From: Nick Bardsley <nbardsley <at> ICC <dot> CO <dot> UK>
Date: 2 feb 2000
Subject: Re: to play shogi on the net

e.t. > history is only for japanese.

I profoundly disagree with this view (if I understand it correctly).

I think the history of Modern Shogi (to leave the variants aside a =
moment) as far back as the origins of the game is important for all =
players of the game. An understanding of its history, however basic, =
will lead to a greater appreciation of any game and, I believe, a deeper =
understanding of the game.

My personal view is that this applies to a knowledge of the variants =
also. Certainly, I have found that taking the effort to familiarise =
myself with Chu, Tori and Wa has deepened my appreciation and, I =
believe, my understanding of Modern Shogi. They are also wonderful games =
in their own right.

In the end, it is a matter of personal taste and inclination. But the =
history and, certainly, the kanji and etiquette of the game are =
definitely not 'only for the japanese'.

Nick Bardsley