From: George Fernandez <g.fernandez <at> mindspring <dot> com>
Date: 01 feb 2004
Subject: Re: Interesting? Completed version

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At 05:55 PM 1/28/04, you wrote:
Dear Martin,

Here is the completed version of my reply. The majority of my previous 
message was accidentally deleted and I didn't have time to compose it anew 
until now.

Thank you for expressing your views on our format and some other points 
regarding the shogi scene in the U.S.
Clearly, the shogi scene IS different here in the U.S when compared with 
Europe, Japan and other parts of the world.
Some of the points mentioned by you are sensitive and easily confused. As 
President of USSF, I'd like to touch upon a few of the specific points at 
this time:
1. The "best American shogi player" can be said to be Larry Kaufman. He is 
the highest rated by a substantial margin. Among the higher rated players, 
we have substantial playing experience [handicap and even games] in both 
club and tournament settings.
2. Rising stars that I know of are, Greg D'Elia (NY), 3Kyu, who is likely 
to achieve Shodan shortly, in less than two years of active play. Recently, 
he has beaten some 3 Dans, in hirate games, here in NY. Tim Rogalsky, 
Shodan, (VA - DC club), who placed 2nd at the 2003 Pocono's Handicap 
(_reduced_ handicap format) tournament  behind Mr. Nariyuki Hatakeyama, Pro 
6Dan, and ahead of several 5 and 4 Dan players. Rising stars can be seen at 
the club level on a regular basis.
3. Many of the core Japanese organizers and active players, perhaps 25 or 
30 in all, now active in the U.S. shogi scene, have lived in the U.S. for a 
very long time and have no plans to return to Japan. Their families and 
businesses are here in the U.S. They have every right to participate 
actively in our activities and do.
4. The U.S Shogi Championship has never set out to determine who the best 
American-born or American citizen is. By our choice, we have established 
some residency requirements to be considered U.S. Champion and we're happy 
with that. Additionally, we've discussed the possibility of having a 
separate event, or series of events, for U.S. citizens, but there has 
always been insufficient interest and participation, so we've tabled the 
issue for now.
5. The current format is the same that has been used since 1996, when Mr. 
Akio Ishikawa, pro 6Dan, came to NY and, as official teacher (sensei) of 
the NY Shogi Club, was chairman of the event. Many of the larger Japanese 
amateur events use a similar format. This is the only such event in the 
U.S. and we've received very few complaints.
6. It's important to note that, in America, we compromise and use different 
formats for different events. The Japanese players, in the U.S., have come 
to accept our liberal use of handicap games and ever-increasing [to more 
closely reflect actual results] handicaps, after initially rejecting and 
disliking the idea. Handicapped games have been an essential tool in the 
shogi development of numerous new players.
7. It's true that there are some unfair aspects to the format and that at 
times it can limit the number of official games that are played by some 
participants. However, the goal of the event is to develop bonds between 
players and clubs AND to learn shogi from the visiting professional players 
(who are usually in abundance), who take the trouble to come, usually at 
their own expense. Moreover, it can be argued that individuals whom are 
knocked-out early on [two losses] have little chance to win the whole event 
and could benefit from additional lessons from professional players.
8. What sponsor money are you referring to?
9. What is your idea of "real sports conditions"? Does it allow for ample 
opportunities for players to develop their shogi by utilizing the wonderful 
resources offered by the visiting professional players?
10. In recent years, participation in U.S. shogi events, by non-Japanese, 
has been down. Promotional efforts, among the non-Japanese, has been down 
too, largely due to core members being too busy with other things. Old 
members are still around and do come, every now and then, and we all get 
along well. Meanwhile, participation, shogi promotion and organizational 
efforts by Japanese players have increased. Now, to me, that's a good thing 
for shogi in America, and has very little to do with the lack of 
participation by the non-Japanese. Generally speaking, if, American players 
want more control over the way shogi activities are run in the U.S., or by 
USSF, then they should greatly increase their participation in face-to-face 
shogi at regular club events. Everyone's welcome (and has a voice) at any 
of our six clubs, nationwide.

