Shogi glossary
Gokigen Central Rook
Japanese: ゴキゲン中飛車
In shogi, Gokigen Central Rook is a Central Rook opening, usually played by White, in which the rook goes to 5b and the 5th-file pawn rushes to 5e while the bishop's diagonal is left open instead of being closed with a pawn.
A Central Rook for White that keeps the bishop line open.
What makes it different
Ordinary Ranging Rook setups shut the bishop line with a pawn so the bishops cannot be exchanged. Gokigen leaves it open: after pawn to 3d, White keeps the 4c pawn at home and plays pawn to 5d, rook to 5b and pawn to 5e. The rook on 5b backs up the 5e pawn, so if Black's bishop takes it from 8h, the rook takes the bishop.
Castle and plans
White castles in a Mino on the 8th-file side, king to 8b and silver to 7b, away from the rook. Because the diagonal is open, a bishop exchange is possible at almost any moment, and both players must keep the bishop's defenders in place. For Black, that means leaving the silver on 7i until the bishop on 8h is safe.
If White prefers a calmer game, closing the diagonal with pawn to 4d turns it into a more ordinary Central Rook.
FAQ
What does gokigen mean?
It is an everyday Japanese word meaning cheerful or in good spirits. In the opening's name it labels this lively, open form of Central Rook.
What is the common beginner mistake against it?
Capturing the 5e pawn with the bishop. The pawn is protected by the rook on 5b, so Black gives up a bishop for a pawn.
Related
Terms:
Lessons: Static Rook vs Ranging Rook · The Mino Castle · Piece Values and Trades
Openings: Gokigen Central Rook
I don't do defense. Hope you brought a castle!
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