4th File Rook Guide: Main Line Ranging Rook Openings for Beginners
Move your rook to the 6th file (the 4th one from the left) and block the bishop exchange. Focus on solid defense while waiting for your opponent’s attack. This strategy centers around passive defense and counterplay, making it one of the more accessible defensive openings for beginners within the Ranging Rook framework.
How to Make the Opening Moves ＆ Why
The Fourth File Rook strategy (四間飛車, Shikenbisha) gets its name by placing your rook on the fourth file from the left. After moving the rook to the sixth file (the fourth from the left), you block the bishop’s diagonal and start developing your pieces.
This is a Ranging Rook strategy (振り飛車, Furibisha) that places a strong emphasis on defense. The main idea is to wait for your opponent to attack, establish a solid defense, and look for opportunities to counterattack. It’s a strategy that patiently defends while waiting for the right time to strike back.
Additionally, this defense is complemented by building a solid Mino castle on the right side of your territory to protect your king.
Next Moves: A Famous Development Example
Your opponent will likely push their pawn and silver toward your bishop. At this point, it’s crucial that you advance your silver to defend. This applies to other situations as well: when your opponent’s silver moves toward the center of the board, it’s important to block their control of the center.
Next, you’ll want to focus on exchanging your bishop, rook, and silver to gain an advantage. At this point, it’s important to stop fixating on the 4th file and shift your rook to the 3rd file. This is based on the theory of “moving the rook to the line of attack,” emphasizing the importance of flexibility in your strategy.
Your left knight has naturally advanced forward, hasn’t it? This process of exchanging major pieces to gain an advantage is called “捌き (Sabaki)” in Japanese.
Furthermore, while your king is securely protected in the Mino castle, your opponent, having opted for an aggressive attack, is likely lacking in defense. So, where will you drop your major piece to capitalize on this opportunity?
