From: George Jost HOTMAIL COM> Date: 8 feb 1999 Subject: Shogi vs Chess (Evangelism and comparison) Interesting discussion about the issue of Shogi vs Chess. This is very much on the minds of those of us in small clubs in the West. I think the best mechanism of encouraging chess players to play Shogi is for them to be exposed to it in a manner that convince them it is fun by example. That is, play amongst them until some of them give it a try; we play in a cafe full of chess players. The sales job tactic does not work; people tend to get annoyed. Another favorite tactic of mine is to invent a rivalry; friendly discussions comparing the merits of both games with those who are curious about Shogi. Of course in such discussions I always take the tact that Shogi is superior but without taking myself too seriously; after all both are good games. Some initially hostile players have been eventually won over in this way. I find in general the "Club Chess Champion" type is unfortunately rarely a convert though. A good friend of mine "2200chess/dan Shogi " contends that the best manner to win this type of person is unfortunately to start offering monetary prices. (We are not a rich club -- alas.) My favorite Chess VS Shogi Conversation went something like this. me> The cool thing about Shogi is the fact that you can drop captured pieces in evil places. other> Interesting. Are the pieces always flat? What I love about chess are the 3D pieces? It helps you to visualize. me> Granted, chess has the 3D thing but Shogi has pieces shaped like houses which allow you to visualize which way they point. other> I really like the 3D. Does Shogi have a compicated opening theory? me> ??? (Mention too much opening thoery and at least half of your strong chess playing audience is gone.) 2200 chess/dan Shogi> Shogi opening thoery does not appear to be as explored as deeply as chess. A strong chess player picks the game up quite quickly. me> I also like the end game better because the pieces are always in play. 2200/dan> In Shogi there is more possibility of counter attack. More caution is required. ... other> Chess is so widely played. You can find strong competion everywhere. me> I'll grant that outside of Japan. Still there's Java Shogi. other> the pieces appear to move a bit slow. me> true except with the droping .... ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com