english

Abstract

The Fuhyō (歩兵) is the most numerous and fundamental piece in Shogi (将棋), with simple movements but a crucial strategic role, especially when promoted to Tokin.

The specific rules concerning it add tactical depth to the game.

Its name, derived from the kanji “walk” and “soldier,” signifies its function as infantry in the game.

english

Pawn

Kanji
歩兵

Hiragana
ふひょう

Romaji
Fuhyō

Meaning
Foot soldier

Usage
First line of defense
Beachhead

Pro
You can promote to tokin

Cons
Vulnerable
Slow
Does not retreat

english

Fuhyō (歩兵) in Shogi

The Fuhyō (歩兵), translated as a pawn, is fundamental in the game of Shogi (将棋), often compared to the pawn in Western chess. It is the most numerous piece available to players.

Historically, the Fuhyō (歩兵) has always played a crucial role in ancient variants of Shogi (将棋) such as Chū shōgi and Dai shōgi.

The Fuhyō (歩兵) moves one square forward and cannot retreat. When it reaches the third-to-last or second-to-last row of the opponent’s camp, it may be promoted to Tokin (と金), gaining movements similar to those of the Kinshō (金将), known as the Gold General. When it reaches the last row of the opponent’s camp, promotion to Tokin (と金) becomes mandatory.

Fuhyō (歩兵) are essential for opening attack lines and defending within Gakoi (囲い), translated as Castles. Their promotion to Tokin (と金) represents a significant threat, as the Tokin (と金) combines the mobility of the Kinshō (金将) with an advanced position. Dropping (Utsu – うつ) one or more Fuhyō (歩兵) creates important aggressive tactics to force the opponent into constrained movements.

A unique rule in Shogi (将棋) is the prohibition of “Nifu” (二歩), which prevents having two unpromoted Fuhyō (歩兵) in the same column. Additionally, using a newly introduced Fuhyō to deliver an immediate checkmate is prohibited, known as “Uchifudzume” (打ち歩詰め). Importantly, breaking these rules results in an automatic loss.

The term Fuhyō (歩兵) consists of two kanji (漢字): 
“歩” (fu) → means “to walk” or “step.” 
“兵” (hyō) → means “soldier” or “troop.”
Together, “walking soldier” signifies the role of the pawn as infantry on the Shogi (将棋) battlefield.

Notably, the same term 歩兵 can also be read as ほへい (hohei or hohē), which in Japanese means “infantry” or “foot soldier” in a military context. 
The pronunciation Fuhyō (歩兵) is a specialized Shogi (将棋) term, likely adopted to distinguish it from the common meaning of hohei – hohē. This variation is an example of homography in the Japanese language, where words with the same kanji can have different readings based on the context.

Notes
Chū shōgi (中将棋): an ancient variant of Shogi (将棋) played on a 12×12 board, characterized by a greater number of pieces and more complex movements. 
Dai shōgi (大将棋): an even larger version, played on a 15×15 board, containing special pieces and advanced rules.

english

Promoted Pawn

Kanji
と金

Hiragana
ときん

Romaji
Tokin

Meaning
“Reaches gold”

Usage
In attack

Pro
If caught returns fuhyo

Cons
Slow