From: Larry Kaufman WIZARD NET> Date: 8 feb 1999 Subject: Re: Chess vs. Shogi, etc. -----Original Message----- From: The Shogi Discussion List [mailto:SHOGI-L techunix technion ac il]On Behalf Of Doug Dysart Sent: Monday, February 08, 1999 5:36 AM To: SHOGI-L techunix technion ac il Subject: Chess vs. Shogi, etc. Larry also said, "I was once thought to be the strongest non-oriental player in the U.S. of Shang-chi (Chinese chess)." Sam Sloan, if I remember correctly, once said he was the strongest non-Chinese American at xianqi. Time for a match, eh Larry? Speaking of Sam, I wonder what he has to say about this whole chess/shogi comparison. The reason I like Sam, other than his ability to report on chess proficiently, is because he plays well at xianqi, shogi, chess, and makruk. Actually, my "claim" in this regard is based in part on having played a match of xianqi with Sam Sloan over a decade ago, in which I won all the games (three, if memory serves). I also played a game on NY television with the champion of China; of course I lost, but I put up a better fight than the Chinese players expected. Since I haven't played a game for several years, I am sure that Sam Sloan and perhaps other non-Chinese American players could defeat me now, unless I decided to get back into practice. I quit playing because I like shogi more, while chess is my current profession, and there isn't time in life for everything. But xianqi is a good game! Speaking of makruk, Larry, you neglected to mention Thai chess. If you would like my opinion on Thai chess, or Chiaki Ito's opinion for that matter (he's probably a better source - more strength), let me know. I'd give it a whopping 5 1/2! I didn't comment on games I know nothing about. If you feel that Thai chess is superior to all other traditional chess games except shogi, it would be interesting to hear your (or Mr. Ito's) reasons. Doug Dysart Paid Member of the Ohio Shogi Club