Shogi glossary
Mate threat (tsumero)
Japanese: 詰めろ
In shogi, a mate threat (tsumero) is a move that does not give check but threatens to checkmate on the next turn, so the opponent must deal with it at once or lose.
A move threatening checkmate next turn.
How a tsumero works
The move is quiet. Instead of attacking the king directly, it covers an escape square or protects a square where a piece in hand could deliver mate. If the opponent spends the next move elsewhere, the mate follows. A simple example is a knight that moves to guard a square next to the king, so that a gold drop there becomes checkmate.
Answering a mate threat
There are three ways to respond: defend the threatened square or move the king, give checks that change the position, or ignore it because you can mate first. Ignoring is only safe when your own attack is faster, which is why endgame players constantly count moves. An excellent reply escapes the threat while creating a mate threat of its own.
Tsumero versus brinkmate
A tsumero can be defended; it only forces a reply. When no defense exists at all, the threat is called a brinkmate (hisshi).
Try it · from “Mate Threats and Brinkmate”
No mate yet. Make a quiet move that threatens mate.
FAQ
Is a mate threat the same as check?
No. A check attacks the king right now and must be answered immediately. A mate threat leaves the king unattacked for the moment but promises mate on the next move if ignored.
I don't do defense. Hope you brought a castle!
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