To move, or not to move?

Hey,

Starting this week, I am going to post the kifu of all the games that I've played in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur and going to give deep analysis of all my games so I can see my own improvements or how I can make my game better. However there is just one problem.

Blogspot does not allow me to upload swf files. which is essential for me to post my game. But in Typepad.com I will be able to upload the games' kifus with ease. Now here's my question: should I continue blogging with Blogspot or Typepad?

I certainly do not want to lose all my memories and comments in Blogspot, but I also do not want to waste alot of time just to upload a kifu.

For now I'm uploading a simple flash, but I do hope I will be able to upload a better version in the near future. So for now please advise that should I choose Blogspot or Typepad.



Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Mini Shogi Interview

Hey,

A lot of people read my blog, and I believe that everyone is curious about my Shogi play style, right? This is a small interview about myself to let players know (especially my opponents who have played against me like Paul Luk, Xinwen, Erwann and so on) so that they can get to know a little better of me, especially due to the fact that I'm always changing my strategy and play style. Here goes!

1. Static or Ranging Rook player?
I have always strive to be a flexible player, excel in both static and ranging rook Joseki, but according to my post in http://ryoushogisekai.blogspot.com/2009/03/as-1-dan-shogi-player.html, it seems that I am suppose to choose. After eight months have passed, I think I still prefer to be both a static and ranging rook player so expect me to play all sorts of Joseki against you!

2. Lucky Item during a serious match?
This one is easy. It's the fan given by Kazuharu Shoshi-sensei. I will always bring it with me whenever I'm going to get serious in Shogi matches/games.


3. Favourite Shogi players of all times?
This is a difficult question! I actually admire a lot of professional players like Moriuchi-sensei, Akira Watanabe, Koji Tanigawa, Sato Yasumitsu, Kubo-sensei, Fujii Takeshi and so on, but if I have to choose one I guess most probably is Yoshiharu Habu-sensei. Afterall, it was Habu-sensei's games that have motivate me to get serious in Shogi.

4. Favourite Static Rook player of all times?
Definitely Yoshiharu Habu-sensei!

5. Favourite Ranging Rook player of all times?
Toshiaki Kubo! The best of the best ranging rook player out there! I really love his games alot, especially his Central Rook Opening (Nakabisha) games!

6. Favourite Amateur player of all times?
I'm giving a huge shoutout to Hidetchi, Manabu Terao and Yuki Kasai for giving alot alot ALOT of contribution to the society by promoting Shogi. The effort and passion that they have showed really touched and impressed my heart. Although I've never seen Hidetchi's and Manabu Terao's games, but I believe that they're excellent players with high skill levels.

7. Most spent time on Joseki?
The time that I have spent the most on studying Joseki is Yagura Joseki, especially the Morishita System.

8. Most spent time on Joseki (ranging rook)?
The time spent mostly on studying is the Fourth File Ranging Rook (Shikenbisha) because I was studying Ibisha Anaguma last time (http://ryoushogisekai.blogspot.com/2009/09/am-i-ready.html), which covers the Fujii System, and I also read a little about it from Kenji Kobayashi's book.
9. Favourite Joseki of all times (playing)?
Another difficult question for me as I played all sorts of Joseki. Most probably the Kakugawari (Bishop Exchange). It's true that I spent a lot of time reading Yagura Joseki (without the Bishop Exchange), but I really hate playing it as I believe it has a great disadvantages for Sente (or black player), but I'm still investing my time reading it anyway!

10. Favourite Ranging Rook Joseki of all times (playing)?
This is another difficult question. I personally like playing Central Rook Opening because it's interesting, but I hate the fact that I can't make a complete Mino Castle (gold at 5h) because the Rook is blocking it and the left side of my castle is a little empty! I have been playing a lot of Opposing Rook recently but still I like Central Rook Opening because it is tough, challenging and exciting for me to play!

11. Favourite Static Rook Joseki of all times (watching)?
I really enjoy Yodofudori (side pawn kicker) games as it is complex and exciting. I saw too many Yagura games and starting to feel a little drowsy about it but I'm still excited to watch a Yagura game.

