From: Rob Ryan MINDSPRING COM> Date: 19 feb 2001 Subject: Computer games A couple of beginner's question: 1. Having only a passing familiarity with Shogi from some time spent in Japan nearly 13 years ago, I was planning on going out and finding a decent computer game to re-introduce me to the game. But I haven't been too successful finding any games for Windows (English, Win2k or Win98). Any Windows Shogi-playing computer programs recommended for a novice? I'd probably put a premium on a decent graphical user interface (Kanji pieces preferred) and some good tutorial features. Strength of play is probably less of an issue at this point, short of not getting me into any bad habits. Is there anything analogous to Fritz or ChessMaster 8000 for the Shogi world? I'm trying out some Shogi software (e.g. Steve Evan's Shogi Variants v1.55a), but before I invest in any commercial package, I want to get a sense of what packages are best. I'd be happy with a Japanese program, too, as long as it works with U.S. versions of Windows (i.e., I can deal with Japanese menus, etc.). Shogi Professional by Oxford Softworks seems like a candidate. What do people think of this? Are there other programs I should consider? 2. I'm familiar with the modern 9x9 game, but variants seem to be very common. What is the significance of all the variants and is there any reason why I would try those as opposed to the standard game? I don't remember seeing any of these variants in use when I was in Japan, but they appear to be prevalent in the Shogi computer game world. Rob