Japanese Chess: The Game of Shogi

by Trevor Leggett, Alan Baker (Foreword)

The ancient game of chess has its roots in India, where the legendary emperor Ravana used it to exercise his generals in strategy and tactics. Played by millions around the world, shogi is the uniquely Japanese variant of chess.

Japanese Chess is the ultimate book on shogi for beginners and experienced players alike. Its step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow diagrams lead the reader through the strategies and intricacies of one of Japan's most popular board games. This essential resource also includes a shogi board is bound right into it, folding out for use with the included shogi pieces.

Genres: Games, Chess, Nonfiction, Japan

153 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 10, 2009

Reviews

[Ivy Reisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are exactly three books on shoji in print in English and this is the only one for beginners. That said, it's a great one, filled with good information, an easy way to understand the rules, and a paper pop out game set. If you want to learn to play Shogi, buy this book.

[Nathan Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make this the first Shogi book you purchase... but not the last.

Leggett's guide is logical, incisive, and moves at precisely the right pace. Not so languid the reader gets bored, yet not so brisk to be overwhelming. I felt a boost in understanding in practically every page.

I definitely recommend getting the paperback version - it would not be the same experience on an e-reader. I found it to be essential to be able to flip back and forth between diagrams and commentary, which you can only do with a physical book. It is helpful to be able to write notes in the margin too, if that's your thing. My own copy is now crammed with underlines and highlights.

I think any reader who takes the time to read through this book carefully, and follow through the moves given, should be able to acquit themselves pretty decently by the time they are done. Of course, practice makes perfect and the book will make even more sense if you play some games as soon as possible, combining book learning with hands-on experience.

The only reason "Japanese Chess" is four-stars and not five, is that it is too short. The back cover of the book calls itself the "ultimate guide to Shogi", but "beginners guide to Shogi" would be more apt. I wanted the author to be my Shogi companion for longer than the meagre 120 pages (which is even shorter than it sounds, given the illustrations throughout the folio).

Still, this is a thoroughly recommendable introduction to this strategy board game from The Land of the Rising Sun.

[Darrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a chess enthusiast, this is appealing to me. I know nothing of this game. Leggett's talent is taking his thorough understanding of the Japanese and interpreting their culture for the Western mind. This book is quite well-written for that purpose. Get an actual set and use it as you read to increase your understanding.

[Alexis K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good, short introduction. It explains the pieces, highlights some of the main moves and attempts to get you "thinking" in Shogi.

Definitely worth reading if you're new to the game, but is probably lacking if you are already familiar with the rules and main setups. Some minor typos despite it being an old book and a reprint.

[Laura Gilfillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book going over basic strategies of Shogi.

[Cristian Miralles Ruiz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buen libro para principiantes, orientado a dar una introducción del juego en todos los aspectos y con interesantes enfoques en la apertura y medio juego.

Muy recomendable para aprender a jugar desde cero

[Christian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very helpful and informative book to learn the art of Shogi

[Ashton Harat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good description of the game. Fascinating reading.