How about a game of Japanese Chess, i.e. Shogi? Now playing Shogi4 — Page 71

G-1c mate

I'm actually impressed the game went on so long--a testament to not underestimate small shogi games.  I thought it was fun.  So does your dad want to start Kokusai Sannin, or do you want to try something else?  If Twister jumps on board, we could give Yonin a shot as well.

Ouch, I can't believe I boxed myself in like that.

I would like to try Kokusai Sannin, but since I'm terrible at figuring out VirtualBox, we might have to wait until tomorrow evening, or even Sunday to actually start (which isn't really a big deal).

Depending on how things go, my dad might move through me (i.e. we'll have the game up only on my computer for simplicity and I'll just tell you the move he wants to make). I promise not to cheat. ;)

That's no problem. I trust you of course. I really am thinking of using the physical set I built. The software kinda sucks, especially when on Virtualbox. It has a hard time tracking my cursor. Let me know how things are going :)

You said the tiles/"squares" are hexagonal, right? If they weren't, I'd probably just figure out how the game worked, based on the software, and make myself a board in Excel.

Just did a quick search for "hexagonal spreadsheet and found this:

http://brianaltonenmph.com/6-gis-ecology-and-natural-history/hexagonal-grid-analysis/hexagonal-cells-excel-spreadsheet/

I'm sure if that's not good enough, there must be something out there.  I'm at work and don't have time to look better, but it's just a thought.

Well, I'll see if that works if the software doesn't. Hopefully I manage to get the latter working.

Hmmm...

With some help, I got the files into Windows '95, but the execution file is missing. Consequently, I can't open the software. Do you think you could upload that file and PM it to me?

I got the software running (in Windows XP--I'm not sure where I got the idea that I needed to use Windows 95), now I just need to figure out how to use it (like getting pieces on the board and stuff :P). The silly drop-down menus at the top are refusing to show themselves as of the second time I opened it up, so hopefully the program won't be too much of a pain to use.

I'll let you know when I'm ready to play (it won't be today).

Alright.  I hope you figure it out.  I think I'll just use real pieces and board, but maybe use the program to help me make legal moves.  I'll be hearing from you soon :)

If you are having trouble with the software, I have figured out a way to make an Excel spreadsheet that serves as a hex board.  I will send it to you if you wish.

Great, thanks! I think the spreadsheet will be easier to use, once I figure out how the pieces move, etc. My day is pretty filled up, so hopefully I'll have time to get it all sorted out. No promises though...

Yeah I doubt I can do much today either. Busy with church and I work tonight. We can start whenever.

Bump ;)

How did the spreadsheet work out?  Does it look right to you?

The spreadsheet works fine. Coincidentally, I just clicked on to the Wikipedia page for Kokusai Sannin Shogi to check out the rules. I should be ready to play later this evening, provided my dad is also ready.

I have to go to work in a couple of hours and won't be done till morning, but you two can start whenever, and I'll go last.

As far as board notation goes, you can use the grid already provided on Excel if you want (for instance, the black king is on 15rs, rs because each cell is really two merged cells, each row offset form the last).  Or if you prefer to be more official, there is a grid system for the game.  It's on Wikipedia, and you can number the sides yourself.  Either way.

While reading the instructions, try to be very clear on the way alliances are formed.  The specific rules there are a little fuzzy to me.

I think it would be best to use the excel coordinates, since that's easiest to figure out.

I think I have the alliance thing mostly figured out. My dad and I will not be beginning the game in an alliance.

I'm assuming the turns rotate counter-clockwise (beginning with the player on the bottom), and I will make the first move:

L-14yz

Well, in reality it doesn't matter much except that the official rules say play is clockwise.  I don't mind rule bending, especially when it makes no difference to the outcome of the game, but just something to be aware of.

Hey, aren't you that jerk who kept giving my young friend a hard time for his religious beliefs???  Who invited you here?!  ;)

P6mn-7no

It was an interesting debate, and I thought someone as intellectually-minded as Post Praetorian would be nice to have around here. Then I found out he was Darth Vader and I was Luke. I guess this is the alternate reality in which they overcome their differences and decide to play Shogi instead of fighting.

P13yz-12yz

I think I was thinking clockwise but wrote counter-clockwise. :P I think I'd also rather go with clockwise anyway.

Also, you're asking the wrong guy if you can take over his pieces. Darth_ender is blue, not me.

Yes, I'm definitely okay switching.  My move would then be P-7vw.

A little something I noticed is that if I cut and paste the pieces, the cells I so laboriously merged then split back into two separate cells.  So it works better if you just copy to the new cell, then delete the piece from the starting cell.  Avoids problems later.

And Ric, I think your pawn move is confusing.  Unless the cells are differently lined up with the hexes (a distinct possibility), you could move Pxy or Pzaa to the cell indicated, but Pyz actually straddles two cells.

By the way, it is nice that you could join us, and I hope you have fun.  I love shogi, and I've played far more since your son showed interest than I have in the many years since I discovered its existence (1996 I believe).  I've had a hard time finding true converts, so this has been a true pleasure for me :)

Are we continuing from where we left off, but with you two on opposite sides, or going back to the beginning of the game, making ender's move the second of the first round?

darth_ender said:

And Ric, I think your pawn move is confusing.  Unless the cells are differently lined up with the hexes (a distinct possibility), you could move Pxy or Pzaa to the cell indicated, but Pyz actually straddles two cells.

Are you sure I'm wrong? All the moves made so far work for me, including my pawn move, which works just fine on my board.

I'd make my move now, but I want to make sure we're all on the same page first.