the holes vacated by the Kylin and Phoenix. It seems to have been popular in the Edo period
This type of position can be called good shape when a fight in the centre is planned. To continue, step movers will advance and the rooks will be freed to range along the third rank, supporting an attack in the centre.

Here is a way to move into the Dragons castle
1. Ln-6h  2. P-8h  3. P-5h  4. P-7h
5. Ky-7i  6. Ph-8i  7. DK-7k  8. DK5j-6k



Another little strategy from Chushogi Renmei (No Diagram)
Syaryoh strategy (Who or whatever "syaryoh" is)
1. P-8h  Ln-7e   2. P-8g  P-5e
3. Ln-8h  P-8e   4. P-7h  P-3e   5. P-7g
The Hanshin Tigers strategy (Happy Tigers?)
The Blind Tigers become stronger when united by covering their blind spots, occupying the holes left by the Kylin and Phoenix. Here the Dragon Horses occupy the holes vacated by the Tigers, forming an iron wall.
The difference and advantage with the two Dragons strategy is that you can use the two Dragon Kings freely. Because the Dragon Horses have been lowered here, both Dragon Kings and the Free King can move to the side easily ready for an edge attack.

It is also effective for the Silver to advance to the vacated squares instead of the Dragon Horse. There is a line-up of protection with either method.
Here's the Tigers enclosure with Silvers:
1. Ln-6h  2. P-8h  3. P-5h  4. P-7h  5. Ky-7i
6. Ph-8i  7. BT-7k  8. BT5k-6k  9. S-8k  10. S-5k
Bear in the hole enclosure ?
This is the Chu Shogi form of the Anaguma, or something similar to it. Here's the moves that lead to it.
1. Ln-6h   2. P-8h   3. P-5h   4. BT-7j   5. G-9k
6. K-8l   7. S-8k   8. K-9l   9. K-8l   10. DE-7l


 

 Ancient oriental ideas on the art of warfare.
 [ Lucky Dogs page of five rings ]
These writings can help with Chu tactics and strategy




Chu Shogi Proverbs
A few Shogi proverbs that may be applicable to Chu.

If there is an unprotected piece, you won't be stuck for a move.
Begin your attack with a sacrifice Pawn push.
Early escape is worth many moves.
Don't run from a fork.
Approach the King by Surrounding him
Buy cheap and sell high.
In the endgame, speed is more important than material profit.


The Kylin can seem clumsy in the opening, often getting in the way of development.
Here are a couple of alternatives for Kylin deployment in the early stages.