12. Favourite Ranging Rook Joseki of all times (watching)?
Gokigen Nakabisha! Fast paced game and truly exciting! One of my most favourite game is between Habu-sensei and Kubo-sensei in the 57th Osho-sen game 2: http://www.teu.ac.jp/gamelab/SHOGI/NEXUSBOARD/57osho2Jav.html

13. Favourite Castle of all times?
Errrrr.... another tough one. I spent most of my time making a Yagura castle, but I really hate this castle as almost everyone knows how to exploit it, but then again I still think I like Yagura castle the most. =P

14. Most hated Joseki of all times?
Central Rook Opening (Nakabisha). The reason why I hate playing against a Nakabisha is because the Japanese old man in Japan Club always play Nakabisha against me, and I found that it usually ends up as a tough match for me to beat him, which is a little annoying to me. (http://ryoushogisekai.blogspot.com/2009/04/killing-two-birds-with-one-stone.html) To pay back my respect, I fight fire with fire and played a double Nakabisha against him, which I gained victory. However during our last double Nakabisha game, which is just a few weeks ago, I faced a total defeat against him. I think that's when it change my mind about playing Nakabisha and decided to try using a special ranging rook strategy Opposing Rook. I guess I can't beat a true Nakabisha player. =)

15. Most hated castle of all times?
I used to be afraid of Anaguma, but now that I've learned Ibisha Anaguma, countering it is no longer a problem for me, even during a handicapped game when my opponent is building an Anaguma while I'm playing without a Rook and a Bishop and still won the game. Eh, Alex Chan? =P Like I've stated before, I hate Yagura castle and will definitely spend tremendous amount of time studying on ELIMINATING it.

16. Favourite play style?
Fast and exciting, which both me and my opponents' kings are in high danger without castling. But I still truly enjoy slow-paced games.

17. Hated play style?
Fast-paced games, especially when I make one wrong move and the game is immediately over. I also hated slow-paced games that result in "dreadlock", where both me and my opponent have spent all of our "development moves" and "waste a turn move" and whoever starts the battle first will lose the game immediately. This is not fun at all.

18. Specialty?
My specialty? Hahahaha. To be honest with you all, I'm also not sure what's my specialty because I've been playing too many different kinds of Joseki and strategy. But if I were to choose one, then I guess most probably it's the Yagura Joseki because of the large amount of time I've spent on it, although I really hope I can be more specialise in Kakugawari. Kakugawari really piqued my interest alot.

19. Most Favourite Shogi picture?
My game against Chen Xinwen when I first started playing Shogi in 2007. This game actually lasted for about 3 hours because we're still new to Shogi and we just basically put all our captured pieces back during the endgame, which drags the game too much. But I have been using this as my wallpaper ever since I've gotten this picture and never EVER had I change the wallpaper once before! Definitely my most favourite Shogi picture as it represents a deep and memorable meaning for me.
(Analysis of the game for the curious: Left player moves first will gain advantage but if Right player moves first he'll gain advantage. But I forget who's suppose to move next =.=||)

As I would like to end the interview in 20 questions, I'm adding a random question in:

20. Favourite I-Go players of all times?
Chang Hsu (or Cho-U: http://www.nihonkiin.or.jp/player/htm/ki000331.htm ), Chen Xinwen and Ho Hock Doong.


Okay, that's all! I hope you all enjoy it! I hope that this answers those who are curious about my Shogi life. Once again, hope you all take care and I'll see ya in the next post!


Regards,
Ryou Takehito




(PS: Exam starts in 6 hours and now it's 2.00 a.m.! X_X )

Extra PS: Other Shogi players are welcome to use these Shogi interview questions and do your own interview! But please please please do leave the link in my comment so I can read yours as a sign of courtesy! =)

Fun Interesting Fact

Hey,

On the year 2005, Takehiro Ohira won the Ryuo-oh-sen league game in just 52 minutes, which each player has a thinking time of 5 hours!

Reason?
So that he can reach Zone's final concert!

