First Game Review

Hey all!

Sorry that I haven't been updating much. Basically nothing much has happened except me reading Shogi books. Since I don't really know what else to talk, I'm going to post up someone's game (definitely NOT mine) that I have reviewed recently. To remind everyone again, I only have a strength of 1-Dan amateur so please do not expect a professional review from me. If any Shogi players have any suggestions, opinions, ideas or complains, please do so in the comments link. I hope more Shogi players can discussed about this game with me.

Before posting up the review, I hope that the player is not offended by me for posting up his kifu (game records) without asking his permission first. Nevertheless here's the review done by me:

Sente: Spear v1.4 - level 2
Gote: Human Player

1. P7F   P3D

2. P1F   P4D

This move signals three meanings. (a) Prevent trade of Bishop, (b) Trying to play a ranging rook, or (c) trying to make a Yagura without trading bishops.

3. P6F   S4B

This move could signal proably a ranging rook (most probably) or a Yagura.

4. R6H

Since opponent is playing a ranging rook, Gote have two choices: (a) play an anaguma by S3C and later a S2B, or (b) playing a double ranging rook.

4. ....   G6B

Not much of a comment on this move but I personally think Gote should play G5B, S6B, S5C for an attacking formation. Playing G5B also helps Gote to complete the "Complete Anaguma' in a move faster. Then again, I cannot say that this is a bad move.

5. G(6I)5H

I realise that the lastest version of Spear is weaker than the older version. Normally Spear would perfer to move it's King first, since it's the basics of the basics in Joseki. Or S3H, signalling a mino castle.

5. ....   P8D

6. P3F

It's too early to play this move for Spear.

6. ....   P8E

7. P9F

Again, this is a very bad move for Spear/Sente. I have never seen Spear/Sente made such a bad move before. Spear should move B7G as this is the basics of a ranging rook. If not, Gote will gain an upper hand in breaking into Sente's base.

7. ....   G3B

Not exactly a bad move but Gote should take this opportunity to punish Sente's bad move by P8F! ....Px8F (forced move) Rx8F B7G and Rx8I+! It's already a huge advantage for Gote as Gote have a promoted Rook and an extra material (knight) in hand!

8. G6G

A senseless move as Spear/Sente should try to cover its mistake by B7G!

8. ....   S7B

Again, Gote should try to exploit Sente's weakness by P8F.

9. P2F

Another senseless move.

9. ....   K4A

Should have P8F a long time ago for an early victory.

10. S4H

Hoping to aim for a center castle???

10. ....   K3A

It's true that a sitting king is a sitting duck but if there's a chance to exploit your enemy's weakness, do it now! P8F!

11. L1H

Probably to prevent Bishop from taking it and promoting Bishop at the same time in the later  future. If Sente moves L1H the Bishop needs to take two turns instead of one to get promote and also capture Sente's lance.

11. ....   B3C

12. N7G   P8F

I think it's a little too late because of the knight at 7G, which Sente might have a chance to block Gote's rook from breaking into the base.

13. P3E   P4E

If Gote's afraid of his bishop getting captured, the bishop could always escape to 2B as the pawn has no potential threaten to Gote's base. But then again Gote will have a chance to promote it at 2H or 1I. But what if Sente make 5F as his next move? Then the bishop will never have the chance to promote it. OR ....B5E   S3G! Bishop has no chance to promote it and it's a waste of turn.

14. Px8F   Rx8F

15. Px3D   B5E

16. P3C+

Probably trying to sacrifice the pawn so Sente can drop it back at 3G.

16. ....   Sx3C

17. P6E   B1I+

18. P'3D   S4B

19. P1E   P7D

Not sure what Gote is trying to do (probably trying to bring the knight or silver into attack), but Gote could try taking the lance at 1H first to give yourself a supporting attack.

20. B9G   R8I+

21. P1D

If you had taken the lance earlier, P1D wouldn't look so threatening now.

22. .... +Bx1H

23. Px1C+   Nx1C

Do not take it with knight as (a) Sente has a pawn in hand and (b) Sente's pawn is at 2F which he can easily get a free knight.

