minor piece
In shogi, refers to pieces other than the major pieces (rook and bishop), such as pawns, lances, knights, silver generals, and gold generals.
将棋では、小駒をうまく使うことが大切です。
In shogi, it is important to use minor pieces skillfully.
小駒だけで攻めるのは難しい。
It is difficult to attack with only minor pieces.
Compound of 小 (small, minor) and 駒 (piece, especially in shogi). The reading こごま is a straightforward combination of the kun'yomi readings.