Evidence:


Kifu:
Koichi Kodama (Sente) against Takehiro Ohira (Gote)
Thinking Time: 5 hours per player.
http://wiki.optus.nu/shogi/index.php?cmd=kif&cmds=display&kid=17048

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

I love being busy

Hey,

sorry that I haven't been updating much because I didn't expect my college assignments could have taken up most of my time. As a result of it, I didn't spend time on reading 'Basic Joseki Essense: Kakugawari' but instead I have spent more time on solving Tsume-shogi!

I remember Hidetchi once wrote this in a personal message to me:

"Most of the professional players say they solved all the problems in Shogi Zukou and Shogi Musou when they were in Shoureikai."

As I do have plans to become a professional player myself, I've spent a lot of time solving 7 to 11 moves Tsume-Shogi, especially since solving 5 moves and below will only take less than 10 seconds for me to solve. In these two years I've spent more time in solving 5 moves and less Tsume Shogi, so you can say that solving 7 - 11 moves Tsume-Shogi is my first real challenge in my Shogi life, although I did try them out before but never put a lot of attention to them. Out of 20 questions I could solve about 16 or 17 problems, although it have taken some time for me to solve. But I am glad that I was able to solve those questions much better with less than 5 minutes as I continue to progress through the questions. Lastly all I can say is that it seems like my path to become a professional player is SUPER tough but I'll keep on trying out my best!

Below are some of the questions that I've tried so I hope you can give it a try! Please highlight the hidden words next to the question picture to reveal the answer!

Question 1:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. L23+
2. Sx23
3. R'11
4. Kx11
5. L'13
6. S12
7. N23=









Question 2:
7 moves - 15 minutes


1. G'12
2. Lx12
3. N'14
4. Kx13
5. G'24
6. Px24
7. S'22








Question 3:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. N'43
2. K32
3. S'41
4. Rx41
5. N31+
6. Rx31
7. G'42









Question 4:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. S'22
2. Kx22
3. +B32
4. K13
5. G'24
6. Px24
7. R15









Question 5:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. B34
2. K22
3. N33+
4. Nx33
5. R11+
6. Kx11
7. G'12









Question 6:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. S21+
2. K23
3. S'12
4. Lx12
5. +S22
6. Kx22
7. R'21









Question 7:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. B21+
2. K13
3. +B22
4. Kx22
5. R'21
6. K33
7. B43+









Question 8:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. B'44
2. K13
3. B35
4. K22
5. S31=
6. Kx31
7. G'32









Question 9:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. B'11
2. K21
3. N'33
4.Bx33
5. B22+
6. Kx22
7. G'12









Question 10:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. B'33
2. K12
3. +B34
4. Sx34
5. S21=
6. Kx21
7. G'22









Question 11:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. B'32
2. Sx32
3. +R33
4. Kx33
5. B'42
6. K23
7. B24+









Question 12:
7 moves - 15 minutes

1. R'42
2. Kx33
3. R'34
4. Gx34
5. R22+
6. K43
7. +R42









Question 13:
7 moves - 10 minutes

1. R'11
2. Kx11
3. L'13
4. Nx13
5. B'33
6. K12
7. B22+









Question 14:
7 moves - 10 minutes

1. R24
2. Px24
3. P'15
4. K23
5. L33+
6. K12
7. +L22









Question 15:
7 moves - 10 minutes

1. R'16
2. K25
3. S'14
4. +Px14
5. R15
6. +Px15
7. G'24









Question 16:
7 moves - 10 minutes

1. B'42
2. K32
3. N'24
4. Px24
5. B33+
6. Kx33
7. +R43









Question 17:
7 moves - 10 minutes

1. +B33
2. Nx33
3. B43+
4. K24
5. P'25
6. Nx25
7. +B33









Question 18:
7 moves - 10 minutes

1. R'12
2. Kx12
3. N'24
4. +Bx24
5. S23=
6. Kx23
7. B'12









Question 19:
9 moves - 15 minutes

1. B'13
2. K21
3. B'12
4. Sx12
5. B31+
6. Kx31
7. L'33
8. K22
9. L32+







Question 20:
9 moves - 15 minutes

1. S'12
2. Gx12
3. S'32
4. K22
5. S31=
6. K21
7. +Rx12
8. Kx12
9. G'22







I hope you all are about to solve about 10 questions. =) See you all next time!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Short Update Part 2

Hey,

been very busy with assignments and presentations for the past few weeks (even now!)