24. P'1D

Winning a free knight.

24. ....   G2B

Earlier at move 18, I would recommend S2B but seeing that S4B is an okay move so I made no comment about it. Then again Gote's G2B have made the king's position a little 'unprotective'. Or Gote could ignore G2B because taking the pawn with lance will give Gote no threat at all... for now.

25. B8H   P'8G

Gote should try P'8F instead. That way Gote can promote his pawn at 8G. Sente cannot defend the pawn from promoting with silver since Gote is forking the silver and king with his dragon. Therefore Sente has no total defense against the promotion of pawn at 8G.

26. B9G

A clear evidence of why Gote should have played P'8F.

26. ....   +Rx9I

27. Px1C+   Gx1C

Look carefully at Gote's king's position and you will see that Gote's king's defense is disrupted or scattered.

28. N'8I   L'8H

Oh my god! It's a free kill with +Rx8I! Gote don't need to drop the lance at all!

29. G5F   S7C

Sente's attack is too weak or slow so Gote should strike the iron while it's hot with Lx8I+! If hedo, Sente's position is weakened too strong!

30. Sx8H   Px8H+

31. Rx8H   L'8D

Not a good move because Sente can P'8E and get a free lance! If Gote's afraid of Sente promoting the rook, Gote should P'8D for a safe play to ensure a solid victory.

32. L'8G   P'8F

33. Lx8F   S'7I

34. R7H   +Rx8I

Maybe Gote can try P'8H?

35. Rx7I   +R9H

Gote can try N'6G. forking the rook and king at the same time! That way Gote can remove the threat of the rook at 7I and also continue to put pressure on Sente's King!

36. Lx8D   K4A

Gote should remove the lance first at 8D with silver but then again lance is not too much of a threat.

37. L'6G   G2D

Maybe Gote can try +Rx9G as it removes Sente's defenses and also increases Gote's supporting attacks.

38. +P3C   Sx3C

39. S'8H

The resason why Gote should +Rx9G. Now Sente is increasing it's defense.

39. ....   P'8G

A good move but if you have +Rx9G earlier Gote wouldn't have to waste an exta turn with this move.

40. Lx8A+   Px8H+

41. R6I   +P7H

42. +Lx9A   +Px6I

S'6H for the win as

(a) .... S'6H    Rx6H +Px6H checkmate! or

(b) .... S'6H    K5H Sx6I   K5I +P6H checkmate!

43. Kx6I   R'8I

Not a good move as Sente can defend by dropping a piece on 7I.

44. N'7I   S'6H

Could also try S'7H as:

(a) .... S'7H   K6H Sx7I=  (the rest are checkmate moves)

(b) .... S'7H   K5H Sx7I=  (the rest are checkmate moves)

(c) .... S'7H   K5I Sx6G+   L'6I L'6H   G3H Lx6I+   K4I S5H+   K3I N'2G   Gx2G +Sx4H checkmate! (need to recheck with this variation)

Nevertheless it's still not a bad move.

45. K5H   Rx7I+

Should have Sx7I= for a checkmate!

46. L'4C   K5A

47. Bx7I   Sx71+

Should have Sx71= for the checkmate as

(a) R' 6H +Rx6H  checkmate, or

(b) K6I (or K5I) +R6H checkmate!

48. R'6H   B'6I

49. K5I   B7H+

Should have +Rx6H for the checkmate as Kx6H B7H+ (the rest are checkmate moves)

50. Rx7H   +Sx7H

Should capture with dragon for easier win. (for the rest of the moves I'm too lazy to list out the checkmate moves as there are too many to type out)

51.S3G   +S6I

52. Kx6I   +B2G

53. G5H   R'8I

54. S'7I   +B4I

55. G6H   N'8G

56. B'9G   Nx7I+

57. Bx7I   S'5I

58. P'8H   N'8G

59. G7H   Nx7I

60. Gx7I   +Bx6G

61. Kx5I   Rx7I+

62. Resign

 

Remarks and Opinions: Sente's joseki is horrible however at the end game it's strategy of defense is good. As for Gote, he failed to realise his attack in the early of the game, therefore he should improve his concentration. Gote should seriously practise ALOT OF Tsume Shogi since he have missed too many checkmate opportunities! Improving concentration will not only improve Gote's tsume shogi but also his gameplay!

