A origem do Shogi (xadrez Japonês)

Summary

In this introductory Shogi course, instructor Danilo explores the history and evolution of Shogi, a Japanese strategy game derived from Chaturanga. He covers the game's origins, its development through different historical periods, and how it became a professional sport. The lesson highlights the unique aspects of Shogi, such as the reuse of captured pieces, and discusses its transformation during the shogunate and beyond. Danilo also touches on the role of the Meijin title, professional matches, and Shogi variants, providing a comprehensive overview of the game's rich history and current professional landscape.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shogi is an ancient Japanese strategic board game, derived from Chaturanga, and shares some similarities with chess.
• 😀 The history of Shogi traces back to China and India, with its development influenced by the game of Chaturanga and other regional variants.
• 😀 Unlike Western chess, Shogi includes pieces that can be captured and reused by the opponent during the game, which adds a layer of strategy.
• 😀 In the early period, Shogi's pieces included elephants, which were later removed in the medieval era.
• 😀 The medieval period saw the introduction of pieces that could be reused after being captured, fundamentally changing the gameplay dynamics.
• 😀 During the Shogunate era, Shogi gained more formal recognition with the creation of professional tournaments and the title of 'Magoi,' which was initially hereditary but later became professional.
• 😀 The game was once considered a tool for enhancing strategic thinking during military campaigns, especially among samurai leaders.
• 😀 Shogi's popularity waned after the fall of the Shogunate but revived with the formation of the Shogi Association in 1909, leading to the game's professional scene as we know it today.
• 😀 Today, Shogi has a professional system with seven major titles, and matches can last up to nine hours.
• 😀 Shogi has several variants, including Double Shogi, Shogi for animals, and others, expanding the possibilities and appeal of the game.

Q & A

What is the focus of the first module in the course?

The first module of the course focuses on the basics of shougi, an oriental strategy game derived from chaturanga, introducing its history, structure, and evolution over time.

What is shougi and how does it relate to chaturanga?

Shougi is a Japanese strategy game similar to chess. It is derived from chaturanga, an ancient game from India, and shares many similarities with other chess variants in different regions.

What were the key differences between shougi and Western chess during its early history?

In early shougi, the game only involved the king and there were no pawns like in Western chess. Additionally, shougi featured a unique mechanic where captured pieces could be reused in the game.

What is the significance of the shougi pieces 'generals'?

In shougi, the pieces are represented by 'generals,' such as the gold and silver generals, which are analogous to the bishop, queen, and king in chess. These pieces play essential roles in the strategy of the game.

How did shougi evolve over time, particularly in the medieval period?

During the medieval period, shougi underwent significant changes, including the removal of the elephant piece. Additionally, the concept of capturing pieces and reusing them in the game was introduced.

What role did the shogunate play in the development of shougi?

The shogunate era helped formalize shougi by creating tournaments and encouraging families to teach the game. The title 'meijin' was established during this time, initially hereditary, but later became a professional title.

What is the modern state of professional shougi?

Today, professional shougi players can earn a living by playing, with tournaments and seven major titles. Shougi's professional system became more structured after the formation of the Shougi Association in 1909.

How did the post-World War II American occupation affect shougi?

After World War II, the American occupation attempted to prohibit shougi, along with other traditional Japanese games, but it eventually survived and continues to thrive in Japan today.

What are the different variants of shougi mentioned in the course?

The course mentions several shougi variants, such as double shougi, which was created by a professional, and other variations like shougi dai, shougi with animals, and others from different regions.

What is the next topic to be covered in the course after this module?

The next topic will cover the traditions and etiquette associated with shougi, focusing on the rules and customs within the game.