Takodori's Entrance to Shogi World

An exclusive interview with the 19th Perpetual Meijin Yoshiharu Habu

ISPS translated to publish the captioned interview into English and Chinese.

English Version

Chinese Version

White pieces had better win-rate in last year's shogi events - The Mainichi Daily News

An interesting article was translated into English on The Mainichi Daily News.

White pieces had better win-rate in last year's shogi events - The Mainichi Daily News

Players using the white pieces -- which go second -- won more often than those using the black during the 2008 shogi season, the first time since stats were first kept by the Japan Shogi Association in fiscal 1967.

Of the 2,323 public matches in fiscal 2008, white players won 1,167 and lost 1,156, a win rate of 50.2 percent, it was discovered on Tuesday. The previous highest win rate was 49.5 percent in fiscal 1968, and the lowest 46.4 percent in fiscal 2004.

"With the Gokigen-Nakabisha, which doesn't impede the movement of the bishop, and other ploys, the breadth of strategies for white players has increased in recent years," said Meijin Yoshiharu Habu. "I believe the repeated use of these stratagems as openings has led to the increase in the win rate."

Click here for the original Japanese story

(Mainichi Japan) March 31, 2009

As you may already know, the draw rate in shogi is very low such as 1 or 2 %.

My twitter entries about 5th game of 34th Kio-sen

Here are the duplicate of my twitter entries about the 5th game of 34th Kio-sen played today on March 30. They are put in descending order. The game itself can be replayable here.

Kio Sato Yasumitsu vs Kubo Toshiaki(8 dan) - 5th game of 34th Osho-sen(Sete=Sato, Won by Kubo)

   2. Correction: B*8a R*9i "B*9h" Lx7h+ Bx7b+ Kx7b N-8d K-6a S-5c+ Rx9h+ Kx9h +Rx8i K-9g B*8h K-9f +R-9h(mate)about 3 hours ago from web

   3. After 106.K-8c, one variation would be like this; B*8a R*9i B*8h Lx7h+ Bx7b+ Kx7b N-8d K-6a S-5c+ Rx9h+ Kx9h +Rx8i K-9g B*8h(mate)about 3 hours ago from web

   4. Sato resigned the game after 106.K-8c. Congratulation on Kubo for his first obtaining the title.about 3 hours ago from web

   5. 106.K-8c, No good pieces Sato has in hand now.about 3 hours ago from web

   6. 104.Kx8d 105.N*9f N*9f is in check.about 3 hours ago from web

   7. *103.L*8d.about 3 hours ago from web

   8. 102.L*8d, sacrificing Lance drop. What would happen if Gote took it?about 3 hours ago from web

   9. 101.K-9g 102.Sx6h=, Kubo took the Rook.about 3 hours ago from web

  10. 100.S*7i, Forking King and Rook! I think this is a decisive move.about 3 hours ago from web

  11. 99.K-8h, K-6g blocks Rook's vertical line.about 3 hours ago from web

  12. 98.L*7f, This is really painful for Sente.about 3 hours ago from web

  13. Not S*8h, S*7i(forking King and Rook!!)about 4 hours ago from web

  14. Maybe G*7f K-8h S*8h, then Sente will have to resign the game.about 4 hours ago from web

  15. 97. R-6h, almost no other choice.about 4 hours ago from web

  16. 96. Rx1i+, Taking the Lance with threatening to take the Rook on 2h.about 4 hours ago from web

  17. 95. K-7g, Instead of this, Sx7e would be worse.about 4 hours ago from web

  18. 94. P*7e, Check.about 4 hours ago from web

  19. 93.S*7h, Sato is resisting.about 4 hours ago from web

  20. 92.R*7i, Forking King and Lance on 8i.about 4 hours ago from web

  21. 91. Kx7f, Sato had to take it.about 4 hours ago from web

  22. I think Kubo is in the winning position.about 4 hours ago from web

  23. 90.P*7f, Sacrificing pawn to make the King closer to Gote's attacking pieces on the board such as the Silver on 7d.about 4 hours ago from web

  24. 89. Kx7g, Mandatory. Sato's Kinng has no guarding generals(G and S) now.about 4 hours ago from web