 

Ratings:
Sente's Strength: 13kyu
Gote's Strength: 13kyu

I hope that this game review has also help other Shogi beginners to improve their Shogi.

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Happy Late New Year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

I'm very sorry that I did not update my blog for a very long time. This is mainly because my new semester has begun and I'm too busy with my semester and my life.

During my holidays in December I thought I could finish up at least three Shogi books but unfortunately I only finished up one because I was asked by my parents to help them build up a website, which has almost took up all of my leisure time. Aside from being busy, I do tend to read Shogi books whenever I have a short break inbetween my hectic life.

I am happy to announce that I am finally 1-DAN!!! WOOHOO! Finally a dream come true! I was playing against the president of the Shogi Club in Kuala Lumpur, who has the strength of about 5-Dan amateur. We played Yagura Joseki (opening or fundamentals) but because I have forgotten about the Joseki, I tried to play the opening with concentration and understanding. My opening turns out well as both of us have already created Kin-Yagura (Gold Fortress) and he was a step ahead to attack my base with his bishop on the left side of the board (I am sente, or black player). Without knowing what to do next, I bring my rightside silver to attack the bishop on the leftside of the board. It turns out well when we exchange silvers but I made a fatal mistake that have almost cost me the game - being greedy. I immediately drop my silver, trying to take his rook on the 82  (or 8B) square. He dropped his silver too, trying to take my rook but he has one extra turn than me. Next, he keeps on attacking my castle and I keep on defending. When his attack finally runs out, I surprised him that I was actually destroying his castle! Unfortunately I did not successfully defeat him because I made two fatal mistakes. My attack was one move late. If only I did not make two of those mistakes I would have probably won him. Though I lost to him, I was happy with my performance. Remember back in July I was playing against an old man in University Malaya during the Japan Language Festival? It was that old man! Back then I couldn't even touch his base, but now I almost checkmate him! He was amaze at my performance and ask me what level I am. I told him that I was ranked 3-kyu and he told me that I actually have the strength of 1-Dan amateur! I was happy to be told that I am 1-Dan! My dream has finally achieved after such a long period of hard work and studies!

Few days ago I received a comment from someone in this blog that he wants me to teach him Shogi. I really don't mind teaching beginners how to play Shogi but his request was different. He wants me to teach him how to improve in Shogi! I never have anyone teaching me Shogi before so I don't really know what to teach him. But I'll do my best to improve his Shogi! The only annoying problem is that he is staying in Portugal, which has 8 hours of difference between our time. It will be difficult for me to find time to teach him Shogi especially I have to wake up 6.30 a.m. the next day since the only time we're both using the internet are during the midnight (my time). I think the only free time to teach him is during the weekends.

I guess that's all. To end this post, I will talk about my New Year Resolutions!

My new year resolutions are:

1. Achieved 2-Dan amateur within this year!

2. Read up at least 3 psychology books.

3. Write at least 3 stories this year.

Once again I wished everyone a happy new year!

Regards,

Ryou Takehito

Shogi Festival in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur! (Report)

Hey all,

Before I begin to talk about Shogi Festival, which was held in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur today, I would like to show the book that I have purchase via internet which has cost me roughly around RM 100.

It has 118 pages and I found it very useful for beginners because it teaches us the things we should be thinking while playing Shogi. Unless "Art of Shogi", it teaches you basic joseki (openings or fundamentals) but not too much about what we should be thinking. Therefore it is very good to have Habu's Words for Shogi players.

Alright, it's time for the report on Shogi Festival!
 

Report on Shogi Festival

Yesterday I was told that today Shogi Festival will be held in Japan Club Kuala Lumpur. One of the Japanese told me that it was starting around noon but I thought it was just a normal festival but it turns out that they were having tournaments!

A knockout tournament! I didn't knew they were having tournaments otherwise I would have join them! I shouldn't have went there at 2pm. And this is the first time in my life I've seen so many Japanese playing Shogi in Japan Club!