Best regards,

George Fernandez

President
U.S. Shogi Federation


>
>Dear shogi friends,
>
>
>
>Who is the best American shogi player?
>Who is the rising star of American shogi?
> From the invitation below those questions do not seem to be answered in 
> San Fransisco in April.
>Rather, we will know whom of the relatively strong Japanes shogi amateurs 
>living in the US who is capable of making less mistakes in a couple of 
>quick-play games. There may also be some sensation based on luck when 
>drawing the lots, since the system described below does not use the 
>FESA/USSF ELO numbers for making the classification groups equally strong. 
>There is also no possibility of really evaluating the performance of a 
>knocked-out player, since that player may happen to be knocked out early 
>by the strongest opponent, as it happens to be.
>For some reason, one may claim to be the person behind a Shogi Club 24 
>handle (probably with a high rating)...
>
>Do not misunderstand me here. I wish all participants in the event good 
>luck, and I hope that you will all have a nice shogi weekend. However, I 
>think that sponsor money, a lot of efforts, and some good will will be 
>wasted because of the structure and rules of the event. American shogi 
>players deserve real sports conditions.
>
>Best regards,
>
>Martin Danerud
>
>
>
>2004 US championship information
>
>
>
>Here is information about the 2004 US Shogi championship/festival to be held
>in San Francisco April 16-18. Please note the entry dealine of March 20.
>
>2004 U. S. Shogi Championship
>in San Francisco
>
>Date:  April 16(Fri) 18:00 to ~ April 18(Sun) 16:30
>Place:  Radisson Miyako Hotel San Francisco (Miyako Hotel)
>   Kyoto Suite
>   1625 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115
>   TEL(415)922-3200
>Masters:  Mr. Akio Ishikawa, professional player (6-dan)
>   Mr. Yaichio Ohno, professional player (6-dan)
>Mr. Hirotaka Nozuki, professional player (5-dan)
>In addition, 3 to 4 professionals may attend.
>Host:  Nippon Shogi Renmei San Francisco Branch
>Co Sponsor:  The United States Shogi Federation
>The San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival
>Contact: Noriyuki Shimoda, Email:nshimoda <at> ssd <dot> com, Direct Phone # :
>(415)393-9894.
>
>REGISTRATION:
>April 16(Fri): 18:00~22:00
>Kyoto Suite, Miyako Hotel
>
>Entry Fee: $80.00 for the two days (meals not included).
>Practice: 18:00~24:00 Kyoto Suite is available for practice games.
>Professional players' lesson games are available.
>
>FIRST DAY:
>April 17(Sat) Classification Match, Exhibition match by professionals and
>Club Team Match.
>
>08:00~08:15 Welcome Speech by professional players.
>   08:15~08:30 Explanation of Tournament Rules
>08:30~12:00 A, B Classification Matches
>
>Classification match rule:
>(1) Grouping of 4 players:
>All players draw lots to be divided into a group of four players.
>Seed system: the 2003 US champ has option to skip the classification match
>and directly enter Class A tournament.  The US champs and the runners-up in
>the latest 4 years will be divided into separate groups.
>(2) Swiss Method in each group of 4 players:
>All hirate (no-handicap) games.
>1st games will be played according to the lots.
>2nd games between winners, and between losers of the 1st games.
>3rd games between 1 game winners.
>Two players in a group who won two games first will enter the "A" Class
