I understand your reasoning, but I honestly think it would be best to keep the lion in play. Everything I've read about the game makes it clear that the lion is perhaps the best part of the game. He's the star of the show. It would be like playing chess without the queen. People who advocate for Chu Shogi do so because the lion makes it worthwhile. And the reason the lion is so hard to kill (rather, it is more difficult to trade for an opposing lion) is so that it will remain in play throughout the game. I think the game would be much slower and less interesting without it. Understand that I have never played this game with another human, and only a few times (and many years ago) with software. You are not at a serious disadvantage due to a lack of familiarity with the pieces, because I too am unfamiliar with the game and the pieces. You'll be using the software which will help with piece movement. I really don't think you need to worry too much about it. To make it easier, one of the Chu Shogi Zillions files has the pieces labeled with their moves to make it easier to remember what they do. You might want to check that one out. If you need, I can send it to you. I just know I'd be disappointed to not use the lion, especially since it's already a long game and would only be much longer without it.