These are the giveaways and prizes. There are two types of categories. One is for adults and another is for children. Naoki has already finished his game so I have a game with him. Unfortunately I lost. =(   But I knew why I have lost. =)

After the tournament has ended, We were given by a small lecture on tsume Shogi by a 9-Dan pro Mr. Kenji Kobayashi. After the small talk a gift was given to the club leader as a small present...

This present actually has all the signatures of the Meijins! Do not look lightly on this prize. It is actually worth more than RM 3,000!!!

Two tables are set up and Mr. Kobayashi is going to play against 7 players at the same time, including me! He gave me two piece handicapped, Rook and Bishop. The game lasted for a long time and I lost. After all the games Mr. Kobayashi gave evalution on everyone about how well they played. Naoki has the strength of 2-Dan amateur while I have the strength of 3 kyu only. That explains why I have lost to Naoki earlier. Looks like my days of exams have really deteriorate my Shogi skills. =(   But I remember Naoki was playing against handicapped of Rook, Bishop and two Lances... Fortunately Mr. Kobayashi praised me that I have talent and might be a genius. I have never been so proud of myself in my life. =D

After that it's time to hand the prizes to the winners!

The winner of the adult category

2nd of the adults category

 

3rd of the adults category



Winner of the child category

2nd of the child category

Alot of things have been given away as presents and then it's group photo! I'm the one wearing the yellow shirt from the 2nd left...
 

With the Shogi activities over I have been invited over to a restaurant for free dinner! Talk about being lucky!
 

I was the only Malaysian there so I feel a little awkward because I couldn't speak Japanese nor fully understand it. But I'm very grateful that they're being friendly and tried to talk to me in English. =)
 

Prezzies

Speaking of which I've received a lot of presents from them! First off I've received an instant soup. =P And then...
 

Knewing that I play Shogi, they specially gave me this...
 

A book written by Mr. Kobayashi himself! It teaches you how to play Fourth File Rank Rook (Shinkenbisha). And lastly...
 

A calligraphy by Mr. Kobayashi! I really should have thank him for all these great stuffs!
 

Conclusion

It's been a long time I have enjoyed myself so much in Shogi events after AISEP. I'm glad that i have came to this festival just because I love Shogi alot. To everyone in Shogi Club in JCKL...
 

OTSUKARESAMA!

Now that I know I was 3 kyu, looks like getting 1-Dan by the end of this year will be realised soon! I'm going to work hard to achieve 1-Dan! And also I really hope I can participate more Shogi events in the future! Gambatte, Ryou! You can do it! For the sake your dream, work hard!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

 

 

 

Shogi Full Time!

Hey all,

Today's 28th Nov so that means... exams are finally over!!! WOOHOOOOO!

With my semester ended I can finally play Shogi the whole day! Actually I'm playing Shogi at this moment and I'm taking a break right now to type this entry. I have been learning for Shogi for two straight hours so I still have 6 hours ago! It's great that I can learn Shogi full time, with at least 8 hours per day. Call me crazy, but that's how I love so much about Shogi!

On the night before my last exam, I couldn't sleep at all. Not that I was worried about my exams just because I have to take two different papers on the same day, the main reason is I was too excited about playing Shogi after exams! I found it a little scary that my obsession of Shogi is too strong but... I love this feeling! I did not force myself to learn 8 hours of Shogi. I was actually spending it just like my past-time/leisure! The sense of learning new strategies, discovering new ideas, playing against myself - it feels so great and refreshing!

Tomorrow is Saturday and I'm going to Japan Club Kuala Lumpur to play a few games of Shogi. It has been a very long time since I last visited JCKL. Hope my skills improve!

Alright everyone, I'm going to resume learning Shogi now. Take care everyone!

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Interesting Video!