>Tournament and the remaining two will enter the "B" Class Tournament to be h
>eld on the next day.
>(3) Each player has 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, players must
>   make the next move within 30 seconds.
>
>12:00~13:00 Lunch on your own
>
>13:00~14:30 Exhibition match by professionals which is open to public at
>Sakura Blossom Festival.
>15:00~18:00 Club Team Matches
>Club match rule: Each player has 30 seconds for each move.
>
>19:00~ 21:00 Friendship Dinner Party at Room#222 of Miyako Inn. (Miyako Inn
>is a sister hotel of the Miyako Hotel which is located two blocks of the
>Miyako Hotel.) Shabu-shabu with beer, sake and soft drink (all you can eat
>and drink) are served (optional, separate fee $40 is required).  After the
>dinner, the same room is available for practice games.
>
>SECOND DAY:
>April18(Sun) 08:00~16:30 A&B Tournaments, Finals and Award Ceremony.
>Throughout the day professional players' lesson games are available.
>
>   08:00~12:00 A&B Class Tournaments
>   Tournament Rules:
>All hirate (no handicap) games for A Class.
>Komaochi (handicap) games for B Class with a lower kyu or dan player's
>option for hirate games.
>   Each player has 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, players must
>   make the next move within 30 seconds.
>   12:00~13:00 Lunch on your own
>   13:00~16:00 Final Matches (A & B class semi-finals and finals)
>Other players watch the final matches with Pro's analysis.
>   16:00~16:30 Award Ceremony
>
>17:30~19:30 BBQ PARTY (optional, no additional fee is required)
>AT TAIKO(Japanese drum) MASTER TANAKA'S SAN FRANCISCO TAIKO DOJO PRACTICE
>ROOM in South San Francisco which is located near the San Francisco Airport
>(10 minute drive).  Transportation will be available.
>
>--------------------------------------------
>
>The following is a message from Noriyuki Shimoda, one of the organizers:
>
>Please let me know the following information for each participant:
>
>1. name of participant
>2. contact information (address, email address and/or phone)
>3. kyu or dan
>4. Shogi Club 24 handle name with rating if any
>5. dates and choice of hotel accommodations including with whom to
>share a room (see below for hotel information)
>6. whether to attend 4/17 friendship dinner party
>7. whether to attend 4/18 BBQ party
>
>**** The due date for application is March 20, 2004.
>
>With respect to hotel accommodation, we have the following two choices:
>
>(1)Radisson MIYAKO Hotel (main event place)
>        Japan Center, 1625 Post Street
>        San Francisco, CA 94115
>       (415) 922-3200
>
>Twin Room (two single beds) :$99.00 + 14%TAX
>
>   (2)Best Western MIYAKO INN
>        Sutter & Buchanan Street
>        San Francisco, CA 94115
>       (415) 921-4000
>
>Twin Room(two king beds):$89.00 + 14%TAX
>
>Miyako Inn is a sister hotel of the Miyako Hotel which is located two blocks
>of the Miyako Hotel.  Please note that rooms in MIYAKO INN are larger than
>those of MIYAKO HOTEL. Roll-away bed is available for the third guest at
>MIYAKO INN with $20 additional fee.
>
>We would appreciate it if you would please forward this email with the
>attachment to whoever may be interested in participating this event.
>
>We look forward to seeing and playing shogi with all of you and as many
>other participants as possible.
>
>Thank you,
>
>Nori Shimoda
>SF Shogi Club

