From: Nick Bardsley <nbardsley <at> ICC <dot> CO <dot> UK>
Date: 12 apr 2000
Subject: Re: Stalemate

>
> Kindly construct a stalemate position which could reasonably
> occur in a
> real game.
>
> I do not think you can do it.

I haven't the inclination or time. Moreover, I do not care sufficiently.
Why don't you construct a mathematical proof that it isn't possible, if
you're so concerned and so expert?

>
> Since a stalemate can never occur in a competitive game,
> there is no need
> to make a rule about it.

Nonsense.

Would a professional move into check? No. So why have a rule about it?
Would a professional stay in check? No. So why have a rule about it?
Would a professional make an illegal move? No. So why have a rule about it?

Your position is absurd.

>
> Again, you are thinking about chess and are forgetting the fundamental
> differences between chess and shogi.

Thank you falling into my trap. If you had taken any notice of what I have
written recently you would see I have consistently opposed the importation
of Chess 'values' into Shogi.

I wonder if you have a view on touching pieces in hand? Illegal or not?
What about adjusting pieces without saying a word? Illegal or not?
Touchmove in Chu? The traditional way, or a modern view?

I have views on the above questions which are hardly inspired by Chess.

I am, frankly, in something of a state of shock. It has been written that
stalemate is impossible for the very reason that moving into check is legal
(George Hodges and John Fairbairn (Shogi for Beginners) - I will check The
Art of Shogi, as well).

If moving into check is not legal, then stalemate becomes possible and there
has to be a ruling on it somewhere.

Nick