Shogi glossary
Slow game (jikyusen)
Japanese: 持久戦
In shogi, a slow game (jikyusen) is one in which both players finish solid castles and arrange their pieces before any real fighting begins, so the battle starts later and with both kings well protected.
A game where both sides build strong castles before fighting.
Name and typical setups
Jikyu means endurance or holding out, and sen means battle. In Static Rook against Ranging Rook, a slow game often pits the Anaguma, with the king dug into the 9i corner, against a Mino or High Mino. Yagura games, where both rooks stay home and the castle is built step by step, are usually slow as well.
How a slow game is played
Because neither side can win quickly, small improvements count: one more defender beside the king, a better-placed silver, an edge pawn pushed at the right time. Fighting usually begins with a pawn break once one player judges the formation ready, and edge attacks become common because the castles are strong everywhere else.
Facing a long build-up such as an Anaguma, the other player often tries to strike before that castle is complete rather than waiting until it is.
FAQ
Are slow games better for beginners?
They give time to castle safely, which avoids the most common early losses. The downside is that a long build-up needs a plan for what to do once both castles are ready.
Related
Terms:
Lessons: The Anaguma (Bear-in-the-Hole) · The Yagura Castle · The Fourth-file Rook
Openings: Static Rook Anaguma · Yagura
I don't do defense. Hope you brought a castle!
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