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At 05:55 PM 1/28/04, you wrote:<br>
<font size=2>Dear Martin,<br><br>
Here is the completed version of my reply. The majority of my previous
message was accidentally deleted and I didn't have time to compose it
anew until now.<br><br>
Thank you for expressing your views on our format and some other points
regarding the shogi scene in the U.S.<br>
Clearly, the shogi scene IS different here in the U.S when compared with
Europe, Japan and other parts of the world.<br>
Some of the points mentioned by you are sensitive and easily confused. As
President of USSF, I'd like to touch upon a few of the specific points at
this time:<br>
1. The &quot;best American shogi player&quot; can be said to be Larry
Kaufman. He is the highest rated by a substantial margin. Among the
higher rated players, we have substantial playing experience [handicap
and even games] in both club and tournament settings.<br>
2. Rising stars that I know of are, Greg D'Elia (NY), 3Kyu, who is likely
to achieve Shodan shortly, in less than two years of active play.
Recently, he has beaten some 3 Dans, in hirate games, here in NY. Tim
Rogalsky, Shodan, (VA - DC club), who placed 2nd at the 2003 Pocono's
Handicap (_reduced_ handicap format) tournament&nbsp; behind Mr. Nariyuki
Hatakeyama, Pro 6Dan, and ahead of several 5 and 4 Dan players. Rising
stars can be seen at the club level on a regular basis.<br>
3. Many of the core Japanese organizers and active players, perhaps 25 or
30 in all, now active in the U.S. shogi scene, have lived in the U.S. for
a very long time and have no plans to return to Japan. Their families and
businesses are here in the U.S. They have every right to participate
actively in our activities and do.<br>
4. The U.S Shogi Championship has never set out to determine who the best
American-born or American citizen is. By our choice, we have established
some residency requirements to be considered U.S. Champion and we're
happy with that. Additionally, we've discussed the possibility of having
a separate event, or series of events, for U.S. citizens, but there has
always been insufficient interest and participation, so we've tabled the
issue for now.<br>
5. The current format is the same that has been used since 1996, when Mr.
Akio Ishikawa, pro 6Dan, came to NY and, as official teacher (sensei) of
the NY Shogi Club, was chairman of the event. Many of the larger Japanese
amateur events use a similar format. This is the only such event in the
U.S. and we've received very few complaints.<br>
6. It's important to note that, in America, we compromise and use
different formats for different events. The Japanese players, in the
U.S., have come to accept our liberal use of handicap games and
ever-increasing [to more closely reflect actual results] handicaps, after
initially rejecting and disliking the idea. Handicapped games have been
an essential tool in the shogi development of numerous new players.<br>
7. It's true that there are some unfair aspects to the format and that at
times it can limit the number of official games that are played by some
participants. However, the goal of the event is to develop bonds between
players and clubs AND to learn shogi from the visiting professional
players (who are usually in abundance), who take the trouble to come,
usually at their own expense. Moreover, it can be argued that individuals
whom are knocked-out early on [two losses] have little chance to win the
whole event and could benefit from additional lessons from professional
players.<br>
8. What sponsor money are you referring to?<br>
9. What is your idea of &quot;real sports conditions&quot;? Does it allow
for ample opportunities for players to develop their shogi by utilizing
the wonderful resources offered by the visiting professional
players?<br>
10. In recent years, participation in U.S. shogi events, by non-Japanese,
has been down. Promotional efforts, among the non-Japanese, has been down
too, largely due to core members being too busy with other things. Old
members are still around and do come, every now and then, and we all get
along well. Meanwhile, participation, shogi promotion and organizational
efforts by Japanese players have increased. Now, to me, that's a good
thing for shogi in America, and has very little to do with the lack of
participation by the non-Japanese. Generally speaking, if, American
players want more control over the way shogi activities are run in the
U.S., or by USSF, then they should greatly increase their participation
in face-to-face shogi at regular club events. Everyone's welcome (and has
a voice) at any of our six clubs, nationwide.<br><br>
Best regards,<br><br>
George Fernandez<br><br>
President<br>
U.S. Shogi Federation<br><br>
<br>
</font><blockquote type=cite class=cite cite><h3><b>Dear shogi
friends,</b></h3><br><br>
<font size=2>Who is the best American shogi player?<br>
Who is the rising star of American shogi?<br>
 From the invitation below those questions do not seem to be answered in
San Fransisco in April.<br>
Rather, we will know whom of the relatively strong Japanes shogi amateurs
living in the US who is capable of making less mistakes in a couple of
quick-play games. There may also be some sensation based on luck when
drawing the lots, since the system described below does not use the
FESA/USSF ELO numbers for making the classification groups equally
strong. There is also no possibility of really evaluating the performance
of a knocked-out player, since that player may happen to be knocked out
early by the strongest opponent, as it happens to be.<br>
For some reason, one may claim to be the person behind a Shogi Club 24
handle (probably with a high rating)...<br>
&nbsp;<br>
Do not misunderstand me here. I wish all participants in the event good
luck, and I hope that you will all have a nice shogi weekend. However, I
think that sponsor money, a lot of efforts, and some good will will be
wasted because of the structure and rules of the event. American shogi
players deserve real sports conditions.<br>
&nbsp;<br>
Best regards, <br>
&nbsp;<br>
Martin Danerud<br>
</font><br><br>
<h3><b>2004 US championship information</b></h3><br><br>
<pre>Here is information about the 2004 US Shogi championship/festival to
be held
in San Francisco April 16-18. Please note the entry dealine of March 
20.

