From: Larry Kaufman <lkaufman <at> WIZARD <dot> NET>
Date: 14 aug 2000
Subject: Re: Regarding Shogi Impasse

At 01:15 PM 8/11/00 +0200, you wrote:
>Regarding Shogi Impasse.
>
>I am currently playing in a Shogi email tournament (at
>Richard's PBeM server).
>
>In this tournament it was stated that a alternate
>rule should be used in the case of entering kings.
>(After that I have heard that several different ways
>to handle this exists, and are used at some occasions.)
>
>The rule used in this tournament states that:
>     The first player to legally move his king onto
>     the opponents initial king square wins.
>
>I think this alternate rule is worth mentioning. It
>appeals to me much more than the resolution by counting
>for several reasons; it is simple to formulate, there
>can be no discussion upon if the situation has occured
>or not, and it avoids draws.
>
     Well, it could be a reasonable rule, but it's not shogi then.  I have
lots of ideas for new rules to reduce draws in chess, but if they are
adopted then the players are playing a new game.

>I think this rule affects a normal shogi game very little.

     It would lead to more willingness to try for an entering king than in
real shogi.

>(However having an anaguma would not be nice if the
>opponents king is entering and you use this rule..)
>
     Indeed, Anaguma would be a less appealing strategy with this rule.

>Any comments?
>
>
     For the record, in amateur shogi (in Japan and in the West) it is
usual to use the rule that when points are counted, any lead (even 28-26)
is enough to win, and a tied count (27 each) means victory for the second
player.  This rule is especially used when there must be a winner (i.e.
knockout tournaments) and time would not permit a second game after a long
entering kings game.

     Larry Kaufman