Demon Slayer (鬼殺し) was a very first opening and trick that I learned and used. It act like a double edged sword for me at the beginning. I have taken around few weeks to adapt the strength of demon slayer, and I feel that I should share my knowledge of demon slayer to the other too.
Demon Slayer (鬼殺し onigoroshi) also known as demon killer is an opening initiated by Black (先手) that use for advances their left knight (桂) blocking their bishop’s diagonal (角道). And it serve as a trap which is applicable for novice players.
The initial movement of鬼殺し
Photo retreived from: Wikipedia
Later moves the player have to attempt an attack using a further advanced knight (桂) and also possibly against White’s (后手) left silver (銀). However, if white (后手) know to set up a good defense that can overcome the attack, Black (先手) will be in unfavorable position. Therefore, the study on this particular movement should be done wisely. Kindly refer to the tutorial in the YouTube channel below to have a fundamental knowledge and concept of how demon slayer/demon killer work.
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Video Detail:
Published: Feb 19, 2009
Described: A well-known opening trap. Learn how to defend correctly against it in case your opponent used it against you.
—とくかつ—
Demon Killer (鬼殺し – Onigoroshi) is a furibisha strategy where you can create a fast attack against your opponent’s king. Nowadays there are no professional players who play this opening. This is considered a kishuu (surprise) opening. If the opponent knows the correct moves he can get a better position but if he mistakes or doesn’t know the correct moves you can get a great advantage.
Even if you are not gonna play it I recommend you to remember the sequence of moves so you don’t get trapped on it.
After the initial moves, ▲P-7f △P-3d Sente makes the strange move ▲N-7g!?
Shogi Demon Sword
The knights are a very weak piece at the beginning of the game, they can get easily targeted by enemy paws so usually, it’s not good to move it that fast.
First, let’s see what happens when gote doesn’t know how to stop the Demon Killer.
A normal move would be △P-8d, then…
▲N-6e!?
The knight goes further.
△S-6b?
Not a good move. Let’s see why.
▲P-7e △P-6d
▲Bx2b △Sx2b
▲B*5e!
Now Sente is threatening to take the Silver on 2b.
△S-3c ▲Bx6d
△G6a-5b ▲P-7d
△G-6c ▲R-7h!!
Sente is putting all the pressure on column 7 and the diagonal 9a-1i. He will lose the Bishop after △Gx6d but it doesn’t matter.
▲Px7c △Nx7c
▲Nx7c △Sx7c
▲Rx7c
Sente has created a Dragon and is threatening the Rook and the Gold of Gote. After △R-6b defending the Gold, sente can play ▲R-7a △P-6a ▲Rx9a with a good position.
Shogi Demonstrations
Then, what can Gote do for stop this?
▲P-7f △P-3d
▲N-7g △P-8d
▲N-6e △G-6b!!
This is the correct move!
There is a big difference if Gote uses the Gold and not the Silver.
Shogi Demon Dragon
▲P-7e △P-6d
▲Bx2b △Sx2b
▲B*5e? △G-6c!
With this move, Gote protects at the same time the Silver on 2b with the Rook and the Pawn on 6d with the Gold. Later he can take the Knight for free with a very good position and Gote should be winning.
Have you ever tried the Demon Killer? Someone did it to you? Do you want to try it now? Feel free to comment!
Shogi Demon Slayer
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