However, I was able to finish two Shogi books ('Strongest Ibisha Anaguma' by Sato Yasumitsu and 'Basic Joseki Essense: Yagura' by Akira Shima)

I felt that both books are very helpful for beginner players, as 'Strongest Ibisha Anaguma' teaches about the strength and weakness of Anaguma, double Anaguma and also about the 'Fujii System'. The 'Fujii system' is especially useful, as it teaches you the counter-strategies for 'Fujii System', and also how you can play the 'Fujii System' if you're playing fourth-file rook.

As for the 'Basic Joseki Essense: Yagura' is also useful for amateurs, as it gives alot of in-depth explanations for each moves such as P16, P15, Sx86 instead of Px86 etc. Really useful if you want to be a specialist in Yagura.

Right now I am studying 'Basic Joseki Essense: Kakugawari' (Bishop Exchange) by Kazuharu Shoshi. I hope I can give more updates in future after my assignment days are over. Nevertheless, I will not neglect my Shogi studies even during these busy times.

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

PS: My internet is finally back!

Am I ready?

Hey,

As the internet is still down, I won't be able to update about AISEP. But right now I would like to talk about my progress that I've prepared for my first tournament this Sunday.

I have been feverishly studying Shogi every night for about two to three hours. However, since this is my last day of class for this week, I would probably WILL spend more than 7 hours studying Shogi. I have been studying Ibisha Anaguma strategies, which is written by Sato Yasumitsu, and also study a few strategies from Akira Watanabe's books. Aside from those, I have been practicing only a few Tsume-Shogi problems, as I am more focused on strategies since Tsume-Shogi are rather easy for me to solve(?). Not only that, I have been re-studying Kin-Yagura Morishita System as I believe that alot of people might be playing Yagura. But I might try to adopt a Gin-Yagura system, if I am up for a good challenge. For tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, I will be spending time studying Yagura and a few ranging rook strategies, probably more focus on mukaibisha (opposing rook), aifuribisha (double ranging rook) and less focus on Ibisha Anaguma, as playing Anaguma has never been my style/forte. Aside from those, I am looking forward to have a Shogi study session with my good friend Xinwen, if he is not too busy with his college assignments.

Okay, I think you all have read enough of my blabbering. So I would like to let everyone read this wonderful piece of advice, which I have taken from my Portugal friend's (Ricardo) website http://shogiemportugal.blogspot.com/, which gives you tips on improving your Shogi skills. Anyways please be aware that this is only for kyu players, and dan players are not really required to read it.

The ones that I have bolded means that the advice is useful and you must always keep in mind about it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SHOGI LECTURE FOR THE BEGINNERS

(If you are more than Shodan, you don't need to read this lecture)

LECTURE NO.1 - Initial Set Up of Playing Shogi
------------------------
Please don't forget the following manners when you start playing Shogi with your respectful opponent:

1. As long as the traditional culture concerns, we respect the person who has good modesty to the people. Conversation during play is absolutely prohibited.

2. When you will pick up the piece (KOMA), you have to pick up the Gyoku(king with the dot at the side) first. It has very strict rule that lower class person should have Gyoku and upper one takes Ou (king without the dot at the side). we call them both Koma as King. But there are big difference. If the opponent is the same class as you, you can choose either one of both.
(Ryou's Comment: This is important to know if you want to play a respectful game, or paying your respects to your senior players)

3. After you pick up the Gyoku, you will pick up Kin(Gold) and put this Kin to your left-hand side of Gyoku. Next you pick up other Kin and put it right-hand side of Gyoku.

4. Then you take Gin(Silver), Keima(Knight),Kyousha(Lance) in order.

5. After bottom rank is finished, you will take Fu(Pawn) and put this Fu to 5C/5G position. Then you will follow the same way of others.