2004 U. S. Shogi Championship
in San Francisco

Date:&nbsp; April 16(Fri) 18:00 to ~ April 18(Sun) 16:30
Place:&nbsp; Radisson Miyako Hotel San Francisco (Miyako Hotel)
&nbsp; Kyoto Suite
&nbsp; 1625 Post St. San Francisco, CA 94115
&nbsp; TEL(415)922-3200
Masters:&nbsp; Mr. Akio Ishikawa, professional player (6-dan)
&nbsp; Mr. Yaichio Ohno, professional player (6-dan)
Mr. Hirotaka Nozuki, professional player (5-dan)
In addition, 3 to 4 professionals may attend.
Host:&nbsp; Nippon Shogi Renmei San Francisco Branch
Co Sponsor:&nbsp; The United States Shogi Federation
The San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival
Contact: Noriyuki Shimoda, Email:nshimoda &lt;at&gt; ssd &lt;dot&gt; com,
Direct Phone # :
(415)393-9894.

REGISTRATION:
April 16(Fri): 18:00~22:00
Kyoto Suite, Miyako Hotel

Entry Fee: $80.00 for the two days (meals not included).
Practice: 18:00~24:00 Kyoto Suite is available for practice games.
Professional players' lesson games are available.

FIRST DAY:
April 17(Sat) Classification Match, Exhibition match by professionals
and
Club Team Match.

08:00~08:15 Welcome Speech by professional players.
&nbsp; 08:15~08:30 Explanation of Tournament Rules
08:30~12:00 A, B Classification Matches

Classification match rule:
(1) Grouping of 4 players:
All players draw lots to be divided into a group of four players.
Seed system: the 2003 US champ has option to skip the classification
match
and directly enter Class A tournament.&nbsp; The US champs and the
runners-up in
the latest 4 years will be divided into separate groups.
(2) Swiss Method in each group of 4 players:
All hirate (no-handicap) games.
1st games will be played according to the lots.
2nd games between winners, and between losers of the 1st games.
3rd games between 1 game winners.
Two players in a group who won two games first will enter the
&quot;A&quot; Class
Tournament and the remaining two will enter the &quot;B&quot; Class
Tournament to be h
eld on the next day.
(3) Each player has 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, players must
&nbsp; make the next move within 30 seconds.

12:00~13:00 Lunch on your own

13:00~14:30 Exhibition match by professionals which is open to public 
at
Sakura Blossom Festival.
15:00~18:00 Club Team Matches
Club match rule: Each player has 30 seconds for each move.

19:00~ 21:00 Friendship Dinner Party at Room#222 of Miyako Inn. (Miyako
Inn
is a sister hotel of the Miyako Hotel which is located two blocks of 
the
Miyako Hotel.) Shabu-shabu with beer, sake and soft drink (all you can
eat
and drink) are served (optional, separate fee $40 is required).&nbsp;
After the
dinner, the same room is available for practice games.

SECOND DAY:
April18(Sun) 08:00~16:30 A&amp;B Tournaments, Finals and Award 
Ceremony.
Throughout the day professional players' lesson games are available.

&nbsp; 08:00~12:00 A&amp;B Class Tournaments
&nbsp; Tournament Rules:
All hirate (no handicap) games for A Class.
Komaochi (handicap) games for B Class with a lower kyu or dan player's
option for hirate games.
&nbsp; Each player has 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, players must
&nbsp; make the next move within 30 seconds.
&nbsp; 12:00~13:00 Lunch on your own
&nbsp; 13:00~16:00 Final Matches (A &amp; B class semi-finals and
finals)
Other players watch the final matches with Pro's analysis.
&nbsp; 16:00~16:30 Award Ceremony

17:30~19:30 BBQ PARTY (optional, no additional fee is required)
AT TAIKO(Japanese drum) MASTER TANAKA'S SAN FRANCISCO TAIKO DOJO
PRACTICE
ROOM in South San Francisco which is located near the San Francisco
Airport
(10 minute drive).&nbsp; Transportation will be available.

--------------------------------------------

The following is a message from Noriyuki Shimoda, one of the 
organizers:

Please let me know the following information for each participant:

1. name of participant
2. contact information (address, email address and/or phone)
3. kyu or dan
4. Shogi Club 24 handle name with rating if any
5. dates and choice of hotel accommodations including with whom to
share a room (see below for hotel information)
6. whether to attend 4/17 friendship dinner party
7. whether to attend 4/18 BBQ party

**** The due date for application is March 20, 2004.

With respect to hotel accommodation, we have the following two choices:

(1)Radisson MIYAKO Hotel (main event place)
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Japan Center, 1625 Post Street
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; San Francisco, CA 94115
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (415) 922-3200

Twin Room (two single beds) :$99.00 + 14%TAX

&nbsp; (2)Best Western MIYAKO INN
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sutter &amp; Buchanan Street
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; San Francisco, CA 94115
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (415) 921-4000

Twin Room(two king beds):$89.00 + 14%TAX

Miyako Inn is a sister hotel of the Miyako Hotel which is located two
blocks
of the Miyako Hotel.&nbsp; Please note that rooms in MIYAKO INN are
larger than
those of MIYAKO HOTEL. Roll-away bed is available for the third guest 
at
MIYAKO INN with $20 additional fee.

We would appreciate it if you would please forward this email with the
attachment to whoever may be interested in participating this event.

We look forward to seeing and playing shogi with all of you and as many
other participants as possible.

Thank you,

Nori Shimoda
SF Shogi Club
</blockquote><PRE>--^^---------------------------------------------------------------
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