AI rival · default level 6 (adjustable 1–10)

Kuma

Kuma

“The Bear” · Builds the Anaguma fortress

I'll be in my den. Come dig me out.

Kuma, “The Bear”, builds the Anaguma: he walks his king into the corner behind the lance and packs golds and silvers around it before he fights. Finished, it is very hard to reach with checks.

How Kuma plays

Kuma's AI rewards a king tucked into the corner of its own camp. He also swings his rook across in the opening, so his Anaguma is the Ranging Rook version: as Black, king on 1i behind the lance on 1h, away from the rook. His defense counts for more than an ordinary rival's.

His default level is 6, adjustable 1–10.

How to beat Kuma

The Anaguma takes many moves, so start the fight before the lid is closed: a quick Boat castle and a direct Static Rook attack can catch his king on the way. Once he settles, attack the edge file of his corner, remove the defenders beside his king and look for a brinkmate; a broken Anaguma leaves the king nowhere to run.

What he teaches you

Timing: what a strong castle costs in moves, and how to punish a slow build.

Tips

  • Start your attack early, before his silver and gold close the corner.
  • Push the pawn and lance on his corner's edge file to loosen the castle.
  • If you build a Static Rook Anaguma yourself, finish the lid before you counterattack.
Attack
Defense
Endgame

What Kuma says

  • “Let me dig in first. Bears love a deep hole.”
  • “Snug in my castle.”
  • “Nobody gets into the hole.”
  • “You dug me out!”

Opening to study before you play Kuma: Static Rook Anaguma

Whiteno pieces in hand
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Blackno pieces in hand

The Static Rook Anaguma, explained →

FAQ

Does Kuma play Static Rook Anaguma?

No. His king goes to the corner away from his swung rook (1i as Black), the Ranging Rook version. Static Rook Anaguma shows the same castle from the other side and is a standard way to meet him.

What level is Kuma?

Default level 6, adjustable 1–10 in the app.

Prepare

Lessons: The Anaguma (Bear-in-the-Hole) · The Boat Castle and Breaking Castles · Mate Threats and Brinkmate

Openings: Static Rook Anaguma · Right Fourth-file Rook

Terms:

AnagumaEdge attackRanging RookRapid attackSlow gameBrinkmate

Other rivals: Hana · Kenji · Mika · Sato · Rin · Taro · Gen

Let me dig in first. Bears love a deep hole.

Challenge Kuma in the app

Kuma waits on the Rival Road at level 6 — or set any level from 1 to 10. Win to earn stars, and get every game against Kuma explained in plain English.

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