From: Nobuyoshi Fujimoto <Nobuyoshi_Fujimoto <at> QMGATE <dot> ARC <dot> NASA <dot> GOV>
Date: 23 oct 1995
Subject: Re: Variants

        Reply to:   RE>>Variants

Long time ago  our ancients were trying to
improve their chat rangwa (I do not know correct spell) variants and
there maybe a lot of variants were born. However many of them were dead
and some of them, which people think interesting, are remaining today.

I think it was same as  Japanese shogi, a lot of variants were invented in the
past (about 1000 years ago) such as  Dai shogi, Dai dai shogi etc. etc.
I think it was a history of try and error.
And since the 400 years ago, only current SHOGI and chu shogi is alive.
Any other shogi variants are not be playing now. (except very special case)
Because they are too big and involved too much pieces. Not so easy to
play, and provably they are not exiting game.
It may be just like a block demolish.

Even chu shogi, in Japan, there are quite a few people continue playing.
Of course no official tournament. (I think).

I have chu shogi board and piece but have never played.
Therefor I am vary pleased that shogi l member are interested in the
old shogi variants. Does someone have an experience playing chu shogi
or any other old shogi variants?