SHOGI (JAPANESE CHESS) SMALL TABLE SET, DRAWER FOR PIECES (M50)

Description

SHOGI (JAPANESE CHESS)
A SMALL ‘TABLE’ SET, WITH A
CENTRAL DRAWER FOR PIECES
27 x 25 cm board (10 5/8 x 9 7/8 inches)
THE CHESS OF JAPAN
For many centuries, Japan has cultivated its own chess tradition, borrowing from the major chess forms of Asia, but evolving into aesthetically rich and novel games seen nowhere else in the world. The standard Japanese chess, shogi (pronounced with a hard ‘g’ as in geese), is played on a compact surface of 9 x 9 rectangles, with pointed tile pieces which can flip over, to show a promoted value.
The truly unique aspect of shogi is the continued play of captured pieces. Notice how pieces are all the same color, but pointing in opposite directions. After capture, a piece may be placed back on the board, in service of its captor. This creates a game that never simplifies, with all 40 pieces in play (on or off the board) for the entire game. Add that to the fact that players have to watch for the opponent to “drop” a piece into play at any time – and you have one of the most dynamic strategy games ever invented!
THE PIECES
Note that the pieces, a little smaller than standard, are still quite large for this small board. In fact, you will see that the king is just a wee bit over-sized. This will not interfere with having an excellent playing experience.
The pieces are made of maple wood, with the kanji characters engraved and printed in black ink on top and red ink (the promotional value) on the underside.
Size: the largest piece, the King, is approximately 1 1/8 inches (29 mm) long. Its base is about 1 1/16 inches wide – just a little bit broad for the spaces on this board.
Note that most pieces have a different character on the flip-side (see pictures), which indicates the move of the piece once it is promoted. The promotional side is written in red, for extra clarity.
Full instructions are included.
THE BOARD
This special shogi board stands like a small table, with a drawer for storing the pieces.
It is smaller than the standard tournament size, but perfectly good for normal play and enjoyment.
Size: The board measures approximately 10 5/8 by 9 7/8 inches, with playing “squares” 1 1/16 inch long.
SHOGI RULES INCLUDED
Official rules of play are included, with clear English descriptions and instructive illustrations.
SHIPPING
FREE SHIPPING within the U.S. by USPS Priority Mail (2-3 business days).
INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING (see rate posted) USPS Priority Mail International (delivery times vary).
INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS MAY APPLY – Buyer must pay any customs or tariffs charged by destination country (VAT in Europe, etc.).