From: SalvaAC <at> AOL <dot> COM
Date: 11 aug 2000
Subject: Re: Shogi Impasse

In a message dated 8/11/00 2:37:21 AM Central Daylight Time,
stouten <at> SHOGI <dot> NET writes:

>
>  1)  Is the tally only for pieces on the board or does it also include
pieces
>  that are in hand?
-------------All pieces, in hand and on the board.

>  2)  Since the King is called neither a major nor a minor piece, is it
>  therefore not tallied in the final count of pieces?
------------It is assumed you still have it at this point in time, or there'd
be no use in counting up points in the first place.

>  3)  Is an Impasse declared subjectively?   That is, solely by means of
> mutual consent and discretion of an arbiter--or are there concrete
guidelines to
>  call an Impasse?  In other words, how is one to know for sure when
Checkmate
>  is no longer possible for either player?
-----------My understanding is that is when niether player has any prospects
for checkmate.  We're starting to get out of my realm of knowledge now.

>  4)  Can one intentionally force a draw by creating an Impasse?
-----------It usually happens when both kings have entered each opponents
camp,   I can't remember having played an impasse game, but I recall many
times my king has had to run for its life up the board and into the enemy
camp.  Not that I was trying to create an impasse as much as saving my own
skin.

>  5)  Can it happen that both players would have under 24 points each?
------------No and yes.  There are four major pieces and 34 minor ones. That
makes 54 points total.  But yes it could happen in a handicap game.  I've
heard a couple different thoughts on those situations....  1) the amount of
points needed to avoid losing by the handicap giver is reduced by the number
of points the pieces removed value.  In a two-piece game, removing the rook
and bishop, the handicap giver only needs 14 points to avoid impasse.  2)
The handicap giver should automatically win, as a sign of respect by the
handicap receiver (I think?) and/or based on the fact that the giver is the
stronger player in the first place.

>  6)  Does an Impasse occur automatically when the two Kings have entered
each
>  other's territories?
-----------Not necessarily.  If one or both players have mating prospects, I
believe they can continue to demand the game played out.  I have mated and
been mated in entering king situations.  They are often more difficult
positions, to be sure, but worth the effort.

I hope this helps, and I also hope this letter brings up the fact that though
I've been a pretty avid shogi player for maybe ten years, I'm still not clear
on all the rules.  Should give me a reason to refresh my knowledge.

Sal
 >
>  Thank you very much.
>
>  Sincerely,
>  Michael Breier