From: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Ronny_Th=F6rnvall?= HOME SE> Date: 16 jan 1999 Subject: SV: shogi questions Hi ! >Some unrelated questions: > >1) Does anyone know why the rules prohibiting pawn drops to give > checkmate exist? I asked Mr Aono Teruichi, 9 dan professional, when he visited the Swedish Shogi Federation in Stockholm. I think I remember his answer correctly: A pawn, beeing the weekest piece, a simple pawn after all, has to bow for the Emperor before making the 'kill', that is why only a pawn already on the board is permited to check-mate. That was the 'historical' reason. I think he mentioned another reason to but sad to say, I do not remember that one or even if he told us what it was. Hope that you and everyone else is happy with that answer! Best regards, Ronny Thörnvall, 4 kyu Member of The Swedish Shogi Federation http://www.cd.chalmers.se/~ralf/shogi