Fujii System Guide: Learn How to Crack the Anaguma!
Are you ready to crack the Anaguma? This opening system, developed by professional shogi player Takeshi Fujii, is a revolutionary strategy for breaking through your opponent’s solid Static Rook Anaguma defense. It’s one of the most effective ways to dismantle the ”Bear-in-the-Hole” defense.
How to Make the Opening Moves ＆ Why
Move your rook to the 6th file to block the bishop exchange. Next, an important step is to advance the pawn on on the right edge. This puts pressure on your opponent’s king by asking, “Are you going to form an Anaguma or not?” If your opponent isn’t going for the Anaguma, they will likely respond by advancing their own pawn. If they are going for it, they might choose to skip advancing the pawn, as forming the Anaguma directly is a more solid defense.
Once you confirm that your opponent is going for the Anaguma, Fujii aggressively attacks without fully fortifying his own king. The key is to position only the gold and silver pieces to form a partial Mino castle.
Now, let’s open the bishop’s diagonal and then advance the knight on the right. The bishop will target the king, while the knight supports the attack. This completes the basic formation to activate the Fujii System.
Next Moves: A Famous Development Example
There’s no need to rush; let’s advance the edge pawn one more step. This will set us up for a sharp edge attack later. Meanwhile, your opponent is steadily moving their king to the key position in the Anaguma. If they manage to cover it with their silver, they’ll complete their setup. So, let’s launch our attack now!
Jump your right knight, forcing your opponent’s bishop to retreat. Then, advance your pawn to open up your bishop’s diagonal. Since the pin is already established, your opponent has no choice but to defend with their silver.
At this moment, start the edge attack. First, let your knight be the bait. This is the famous endgame pattern to break the Anaguma.
Your opponent will promote a bishop, but don’t worry; you have enough pieces. Continue with the edge attack. Finally, when the silver captures the edge pawn, advance your pawn on the fourth file. See? The bishop is targeting the king for checkmate. Do you think you can win?
