From: Steven Walters <HeroSW <at> WGN <dot> NET>
Date: 1 feb 1999
Subject: Beginner Question

Hi All,

I am a newcomer to Shogi. I asked some players in Little Tokyo (Los Angeles)
If they could teach me something about Shogi. They were all Japanese
speakers but spoke enough English to show me some of the basics. They were
great to me, it was really a great experience and left me wanting more.

 My questions are these... Where can I buy a Shogi Board? I would like to
get 2 sets of pieces. One with the Kanji symbols and one with the
international markings. I would like to learn the Kanji symbols, but I think
the international pieces will be easier for my 9-year old daughter and I to
get the movement down. I would like to get high quality equipment that is
affordable.

Also, Is the program Master Shogi worth getting? I think it would be good
for me to play the computer for practice. I downloaded a couple of Shogi
computer programs and have been playing a few games. I have Shogi Variants
V1.55 and it seems pretty good. I have also ordered the book Shogi for
Beginners by John Fairbairn.

One last question... The players at Little Tokyo Said that gold or silver
(not sure which) could not move into f4 and f6 is this a normal rule?

Any information would be appreciated!

Thank you,

--Steven Walters
HeroSW <at> WGN <dot> Net