Buoyant Rook


In shogi, Buoyant Rook or the Deceiver is a surprise Static Rook opening in which the player's rook is advanced to the file directly above their line of pawns behind an advanced rook pawn.
Once positioned on this rank, the player threatens to capture with their rook any pawns that are advanced by their opponent.
The term float is used to refer to the positioning of the rook on rank 6 or 4 where it is undefended. A rook in this position is known as a floating rook as in, for instance, the Double Wing Attack Floating Rook opening. The word 浮き浮き ukiuki means light-hearted or cheery as if metaphorically floating.

Development

1. P-26 P-34, 2. P-25.
2....B-33. If White wants to prevent a pawn exchange on the second file, they must move the bishop to the third file to protect the 24 square. This move will also allow White to develop a Ranging Rook position.
3. R-26. This is the unexpected floating of the rook to the rank 6 that characterizes the Buoyant Rook opening.
At this point, White has a choice between a Static Rook and a Ranging Rook response.

Against Ranging Rook

Against Static Rook

3....P-84. Static Rook.