05/04/2025

May 2025 Tournament and Teaching Event

Event Information (3 – 4 May 2025)

The London Shogi Club will host a Shogi Event on 3-4 May 2025. This event is open to players of all abilities and of all nationalities.

We will be joined by Nihon Shogi Renmei/Japanese Shogi association teaching professionals Yasushi Ishikawa and Sanada Tetsuaki.

It will be a combined Tournament and Teaching Event. The main tournament will be hosted on Saturday 3rd May, with Sunday 4th May having a teaching focus – though we will also have a smaller blitz tournment.

We will also be arranging a dinner on the Saturday night. Please let us know if you wish to attend this when you register to help us plan numbers.

Continues on the official website…

30/03/2025

Fairy-Stockfish 14 and ShogiGUI

This project aims to map the Elo score of Fairy-Stockfish 14 (used with ShogiGUI) to the Rating and Ranking system of 81Dojo. Players test the engine by adjusting the Elo setting until it matches their playing level. By submitting Elo, Rating, and Ranking, an empirical model can be built to estimate human playing strength. The more data collected, the more accurate the Elo-to-Rating conversion will be.

28/03/2025

Shogi Engine for Beginners and Experts

Learn how to configure the Suisho5-YaneuraOu-v7.5.0 engine in ShogiGUI to match every skill level, from beginner to 7 Dan. Parameters are clearly explained and settings are calibrated for a more human and progressive experience. The project is open to collaboration: every player’s contribution is valuable.

25/03/2025

Game Set – Buying Guide

A guide to purchasing a shōgi set, the traditional Japanese board game. From budget-friendly solutions for beginners—such as foldable plastic sets with magnetic pieces—to handcrafted wooden sets with lacquered engravings and traditional boards. The text analyzes materials, character engraving techniques (stamped, carved, lacquered), styles, and price ranges. Includes links to reliable international and Japanese retailers, with warnings about shipping costs and customs duties. Ideal for those who want to start playing or improve the quality of their set, avoiding buying mistakes and choosing based on their level and needs.

Important note: the links on the page are not advertisements; they are provided solely as examples of shōgi sets.

17/03/2025

Kinshō (金将) in Shōgi (将棋)

The Kinshō (金将) is one of the fundamental pieces in Shōgi (将棋), with a well-balanced movement that makes it essential in both offense and defense. Unlike many other pieces, it cannot be promoted, ensuring a stable role throughout the game. In defensive strategies, it is often used in Gakoi (囲い) to protect Ōshō (王将) and Gyokushō (玉将), while in offense, it is a key piece for applying pressure and delivering checkmate. Its strategic importance makes it a crucial element in every game of Shōgi.

15/03/2025

Tokin (と金) in Shogi (将棋)

The Tokin (と金) is the promoted form of the Fuhyō (歩兵) in Shogi (将棋), gaining the movement abilities of the Kinshō (金将). This promotion significantly increases the “strength” of the koma (駒), making it highly important in tactical play. The representation of the Tokin with the character “と” emphasizes its connection to the concept of “gold” in the game.

14/03/2025

Fuhyō (歩兵) in Shogi (将棋)

The Fuhyō (歩兵) is the most numerous and fundamental piece in Shogi (将棋), with simple movements but a crucial strategic role, especially when promoted to Tokin.

The specific rules concerning it add tactical depth to the game.

Its name, derived from the kanji “walk” and “soldier,” signifies its function as infantry in the game.