6. After you finish Fu, you take Kaku(Bishop) and finally you take Hisha(Rook). (We call this way as "OH-HASHI" style).


7. If the handicap is even, you will take 5 Fu (pawn) and swing them inside of your hands and drop them. If Fu appears more than three pcs., the person who was swinging (you) will take Sente(Black). If there are Tokin more than three pcs., your opponent takes Sente. For handicapped game, the upper class persons always take Sente. But scoring should be written as if the lower class were Sente. Eg. 62 Gin, 76 Fu, 53 Fu, 46 Fu (The lower class persons must tell the upper class "ARIGATOU GOZAIMASHITA' after the game review (actually Koma-Ochi game is teaching) has been finished.
(Ryou's Comment: This process is also known as 'furigoma'. It is always the senior player who do the furigoma to determine who is sente, if I am not mistaken.)


8. After Sente/Gote is decided, both side must mention clearly "ONEGAI SHIMASU!". Then start the game.


9. When you will resign the game, you have to mention very clearly "MAKEMASHITA' or "ARIMASEN'.
(Ryou's Comment: Or you can just put your hands over your captured pieces and bow after your opponent.)


10.Please note Shogi is extremely traditional game and I hope my students in this lecture keeps the above rules very strictly when you will play Shogi game anytime. Because this is traditional beauty.


11. This is the common sense when people will learn Karate or Judo also.

JAPANESE SHOGI WORDS
-------------------------------------
I hope you try to remember at least following few words:
(This is important if you hope to discuss Shogi strategies with Japanese people.)


1. The words of Piece
Original Name - After Promoted
King = Gyoku N onRook = Hisha or Hi Ryu
Bishop = Kaku - Uma
Gold = Kin - None
Silver = Gin - Nari-Gin
Knight = Kei or Keima - Nari-Kei
Lance = Kyo or Kyosha - Nari-Kyo
Pawn = Fu - Tokin or To


2. The words of Movement
I will describe it all in English because ordinal Japanese can understand simple English.


Right - The right-hand side piece moves. (Migi)
Left - The left-hand side piece moves. (Hidari)
Side - The piece moves to side (Yoru)
Up --- The piece moves to up (Agaru)
Down - The piece moves to down (Sagaru)
Straight - The piece moves to straight up.(Sugu)
Back ----- The piece moves to back.(Hiku)


Exception: When you capture the opponent's Koma, we can say Do-Fu, Do-Kyo, Do-Kaku only etc.


Example ; Sente Gote

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

1. 26 Fu 2. 84 Fu
3. 25 Fu 4. 85 Fu
5. 24 Fu 6. Do-Fu
7. Do-Hi 8. 86 Hi
9. Do-Fu 10. 87 Fu(I don't mention 87 Fu drop )
11. 23 Fu 12. 88 Fu naru
13. Do-Gin 14. 35 Kaku
15. 22 Fu naru 16. Do-Gin
17. 28 Hi 18. 57 Kaku naru
Toryo (resign)


Gote won the game at step

Gin naru ---- Silver promotes
Nari-Gin - Promoted Silver


The numbers on the left is the movement step. International Notation is a kind of Chess method. Shogi never uses such a notation. Every professionals explain that "my step No.28's78 Kyo-Naru was mistake" something like this way. Sente must be odd step number and Gote even numbers. For other special words, you can learn them step by step with me.


The merit of the Japanese Notation
-----------------------------------
1. You can communicate with any Japanese Ama./Pro. Players by this way very easily. So professionals are easy to teach you. On the other hands, they can not teach you under so called "International" notation.


2. You can read any Japanese Shogi books after you study a few more Kanji characters. If you already play by actual Kanji Koma, you don't need to study more. This is all.


3. What I want all of you is to become SHODAN (1-dan) as soon as possible. You can learn all necessary formula from books. I believe you can surely do it after a few lectures of mine to get the black belt within 3-4 years.


