Shogi News: Animal Shogi - どうぶつしょうぎ ("Let's catch the lion!")

A great new version of shogi, "Dobutsu Shogi", which was invented by two woman professionals. It's an easier and cute version of shogi that is meant for children. But it's a lot more tactical than it looks, and is a good introduction to normal Shogi.
A bit too much of pre-talks, but the rule explanation starts at 5:30, commentated games starts at 11:00.
Official Website: http://www.joshi-shogi.com/doubutsushogi/2009/08/rule.html
Dice Tower Review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzO_VNlPu90
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobutsu_shogi
Essen Spiel: http://www.internationalespieltage.de/index.php4
Kitao's blog: http://ameblo.jp/madoka-shogi/entry-10372973513.html
Product Information: http://www.funagain.com/control/product?product_id=021002
Example Kifus: http://joshi-shogi.com/1day/2009/04/kifu.html

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• どうぶつしょうぎ
• 将棋
• Shogi
• Japanese
• chess
• English
• 英語

[StoicTwo]

Ummm, I wonder if this was made with Chinese animal chess in mind!?

-Stoicone!

[HIDETCHI]

No, I don't think so.

[naldchow]

Don't you think ,with just 3x4=12 squares, this puzzle game will soon be solved, just like tic-tac-toe ( even checker was solved the other year.)?

[HIDETCHI]

It's a way more complicated than tic-tac-toe. (tic-tac-toe can be solved even by a human within a short time...)

Animal shogi is said to be already solved by a university researcher, but I hear it took weeks or months with super computer.

But it makes no difference to the fun we have playing it. Do people stop playing checker after it's solved? Do they stop playing shogi IF it's ever solved by God?

[Celegast]

Is there some info whether it will be available in central europe soon (e.g. via amazon)? It'd be a nice present for some kids in our chess club :)

[HIDETCHI]

Ms. Kitao says she left the remaining dobutsu shogi sets she had for Essen Spiel to Heidelberger.

So you'd be able to get it in Europe via internet or something.

[Xclann]

@HIDETCHI

What does it mean by "solved"?

[AngelBiLove]

haha lol animals never die xD u can already see it for ya. i killed ur lion NOOOoooo cry cry cry

oh no i didn tmean it D: ah goddamn it

[eldersprig]

Does anyone know if this is available in the US?

[yytgh1437]

Hi HIDETCHI, I was wondering if you can post a link to the recorded games you were showing. I'd like to see some games by myself, but the sites seem to be in japanese, so I can't figure the link from watching your video. Thanks!

[BohemianCoast]

We have just bought a set from Japan (we are in the UK) and are having great fun with it. The set was reasonably priced for a Japanese import. Probably too easy for the serious shogi player, but lots of fun for me and my kids (12 and 9). It is very beautifully made.

[hirohiigo]

By the way, I got a Doubutsu Shogi set recently, and I love it! It's so cute and fun. I've played many games of it with my sister and we both love it. I think it would also be a great way to introduce people to shogi concepts before introducing them to the standard board.

[acitapeh]

意外と奥ふか

[StoicTwo]

Oh,ok.

-Stoicone!