I found this interesting video as I was looking for "Gekka no Kishi", a story about Shogi, and thought I should share with everyone. Please have a good laugh. =)



If you can't read Chinese or understand Japanese, I have provided the translations below:
1: Who's the strongest player here?
2: Who?
3: Me. Any problem?
4: You're already playing. This is bad.
5: You're alone, right? I'll play with you.
6: Who are you?
7: Me or anyone else is the same, right?
8: Come on, hurry!
9: You don't have to hurry me. When the time comes the opponent will be here.
10: Then how about we have a match before he comes?
11: Let me tell you
12: I'm 3-dan. How about you?
13: 5-dan....... what?
14: But I stopped playing Shogi ever since middle school.
15: Now I probably should have jumped to 7-dan.
16: This is not even a jumping box!
17: It's alright!
18: Someone please go to the office and ask someone to come...... no need.
19: I will get rid of him.
20: Then... I'll go first.......okay!
21: P94? (Pawn in 94 square)
22: I'll say... do you even know how to play Shogi?....... Huh? What's wrong?
23: This move has no meaning at all!
24: You should study some joseki (Chess openings) first.
25: Sorry, but in my dictionary there's no such thing as 'joseki'.
26: What?
27: What's happened?
28: Don't cause any trouble, okay?
29: Please be quiet, okay?
30; What are you crying? So noisy.
31: You're still young.
32: There is still a long way to walk in your life.
33: I have never lose before!
34: I'm only playing with him a little.
35: V-Shape?
36: I had never lose since middle school.
37: I'm not playing Shogi anymore!
38: Not playing anymore!
39: You're not playing anymore?
40: I was actually thinking of making a heart shape...
41: Who are you? You're an outsider, right?

It's....It's finally here!!!

Hey all,

after waiting for another week, I woke up early at 9 a.m. to check my mailbox. It was not there. I have started to doubt that the online purchase might have been a failure so I went back into my house to take my morning bath and breakfast. At around 1 p.m., my mobile phone mysteriously rang. I was trying to get a hold of it but it stopped ringing before I could. Although the missed call was from a friend, I stupidly thought it as a sign that my book has arrive. So I went to check the mailbox again and there it was, Habu's Words!

After waiting for three weeks it has finally arrived!!! Words can't describe how happy I am to receive this book. I wished I could have taken a photo with the book but unfortunately my camera broke down. =(

Although I am happy that I've receive my copy of Habu's Words, but I can't use it now. WHY? This is because exams around the corner and I don't have time for Shogi! =( *Mumbles and curses at the college exams* Anyways my last day of exam is on 27th November so I'm really looking forward to study Shogi with Habu's Words on that day! =3

Regards,
Ryou Takehito

Third Great Anticipation in Life

Hey all,

I have receive the e-mail below...

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Your order from WORD POWER BOOKS has been successful The unique reference for this transaction is: ...........................

Dear Ryou Takehito Thank you for your order. Your card was authorised successfully but NO money has been debited from your account. Your card will only be debited when WORD POWER BOOKS review the order and release the payment. If Items in stock, posted within 24 hours. Otherwise expected despatch within 3 to 10 working days. Please quote your order number ................... in all correspondence with either WORD POWER BOOKS or Protx.

	Order total: 16.24 GBP You bought: Word Power Books Description Quantity Item Value Item Tax Item Total Line Total Habu's Words (9780953108923) 1 12.50 0.00 12.50 12.5 Delivery --- --- --- --- 6.36

If you have any questions regarding your order, delivery details or items purchased, please contact WORD POWER BOOKS directly via details on their website WORD POWER BOOKS. This payment was processed by Protx, a third-party payment service provider. If you have any questions regarding the online card payment system, contact protx at: support@protx.com Please be aware that Protx has no involvement with the fulfilment of orders placed through this web site. If you have any issues regarding your order please contact WORD POWER BOOKS directly.

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Try and guess what kind of book I have purchased a week ago! Almost everyday I would peep into my mailbox, hoping it has arrived. I hope I can receive it by the end of of this week. Anyways I can't wait for the book to arrive so I can study it throughout the night just like when I first gotten my "Art of Shogi"!

And also, this picture is a few months old but this is one of the Japanese man whom I can't defeat at all. He is just too strong!! (About 1-dan amateur, I think)



Regards,
Ryou Takehito


PS: Can you find Shoshi-sensei's fan in the picture? =3