Essential Castles

Static rook and ranging rook castles — 12 formations explained in 3 lessons

A castle is a defensive formation that keeps your King safe. Which castle to use depends heavily on whether you play static rook (ibisha) or ranging rook (furibisha) — the formations are largely separate between the two strategies.

Here we cover 12 essential castles rated on three axes: moves to build, durability, and positional balance. Use these ratings to find the castle that fits your style.

Castle Strategy Moves to Build Durability Balance Beginner Pick
BoatStatic rook★★★★★★☆☆☆☆★★★☆☆Best
CrabStatic rook★★★★☆★☆☆☆☆★★★☆☆Good
Modern Bishop ExchangeStatic rook★★☆☆☆★★☆☆☆★★★★★Later
Central KingStatic rook★★★★★★☆☆☆☆★★★★★Good
GangiStatic rook★★★☆☆★★☆☆☆★★★★★Good
YaguraStatic rook★★☆☆☆★★★★☆★★★☆☆Later
ElmoStatic rook★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★☆☆Good
MinoRanging rook★★★★☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆Best
High MinoRanging rook★★★☆☆★★★★☆★★★★☆Good
Silver CrownBoth★★☆☆☆★★★★★★★★☆☆Good
Double GoldRanging rook★★★☆☆★★★☆☆★★★★☆Good
FortressBoth★☆☆☆☆★★★★★＋★☆☆☆☆Later
1

Static Rook Castles

Boat, Crab, Modern Bishop Exchange, Central King, Gangi, Yagura, and Elmo — seven castles from quick speed builds to balanced and full-scale forms.

›
2

Ranging Rook Castles

Mino, High Mino, Silver Crown, and Double Gold — including the Mino upgrade line explained at a glance.

›
3

The Fortress and Choosing Your Castle

The most impenetrable castle in shogi — and a guide to picking the right formation for your style.

›