4. I and other members on other famous Shogi page will use this kind of notation under the recommendation of JSA.


5. If you can write your score (Kifu) completely, I can give you Class 4 strength at least. Class 4 means that you can beat me under the handicap of two pcs (without Hisha and Kaku) for all the games. If you can play Blind game, you are already becoming 2 dan or more.
(Ryou's Comment: This is not true, regarding the part about you having a Class 4 strength if you can write your own kifu. But I think it is true that you have a 2-dan strength if you can play a complete blind-Shogi game.)


6. In order to confirm your strength, we play together in new JAVA Shogi server, where you can know your real strength by playing with many of us. Unfortunately, nobody can use the"International" notation there. So to review your scores, we need to study this format. Otherwise, other strong amateurs or professionals can not give you any good suggestions even if they know how to write good English to you. Very few Japanese Player can write you with International notation.


JAVA Shogi Server:
http://www.info.waseda.ac.jp/muraoka/shogi/index.html


(Ryou's Comment: Other recommended Shogi servers: Playok [http://www.playok.com/], ShogiDojo24 [http://www.shogidojo.com/eng/engindex.htm])


New JAVA Shogi functions Kifu Records, Handi-Capped games etc.


If you really respect our culture and love SHOGI, Please study one hour to remember all the necessary words for above for your lifetime Shogi Hobby. If you don't have anytime to study them now, please just print this out and when you will be confused, you just refer it please.This is technical part but real good Shogi players respect the opponent with good manner and gentle modesty. Needless to say, you can not be so glad when you win the game in front of your opponent. Instead, you have to give and show your opponent very deep sympathy because he or she really would like to cry by losing the game. If your time allows for the review of the game, you have to consider with your opponent very carefully and try to find out any method that opponent could win if he or she moved with other way. This is gentlemen Shogi-Ship.


Frankly speaking, to be stronger or weaker is not so much important in Shogi. The attitude of the game create your own beauty and people will like you more. On the other hands, all strong Ama/Pro Players are strictly keeping good attitude for Shogi Play all the time without exception. This is the hint to be a skillful player. If you can not keep the way I mentioned all above, you are not qualified to be a skillful Shogi Player. It is very easy if you can think of the people's mind. You can also enter into "ZEN" world through Shogi later.


Anyway, please enjoy Shogi more.
(Ryou's Comment: This is the most important point of all the advices given. If you're only concern about winning and losing all the time, but instead did not try to enjoy Shogi even if you did lose, you're not qualify to call yourself a Shogi player.)


Best regards,
Dick Iwakura
Hong Kong Shogi Club
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope this has been helpful to all beginner players. =)


Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Get Ready for the First War!

Hey,

internet is still down so I can't really update about AISEP. Anyways here's a small update that I think Malaysia Shogi players should be interested.

In this coming Sunday (13th September 2009), there is going to be a Shogi Festival held in 'Japan Club Kuala Lumpur', which is prepared by Japanese. Kenji Kobayashi, a 9-dan professional Shogi player from Japan, will be making his appearance. Here's a small summary of the event:

Shogi Festival
Date: 13th September 2009
Time: 10.00am to 5.00pm
Location: 'Japan Club Kuala Lumpur', Fuji Room
Detailed Location: No. 2, Jalan 1/86, Off Jalan Taman Seputeh, 58000, Kuala Lumpur
Extra Info Location: it's just a small walk from Midvalley, roughly about 5 minutes.

Events:
1. Knockout Tournament with adult and child category
2. A talk by Kenji Kobayashi, 9-dan professional Shogi player
3. Strength evaluation by Kenji Kobayashi
4. Free Dinner?

If there is any Malaysians who love Shogi and would like to meet professional Shogi player, this is your chance to do so! Shogi Festival is only held once per year so if you miss this, you might have a hard time joining this event again!

Since there is going to be a Shogi tournament, I'm going to work hard for this week and hope I can achieve great results! =) I gotta work hard! Gambatte!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito


PS: If you are unfamiliar with the location of the building, I am glad to show you the way from Midvalley. So please make sure to leave your name and e-mail down in my comments so I can personally contact you regarding 'our meeting'.