Why should you learn to play Shogi?
Shogi has incredible dynamics up to the very end that gives it an extra 'twist' compared to chess. It gets also even more complicated as the game progresses. A whole new world.
M. Carlsen
Chess Player
It's just MAGIC. Where else do you have Bishops and Kings, Dragons and Lances, Gold Generals and Pawns, Knights and Rooks all in one battle at the same time?
H. Potter
Magician
It's cool. Something you don't see everyone playing, although in Japane they have Mangas and entire TV shows about this game. I love that I learn a few Japanese characters along the way, but that not actually a problem at all and I had it all sorted out by the 5th game or so.
A. Learner
High School Student
It has such a fascinating history:
Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, has a rich history that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). The game evolved from Chaturanga, an ancient Indian game, which also gave rise to modern chess. The earliest form of Shogi, known as Heian Shogi, was played on a 9x9 grid, similar to the modern version.
The game underwent significant changes during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The rules were modified, and the game became more strategic. The introduction of the "drop rule," which allows captured pieces to be returned to the board, distinguished Shogi from other chess variants.
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Shogi's popularity grew among the warrior class. The game was considered a form of military training, emphasizing strategic thinking. The Sengoku period (1467-1615) saw the development of larger Shogi variants, including Dai Shogi and Tai Shogi.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Shogi became a popular pastime among the general population. The game was standardized, and professional players emerged. Shogi literature flourished, with books detailing strategies and game records.
The Meiji period (1868-1912) brought Western influence to Japan, leading to a decline in Shogi's popularity. However, the game experienced a revival in the Showa period (1926-1989), with the establishment of professional organizations and tournaments.
Today, Shogi continues to be a popular game in Japan, with millions of players and numerous professional competitions. The game's rich history and unique rules make it a fascinating subject of study.
Shogi, also known as Japanese chess, has a rich history that dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). The game evolved from Chaturanga, an ancient Indian game, which also gave rise to modern chess. The earliest form of Shogi, known as Heian Shogi, was played on a 9x9 grid, similar to the modern version.
The game underwent significant changes during the Kamakura period (1185-1333). The rules were modified, and the game became more strategic. The introduction of the "drop rule," which allows captured pieces to be returned to the board, distinguished Shogi from other chess variants.
During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Shogi's popularity grew among the warrior class. The game was considered a form of military training, emphasizing strategic thinking. The Sengoku period (1467-1615) saw the development of larger Shogi variants, including Dai Shogi and Tai Shogi.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Shogi became a popular pastime among the general population. The game was standardized, and professional players emerged. Shogi literature flourished, with books detailing strategies and game records.
The Meiji period (1868-1912) brought Western influence to Japan, leading to a decline in Shogi's popularity. However, the game experienced a revival in the Showa period (1926-1989), with the establishment of professional organizations and tournaments.
Today, Shogi continues to be a popular game in Japan, with millions of players and numerous professional competitions. The game's rich history and unique rules make it a fascinating subject of study.
I. Tokugawa
Historian