  25. 88. Nx7g+ Taking the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  26. 87.Px9e, Taking the Silver on 9e. Sato seemed to have consumed all his allotted time and will have to make a move less than 60 seconds.about 4 hours ago from web

  27. 86.K-8c, Gote's King escaped to its upper space.about 4 hours ago from web

  28. 85. N*9d, Sente dropped back a kNight in check.about 4 hours ago from web

  29. 84. N*6e, Dropping a kNight to threaten to take the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  30. 83.Gx7g, Taking the pawn by the Gold.about 4 hours ago from web

  31. 82.P*7g, Sacrificing pawn drop with check.about 4 hours ago from web

  32. 81. Px9f, Taking the Bishop on 9f..about 4 hours ago from web

  33. 80.Sx7d, taking a pawn which was a menace to Gote's king.about 4 hours ago from web

  34. 79. Sx6d, Taking back the Bishop. This Silver advancement taking a pawn and Bishop from 6f to 6d seems very good.about 4 hours ago from web

  35. 78. Bx6d Taking promoted Rook by the Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  36. 77. Rx6d+, Sato offered trading a Rook for a Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  37. 76. G*5a, Killing the Rook on 6a.about 4 hours ago from web

  38. 75. Gx6h, Taking back the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

  39. 74. Lx6h+ Taking the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

  40. 73. P*9g, Killing the Bishop on 9f.about 4 hours ago from web

  41. 91. Kx7f, Sato had to take it.about 4 hours ago from web

  42. I think Kubo is in the winning position.about 4 hours ago from web

  43. 90.P*7f, Sacrificing pawn to make the King closer to Gote's attacking pieces on the board such as the Silver on 7d.about 4 hours ago from web

  44. 89. Kx7g, Mandatory. Sato's Kinng has no guarding generals(G and S) now.about 4 hours ago from web

  45. 88. Nx7g+ Taking the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  46. 87.Px9e, Taking the Silver on 9e. Sato seemed to have consumed all his allotted time and will have to make a move less than 60 seconds.about 4 hours ago from web

  47. 86.K-8c, Gote's King escaped to its upper space.about 4 hours ago from web

  48. 85. N*9d, Sente dropped back a kNight in check.about 4 hours ago from web

  49. 84. N*6e, Dropping a kNight to threaten to take the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  50. 83.Gx7g, Taking the pawn by the Gold.about 4 hours ago from web

  51. 82.P*7g, Sacrificing pawn drop with check.about 4 hours ago from web

  52. 81. Px9f, Taking the Bishop on 9f..about 4 hours ago from web

  53. 80.Sx7d, taking a pawn which was a menace to Gote's king.about 4 hours ago from web

  54. 79. Sx6d, Taking back the Bishop. This Silver advancement taking a pawn and Bishop from 6f to 6d seems very good.about 4 hours ago from web

  55. 78. Bx6d Taking promoted Rook by the Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  56. 77. Rx6d+, Sato offered trading a Rook for a Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  57. 76. G*5a, Killing the Rook on 6a.about 4 hours ago from web

  58. 75. Gx6h, Taking back the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

  59. 74. Lx6h+ Taking the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

  60. 73. P*9g, Killing the Bishop on 9f.about 4 hours ago from web

  61. 91. Kx7f, Sato had to take it.about 4 hours ago from web

  62. I think Kubo is in the winning position.about 4 hours ago from web

  63. 90.P*7f, Sacrificing pawn to make the King closer to Gote's attacking pieces on the board such as the Silver on 7d.about 4 hours ago from web

  64. 89. Kx7g, Mandatory. Sato's Kinng has no guarding generals(G and S) now.about 4 hours ago from web

  65. 88. Nx7g+ Taking the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  66. 87.Px9e, Taking the Silver on 9e. Sato seemed to have consumed all his allotted time and will have to make a move less than 60 seconds.about 4 hours ago from web

  67. 86.K-8c, Gote's King escaped to its upper space.about 4 hours ago from web

  68. 85. N*9d, Sente dropped back a kNight in check.about 4 hours ago from web

  69. 84. N*6e, Dropping a kNight to threaten to take the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  70. 83.Gx7g, Taking the pawn by the Gold.about 4 hours ago from web

