From: Toshiya Kawakami <GHE01101 <at> NIFTYSERVE <dot> OR <dot> JP>
Date: 18 oct 1994
Subject: Re: Chess and Shogi

I understood the main points are as follows.

  Handicaps
  Frequency of draw
  Resemblance to backgammon
  Turnaround tempo of offense/defense
  Weight of openning preparetion
  Tactical feeling
  Strength of chess programs
  Conpetitive chess and friendly chess
  Personality (or manner) of club players

They all interested me, particularly the last one.

Anton wrote,
>   tournaments in California, I can honestly say that I would not spend
>   time with these people by choice.  While I haven't met very many other
>   shogi players, they have been universally warm and encouraging.

Howard wrote,
>is that this is not a factor intrinsic to either game, but an artifact
>of the difference in cultures.

Just like many ohter things, there are various type of people playing
shogi in my country.  A common scene during noon recess at offices,
some people play friendly shogi here and there, but this game is,
you know, very noisy as it is custom to smack pieces onto the board.
No 'touch and move' law exists in this game, they ANYTIME touch the
pieces that they have captured, and is smacking with loud noise
whether or not in own turn.  They could play at a sunny place!  Most
other people must train for not listening to the sound.
I believe tournament shogi players are gentlemanly.

I wish your happy and joyful shogi ( and, of cource, chess ) time.

Toshi

E-mail: GHE01101 <at> niftyserve <dot> or <dot> jp