AI rival · default level 9 (adjustable 1–10)

Gen

“Old Master” · Endgame monster

The game begins when the pieces start falling, child.

Gen, the “Old Master”, is the Rival Road's endgame specialist. By his own standards he is loose in the opening, but once pieces start falling he becomes very hard to outplay.

How Gen plays

Gen's AI is the mirror image of Taro's. In the opening it reads one move less than his level would, chooses more loosely and slips more often. As pieces collect in hand and the game goes on, it reads two moves deeper, picks almost only the best move and rarely overlooks anything.

His default level is 9, the highest of the eight rivals, adjustable 1–10.

How to beat Gen

Win the game before the endgame. Take the chances he offers early, castle soundly and build a lead while few pieces have been traded. Keep your king well protected so his late attack has little to grip, and count the race before you attack: if you are not clearly faster, defend first.

What he teaches you

Endgame technique. A loss to Gen from a better position shows exactly what to practice: mate threats, brinkmates, wrapping the king and defending in time.

Tips

Grab your advantages in the opening, when he is at his weakest.
Avoid needless early trades; pieces in hand bring on his endgame strength sooner.
Count the race and attack only when your mate is faster than his.

Attack

Defense

Endgame

What Gen says