Shogi glossary
Fork
Japanese: 両取り
In shogi, a fork (ryotori) is a single move that attacks two enemy pieces at once, so the opponent can save only one. It is the most common way to win material, and drops make forks much easier to set up than in chess.
One move that attacks two pieces at once.
How forks happen
Any piece can fork, but knights, golds and dropped bishops do it most often. Because a piece in hand can land on any empty square, you do not need to maneuver the forker into place: find the square that hits both targets and drop it there. A gold dropped on 4c, protected by a pawn on 4d, checks a king on 5b and attacks a rook on 3b at the same time.
Checking forks and safety
The strongest forks include a check, because the king must be answered first and the second target cannot be rescued. Before dropping a forker, make sure it is protected or out of the king's reach; a gold dropped right next to the king forks nothing if the king can simply take it.
How to defend
Avoid leaving two valuable pieces where one move can hit both. Pieces two files apart on the same rank invite knight forks, and loose pieces on crossing diagonals invite bishop drops, a constant danger once bishops have been exchanged.
Try it · from “The Fork”
Use the knight to fork the king and the rook.
FAQ
What is the difference between a fork and a skewer in shogi?
A fork attacks two pieces in different directions from one square. A skewer attacks along a single line, so the second target is only hit after the first one moves away.
Related
Terms:
Lessons: The Fork · Silver and Knight Tricks · Captured Pieces and Drops
Openings: Bishop Exchange
I don't do defense. Hope you brought a castle!
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