How about a game of Japanese Chess, i.e. Shogi? Now playing Shogi4 — Page 60

Sorry bud.  It's hard to keep track of new pieces, I know.  This is probably my last move for the day.

S*3e

F-2e

Welcome back.  Sx2d

F-1d

LQx1d

Px1d

F*3f mate

Are you interested in going back a move or two?  Or would you rather start over?  Or do you want to move on to a large variant?

I wasn't expecting that...

I'd rather continue on to a large variant (you can pick the one since there are some you'd rather not play). Unfortunately, however, I'm unable to open the .zrf files you sent me. I get an error message saying that the bitmap for the file failed to load. I checked the folders, and nothing seems to be missing. Google yields no relevant results, though I guess I might be using the wrong keywords.

We could try another game of Chu Shogi if you want.

Much as I enjoyed Chu, I've always wanted to play a variety of variants, so we can come back to it another time.  I'd rather try a different game.

As for the zrf files, they have similar names if I remember correctly.  It might be that when you unzipped some of the folders, you overwrote the files for another version of the game.  I suggest unzipping them in separate subfolders within the rules folder for Zillions.  You might have better luck keeping them better separated.

Back to what game to play, we could also try Wa shogi.  It's 11x11.  No one knows if historically it was designed with or without drops in mind, but it is playable both ways.  Could be fun (and long, which I know appeals to you) if we played with drops. :)

http://www.zillions-of-games.com/cgi-bin/zilligames/submissions.cgi?do=show;id=1473

If you'd rather go larger, we could try Dai Dai.  It's up to you.

I have all the Zillions files separated in different folders already. There's some other problem. Maybe something was missing when you sent it to me, or it didn't zip/unzip properly?

Wa Shogi sounds fine. If you're fine with drops, that is indeed what I'd prefer. I don't think drops will lengthen the game necessarily. Just look at our last game. It would have lasted longer if there hadn't been drops. I'll move first so we can start right away.

SP-4g

No, I'm not worried about too long a game.  I'd rather play with drops as well.  I just think it might appeal better to you in length with drops, but I don't think it will be ridiculously long.  So I'm glad we're in agreement.  It should be fun.

SP-4e

As for your problem with the games, my files work just fine.  I can try sending them unzipped to you.  Otherwise I don't know what the problem is.  Which ones are you having difficulty with?

TF-6g

I've tried all the Zillions files you sent to me in the first PM (that's Dai-dai, Dai, and the two versions of Heian Shogi), but I've not yet downloaded the ones you sent afterwards, which I assume probably have the same problem if you uploaded them the same way. I get the same error message for all of them. It could be something wrong with the program I'm using to unzip the files. I'll try a different program later and tell you if that solves the problem.

The others were not uploaded the same way.  They are actually merely links to sites that supply those zrfs, and usually better versions than the ones I originally sent you.  In fact I think the links I've given might have all the versions I'd ever intended to give.  Use the other links and you should be fine.

VS-8b

Ah, yes, I hadn't looked at those very closely, being busy when I did so. Hopefully I have better luck with those. SP-6h

FC-7b

RR-5h

Am I just missing it, or are there no bishop-like pieces? A flying swallow would be nice, but I guess I'll just have to be patient. :)

CK-7a.  Yes, they are short-range pieces.  It might be interesting that way.  And there is an interesting lack of symmetry, with only one of each type of piece except the pawn.

SW-8j

CK-8a

I'm moving into a defensive position, but I kind of doubt it's needed, considering the pieces are so short range.  It really makes little difference where your king is located, now that I think about it.  Oh well.  Maybe it's wiser than I realize.

SW-8i

Setting up a defense like you're doing is smart. I didn't have a good defense when we played Tori Shogi, and you were able to checkmate me with a single drop. Once we have promoted pieces and pieces in hand, there will be a greater risk for your "king".

You are likely correct.  I haven't really examined the piece moves that closely, particularly their promoted values.  If they are better at ranging, I could be in more trouble.

And I'll say that with Tori Shogi, the ability to double up on pawns was a devastating ability I realized, particularly in such close quarters.  I could defend a weak piece with another weak piece, but in such cramped conditions I could guard useful squares, making them potent for drops such as my ultimate mating drop.  I don't know how much that strategy would work on such a wide board with such short-range pieces, but as you pointed out, they will be able to drop soon.

VW-6a

VW-6j

VW-7a

CK-7j