In the previous articles we have seen many technical differences between western chess and “the game of generals”. However, as expectable, these two games differ from each other also for the required etiquette.

In fact, in chess you begin and end the match by shaking your opponent’s hand. In shogi is not that simple.

After sitting in front of the board in “seiza” (星座), you make a 45° bow to your opponent while saying “yoroshiku onegaishimasu” (よろしくお願いします, even though you can omit the first part to sound less formal). This expression can be translated as “it will be a pleasure to play with you”.

When one of the two players reckons that there is no longer point for him in continuing the match, they must bow without looking at the opponent, cover the pieces with the right hand and say “makemashita” (負けました), which means “I lost”.
In my opinion, this is the most important sentence. In fact, according to the rules, a match does not end until one player resigns.
On the other hand, if you see your opponent renouncing, you should show respect to them by bowing and thanking for the game with the sentence “arigatou gozaimashita” (ありがとうございました).

In order to end the game like professionally, it is also needed to take part in the post-game discussion called “kansōsen” (感想戦), where you can be less formal.

In conclusion, a good player is someone who not only does play well, but also respects the etiquette, making of every game a ceremony that brings they a little step closer to perfection.