From: "shorem <at> fiu <dot> edu" <shorem <at> FIU <dot> EDU>
Date: 1 feb 1999
Subject: Re: Beginner Question

Hi Steve,
    Undoubtedly the best way to learn would be to find an English-speaking
player near you.  If unavailable, then anyone who plays would be much better
than learning from a book.  Initially (later also) Tsume-Shogi problems may be
extremely helpful.  Play games; lose, lose, lose, but play games.  Sorry you're
not in the Miami area, as I would then be able to help.
        Harold Shore


Steven Walters wrote:

> 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