Shogi glossary
Resign
Japanese: 投了
In shogi, to resign (toryo) is to concede the game before checkmate, usually by bowing and saying 'makemashita' (I have lost). It is the normal way serious games end, typically once a player sees that mate can no longer be prevented.
To concede the game; the usual way games end.
When players resign
Resignation in shogi is tied to the king, not to material. Captured pieces return to play as drops, so being a rook down is rarely hopeless on its own. A player usually resigns when the opponent has a forced mate, an unstoppable brinkmate, or an attack that will land long before their own. Strong players often resign several moves before mate, once the finish is clear to both sides.
The resigning player normally announces it on their own turn instead of making a move, and the game record ends there. Saying 'makemashita' or 'arimasen' with a bow are the customary forms.
Advice for beginners
Do not resign just because you lost a piece. Count the race first: if your attack is faster, or the opponent's king is exposed, the game is still alive. Against players of your own level, playing on to the actual mate is useful practice for both sides and teaches you which positions are truly lost.
FAQ
Is it rude to play on until checkmate in shogi?
Not among beginners and casual players. At higher levels players usually resign once mate is certain because continuing adds nothing, but nobody is obliged to resign.
I don't do defense. Hope you brought a castle!
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