Every shogi opening belongs to one of two families, depending on where the rook goes.
Static rook 居飛車
The rook stays on its starting file (b2 for Sente on this board) and supports the rook pawn as it marches up the b-file. The king castles on the other side, away from the rook.
Static-rook openings — Yagura, Kakugawari (bishop exchange), Aigakari — carry the deepest theory in the game.
Ranging rook 振り飛車
The rook swings to the left side of the board early, and the king castles on the right, where the rook started. Ranging rook openings are named by where the rook lands, counting files from Sente's left:
| Opening | Rook on | This board |
|---|---|---|
| Shikenbisha 四間飛車 | 4th file from the left | f2 |
| Sankenbisha 三間飛車 | 3rd file from the left | g2 |
| Nakabisha 中飛車 | the centre | e2 |
| Mukaibisha 向かい飛車 | facing the opponent's rook | h2 (after the bishop moves) |
In practice players push a pawn or two first to make room — the diagram only shows that the rook can go there from the start.
Ranging rook pairs naturally with the mino castle, which is quick to build and very solid from the side. It's often recommended to newer players because the plans are easy to see.
Which should you play?
Either. Try both against the computer and keep the one whose positions you enjoy. The opening explorer shows what players here choose.