What Do You Need to Learn to Get Stronger at Shogi(Japanese chess)? From Beginner to 3-Dan

The Bottom Line

• If you learn Joseki, Tesuji, Kakoikuzushi, and Tsume Shogi, you’ll generally be in good shape.

• In terms of priority, it feels like: Joseki = Tesuji = Kakoikuzushi >> Tsume Shogi.

• That said, doing a moderate amount of Tsume Shogi is still important.

In Japan, there are several established methods discussed for improving at Shogi. For players outside of Japan, I imagine it can be tough to figure out exactly what to study, so I’ve summarized the key points here.

1. Learning Joseki (Opening,定跡)

Joseki is a collection of established sequences showing how to play from the starting position. Shogi is a game where it’s notoriously difficult to know what the "right" move is from the very first turn. Joseki helps you solve this by memorizing proven patterns. Generally, if you know your Joseki, you’ll win more often. It’s quite important.

Check the link for study methods.

I’ve also included a link to the simplest Joseki.

https://shogicoach.blogspot.com/2025/12/shogi-strategy-climbing-silver.html

2. Tesuji (Tactical,手筋)

Tesuji refers to techniques for capturing the opponent’s pieces efficiently. For example, the position in the image shows a "Tataki no Fu" (striking pawn). By dropping this pawn, if the Silver moves, you can take the Gold; if it doesn't move, you take the Silver. This is a Tesuji. Learning these will significantly increase how often you capture your opponent's pieces. Since capturing pieces leads to an advantage, your win rate will naturally go up. This is also very important.

Study methods are in the link.

3. Kakoikuzushi (Breaking Down Castles,囲い崩し)

In Shogi, both players protect their King by surrounding it with Gold and Silver generals. This is called a Kakoi (Castle). Because building a castle usually gives you an advantage, it happens in almost every game. Since castles are a constant feature of Shogi, learning the methods to break them down (Kakoikuzushi) means you are learning moves that will be useful in almost every match you play.

See the link for details.

4. Tsume Shogi (shogi puzzle,詰将棋)

Tsume Shogi is a puzzle where you have to checkmate the opponent's King. A game of Shogi only ends when the King is mated. In most cases, you cannot win without a mate. Since a mating sequence occurs in every winning game, the idea is to practice them. While it’s not "critically" urgent compared to the others, it’s moderately important and its benefits will slowly but surely manifest in your gameplay.

See the link for details.

Summary

• Joseki: Specialized for the opening phase.

• Tesuji: Specialized for capturing pieces.

• Kakoikuzushi: Specialized for breaking down castles.

• Tsume Shogi: A study method focused on the final checkmate.

• Priority: All are important, but it's roughly: Joseki = Tesuji = Kakoikuzushi >> Tsume Shogi.

• Don't ignore Tsume Shogi: It’s still quite vital and has a slow-burn effect on your overall strength.