From: John Kenney EMBL-HEIDELBERG DE> Date: 31 jan 1993 Subject: Re: Castling Dear Shogi-L, Chris Kmotorka writes: >castling and castling problems. What exactly does this refer to? I >assume it has something to do with protecting the king, but >specifically how? Castles serve the same function in shogi as they do in chess, that is protecting the King. However, there is no single move to castle the King in shogi (as there is in chess). Instead castling involves moving the King away from your opponent's preceived line of attack (usually the opponent's rook file) and into the company of 2 or 3 generals. This takes several moves leading to a variety of castle shapes. See the "Shogi for Beginners" book for more details. >Also, in the LADDER STANDING file, is there any way to know how >strong a player is? Some list it before the name, but most don't. When you join the ladder you start at the bottom and move up by defeating someone above you (you move to the place just above). If you lose you do not move. You may only challenge someone 5 or less spaces above you. For more info. contact Chris Sterrit (the ladder coordinator) and have a look at the Shogi-L info. file on the ladder. Don't worry about the other player's grade (unless you win then you can start bragging about beating a hot shot player!), just start playing! It is a great way of playing different players with different styles. You can check out ideas and broaden your shogi experience. >Thanks for castling info. Any body have any of these problems for >posting, like the Tsume problems? I don't know of any castling problems? Perhaps our resident Tsume problem man can help. Reijer, do you have any ideas? John InterNet: Kenney EMBL-Heidelberg DE