also: かどばん
noun
make-or-break game; crucial match
In go or shogi tournaments, a game where a player risks demotion or elimination if they lose. Often used in professional title matches or league play.
名人戦のカド番で、挑戦者は負けられない一局を迎えた。
In the make-or-break game of the Meijin title match, the challenger faced a must-win situation.
noun
ozeki in danger of demotion
In sumo, an ozeki who failed to get a winning record in the previous tournament and must achieve at least 8 wins in the current 15-day tournament to avoid losing the rank.
先場所負け越した大関は、今場所カド番で迎える。
The ozeki who had a losing record last tournament enters this tournament in danger of demotion.
From カド (corner, edge) and 番 (watch, number, one's turn), implying a critical turning point or a situation where one is on the brink. The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely derives from the idea of being at a dangerous corner or edge in a competition.