Shogi glossary
Gold on the head
Japanese: 頭金
In shogi, the gold on the head (atama-kin) is the most basic checkmate: a gold placed on the square directly in front of the enemy king, protected by another piece, typically against a king on its back rank.
The basic mate: a protected gold dropped right in front of the king.
Why the gold works
Take a White king on 5a and a Black gold on 5b. The gold checks the king and also covers 4a and 6a beside it, plus 4b and 6b on its own rank, so every escape is gone. The king could only capture the gold, which is why the gold must be protected, by a pawn, a knight, a silver or any other piece. A silver on the same square would leave 4b and 6b free, so the gold is the classic choice.
When it works and when it does not
The king must have no squares behind it, usually because it is already on its back rank. If the king stands one rank higher, it can step back to the rank behind it, which the gold cannot reach. Unlike a pawn, a gold may be dropped to give mate, so a gold in hand near the enemy king is a constant threat.
Try it · from “Captured Pieces and Drops”
Drop your gold to checkmate the king.
FAQ
Can I give mate with a gold drop on the king's head?
Yes. Only the pawn is barred from giving mate by a drop. A dropped gold on the head, supported by another piece, is legal and is often the cleanest finish.
Related
Terms:
Lessons: Captured Pieces and Drops · Check, Checkmate and Illegal Moves · Counting Attackers and Defenders
I don't do defense. Hope you brought a castle!
Learn it by playing
20 interactive lessons, 10,000 tsume puzzles and eight AI rivals — and every game you play is reviewed in plain English, with terms like “gold on the head” explained when they happen on your board.
Free on iPhone & Android. Coming soon to the App Store and Google Play. Privacy