From: Patrick Davin <patrick <at> LYRA <dot> VEGA <dot> OR <dot> JP>
Date: 7 feb 1999
Subject: Re: The larger Shogi variants

>We were having such a good "fight" ...

My feeling (not a conclusion, but a feeling) is that chushogi is an OK
game, though not as great as shogi.  A reasonable (imperfect) game of
chushogi can be played in two hours or so.  The rules (other than
"tsukegui") are not excessively awkward.

I'll agree with Colin that the tsukegui limitations improve chushogi.
Still, like the 50-move rule in chess, they are an unaesthetic kludge,
added in order to improve playability.

I personally like a game that balances the aesthetic and sporting
elements.  In my feeling shogi, chess, and the other equivalent games
are quite ideal.  Chushogi is close.  The larger games are interesting
to contemplate, if not to play.

Your mileage may vary.  (The object is amusement).

Now then, who will be the first in Earth history to complete a game
of taikyoku shogi?  (Hint: not me).