Lesson 15 of 20 · Openings · 6 min

Static Rook vs Ranging Rook

Your first big decision in every game is what to do with your rook, and that choice decides which castle you build.

  • Choose between Static Rook and Ranging Rook in the first moves.
  • Name the Central, Fourth-file, Third-file and Opposing Rook by the rook's file.
  • Castle on the side away from your rook.

Every game starts with a choice about your rook. Static Rook (ibisha) keeps it on its home file and attacks there. Ranging Rook (furibisha) swings it to the other side of the board.

The rule of thumb: the king castles on the side away from the rook. Static Rook players castle on the left (Yagura, Boat, Anaguma). Ranging Rook players castle on the right (Mino).

🔒 3 more cards and 3 more practice positions continue in the app — this lesson is free there.

Try the first practice

Opponentno pieces in hand
987654321abcdefghiLNSGKGSNLRBPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPBRLNSGKGSNL
Youno pieces in hand

Practice 1 of 1

Play a typical Static Rook move.

Remember: Static Rook keeps the rook home and pushes its pawn; Ranging Rook swings the rook left and castles right. Keep the king away from the rook.

Related

Openings that use it: Yagura · Double Wing Attack · Side Pawn Capture · Fourth-file Rook · Third-file Rook · Gokigen Central Rook · Opposing Rook · Right Fourth-file Rook · Static Rook Anaguma · Mino and Boat Castles

Terms:

RookPawn exchangeYagura castleStatic RookRanging RookFourth-file RookThird-file RookCentral RookGokigen Central RookOpposing RookDouble Wing AttackSide Pawn CaptureOpening lineTempoBishop's diagonalKing in the center

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Finish “Static Rook vs Ranging Rook” in the app

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