Shogi

[Luminance]

Aka Japanese chess:

 

or to make it less confusing with pictures (davis style):



Is a game I just learned this weekend when I was at Animecon (a international japan/manga/anime conference).
It differs from normal chess, not only because of its slightly altered pieces and places, but also because of a different promotion system and most important, pieces you remove from you opponent, become yours to reintroduce back into the game at any given moment, or spot (few exeptions) on the field.

The rulez are simple and the differences are easy to learn (hardest bit is to recognize the pieces when they are in Japanese instaid of symbols). Chess players have a small advantage due to being familiar to the concept and some of the tactics can be used, but also a slight disadvantage because with chess you don't want to sacrifise to many pieces, while with Shogi its almost a must.

This game is very popular in the Passific, but is hardly played in Western countries. I wonder why though, because its a lot more fun then normal chess and more ballanced.

I also wondered if maybe some of you have heard it before, or even play the game (you should atleast try it, its great). If so, maybe we could play 2vs2 online, to enhance our skills?

-Lumi-

P.s. if you want to practise against the PC, then this is a good site. (just started winning matches in under 10 games played)

[Gaara]

I remember them playing shogi on naruto

Ill be sure to check it out later tonight ^^

[Luminance]

yeah thats where I saw it too lol

[Tanales]

yeh i remember that from naruto also

[BabyBlueBall]

Shikamaru and Asuma played that no?
It looks like fun! Wish I could go to a con...

[Luminance]

Thats correct yes.

They allready have 4 anime cons in Holland now, and some other related cons like chibi con.

I bet there must be even more in the UK, or can't you go cuz of ur age?

[Luminance]

Anyone who is going to the LAN who might be interested in learning how to play it? Its not that big/heavy so its easy to bring.

Or maybe even someone who can play it already and interested in playing? Just found out that I now have a real status, 10-kyu (beginners normally start at 14-15 ). I've only played 6 games against an opponent of 3-kyu [he is the official Shogi Union leader of the Netherlands) and  3 games are still going (we play via email).
The rest where against beginners (about 8 games) and the rest vs AI (about 12/13-kyu, as it was only a free demo)