Two Pawns (nifu) & Shogi Rules: Piece Moves to Preventing Illegal Plays
Published
For those starting Shogi, here is a clear guide to the rules and goal. Infractions like Two Pawns (nifu) can occur, but first start by learning how pieces move.
Objective of Shogi and the 8 Piece Moves
Shogi is played on a 9×9 board with 81 squares. Players take turns moving 1 piece at a time to corner the opponent's king into checkmate to win.
There are 8 piece types. The pawn moves forward 1 square, the lance goes forward any distance, and the knight jumps forward-diagonally. The silver general moves in 5 directions (forward and diagonals), while the gold general moves in 6 directions (forward, diagonal-forward, sideways, back). In addition, the bishop flies diagonally, the rook moves orthogonally, and the king moves 1 square in all directions.
When entering the promotion zone (the 3 furthest ranks), moving within it, or exiting it, a piece can flip over for promotion. Choosing whether to promote or stay unpromoted is a major feature of Shogi.
Two Pawns (nifu) and Rules for Pieces in Hand
In Shogi, captured pieces become pieces in hand and can be dropped onto vacant squares. However, when dropping a pawn, there is a key illegal move known as Two Pawns (nifu).
You cannot have 2 of your own pawns on the same file at once. Dropping one there results in an immediate loss by illegal move. A promoted tokin is treated separately.
Figure 1 as text
Gote: 5a king
Gote in hand: none
Sente: 5g pawn, 5i king
Sente in hand: pawn
To move: Sente
Highlighted squares: 5g 5e
SFEN: 4k4/9/9/9/9/9/4P4/9/4K4 b P 1
In this diagram, Sente has a pawn at 5g. Dropping a pawn onto file 5 at 5e causes Two Pawns (nifu). Since file 4 has no Sente pawn, dropping at 4e is allowed.
| Vertical file condition | Can you drop a pawn? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| No friendly pawns present | Allowed | Can be placed without issue |
| Already 1 friendly pawn present | Not allowed | Results in Two Pawns (nifu) |
| Only a friendly tokin present | Allowed | A tokin is not treated as a pawn |
| Only an opponent's pawn present | Allowed | Enemy pieces do not affect the rule |
Figure 2 as text
Gote: 5a king
Gote in hand: none
Sente: 5d tokin, 5i king
Sente in hand: pawn
To move: Sente
Highlighted squares: 5d 5f
Arrows: pawn drop 5f
SFEN: 4k4/9/9/4+P4/9/9/9/9/4K4 b P 1
Here, Sente's only piece on file 5 is the tokin at 5d, so dropping a pawn at 5f is not Two Pawns (nifu).
Before you drop a pawn, check down the file to ensure your own pawn is not already there. This habit helps prevent fouls.
Play in the app
The fastest way to understand concepts is to play them. With an AI that calculates inside your device, you can play full games even without an internet signal.
Other Common Illegal Moves Beyond Two Pawns
Besides Two Pawns (nifu), there are other fouls easily played by mistake. Reviewing common illegal moves early on helps you play calmly.
Drop Pawn Mate and Pieces with No Moves
Delivering checkmate by dropping a pawn is drop pawn mate, which is an illegal move. Advancing a pawn on the board to mate is allowed. Creating a piece with no moves, such as dropping a pawn or lance on the furthest rank or a knight on the 2 furthest ranks, is also prohibited.
Difference Between Sennichite and Perpetual Check
When the same position repeats, it is sennichite and generally a draw. However, repeating positions by giving check continuously (perpetual check) results in a loss by illegal move for the checking side.
Practicing Rules via AI Matches without Fouls
When you have just learned Shogi, you might worry about fouls like Two Pawns (nifu). Practicing against an AI on a smartphone is an ideal solution.
In Shogi: The Grand Court, the AI thinks entirely on your device, letting you play offline. The app stops illegal moves, so you can play without worry.
In device AI matches, you can use taking back a move up to 3 times per game. You can undo mistakes to try other lines and review the game record from move 1 afterward.
Post-game commentary (1 free per game, online) helps you assess your moves. As you play, your dan and kyu ranks shift between 15-kyu and 9-dan, letting you track progress.
Frequently asked questions
Does dropping a pawn onto a file with a tokin cause Two Pawns (nifu)?
Dropping a pawn on a file with a tokin is not Two Pawns (nifu). A tokin promotes to move like a gold general, distinct from a pawn. If no other pawn of yours is on that file, dropping is fine.
Is it Two Pawns (nifu) to drop a pawn onto a file where an opponent's pawn is placed?
Dropping a pawn on a file with an opponent's pawn is not Two Pawns (nifu). The rule only forbids having 2 of your own pawns on the file. Enemy pieces do not affect it.
What happens in a Shogi game if Two Pawns (nifu) is played?
Playing Two Pawns (nifu) results in an immediate loss by illegal move. Shogi rules forbid 2 friendly pawns on the same file. Always check the file before you drop a pawn.
Is it an illegal move to deliver check by dropping a pawn?
Giving check by dropping a pawn is not illegal. It is only a foul when the drop results in checkmate (drop pawn mate). If the king can escape, checking with a pawn drop is valid.
Play in the app
Become a karakuri daimyo and win 50 matches in the Sengoku tournament in Shogi: The Grand Court. Free to start (in-app purchases available).