  71. 82.P*7g, Sacrificing pawn drop with check.about 4 hours ago from web

  72. 81. Px9f, Taking the Bishop on 9f..about 4 hours ago from web

  73. 80.Sx7d, taking a pawn which was a menace to Gote's king.about 4 hours ago from web

  74. 79. Sx6d, Taking back the Bishop. This Silver advancement taking a pawn and Bishop from 6f to 6d seems very good.about 4 hours ago from web

  75. 78. Bx6d Taking promoted Rook by the Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  76. 77. Rx6d+, Sato offered trading a Rook for a Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  77. 76. G*5a, Killing the Rook on 6a.about 4 hours ago from web

  78. 75. Gx6h, Taking back the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

  79. 74. Lx6h+ Taking the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

  80. 73. P*9g, Killing the Bishop on 9f.about 4 hours ago from web

  81. 91. Kx7f, Sato had to take it.about 4 hours ago from web

  82. I think Kubo is in the winning position.about 4 hours ago from web

  83. 90.P*7f, Sacrificing pawn to make the King closer to Gote's attacking pieces on the board such as the Silver on 7d.about 4 hours ago from web

  84. 89. Kx7g, Mandatory. Sato's Kinng has no guarding generals(G and S) now.about 4 hours ago from web

  85. 88. Nx7g+ Taking the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  86. 87.Px9e, Taking the Silver on 9e. Sato seemed to have consumed all his allotted time and will have to make a move less than 60 seconds.about 4 hours ago from web

  87. 86.K-8c, Gote's King escaped to its upper space.about 4 hours ago from web

  88. 85. N*9d, Sente dropped back a kNight in check.about 4 hours ago from web

  89. 84. N*6e, Dropping a kNight to threaten to take the Gold on 7g.about 4 hours ago from web

  90. 83.Gx7g, Taking the pawn by the Gold.about 4 hours ago from web

  91. 82.P*7g, Sacrificing pawn drop with check.about 4 hours ago from web

  92. 81. Px9f, Taking the Bishop on 9f..about 4 hours ago from web

  93. 80.Sx7d, taking a pawn which was a menace to Gote's king.about 4 hours ago from web

  94. 79. Sx6d, Taking back the Bishop. This Silver advancement taking a pawn and Bishop from 6f to 6d seems very good.about 4 hours ago from web

  95. 78. Bx6d Taking promoted Rook by the Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  96. 77. Rx6d+, Sato offered trading a Rook for a Bishop.about 4 hours ago from web

  97. 76. G*5a, Killing the Rook on 6a.about 4 hours ago from web

  98. 75. Gx6h, Taking back the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

  99. 74. Lx6h+ Taking the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

100. 73. P*9g, Killing the Bishop on 9f.about 4 hours ago from web

101. 72. L*6e, Threaten to take the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

102. 71. Sx7e has another meaning of having a pawn in hand to kill the Bishop on 9f by P*9g in the next move.about 4 hours ago from web

103. 71. Sx7e, activating Silver to approach Gote's King.about 4 hours ago from web

104. 70. Sx9e, Escaping from threatmate by taking the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

105. 69. R*6a, Sent dropped threatmating Rook. If it is Sente's turn, P-9a+ would mate the King.about 4 hours ago from web

106. 68.Px6d, Gote took the Pawn his Pawn. Now Gote has option to do the following; P-6e Sx6e N*6f(forking King and Gold).about 5 hours ago from web

107. 67. P-6d, Sacrificing pawn move. Taking it by Px6d will blocks own Bihsop's diagonal line. Bx6d let Sente's Rook trade Rook's pawn on 2d.about 5 hours ago from web

108. 66. Px8e, it's a natural move of capture back the kNight.about 5 hours ago from web

109. 65. Nx8e, Sente agreed on kNight trade.about 5 hours ago from web

110. 64. N-8e, Gote didn't take Sente's sacrificing pawn on 7d but let the Knight jump to 8e offering kNight trade.about 5 hours ago from web

111. 63. P*7d, Sacrificing pawn on the kNight's head. If Gote takes it by Sx7d, then Sente will be able to drop a Rook on 9b.about 6 hours ago from web

112. 62. Px7e, taking a Pawn with intention to advance it to 7f to threaten to take kNight on 7g.. Sente cannot be slow.about 6 hours ago from web

113. According to the comment filed of the boardlive, the rest thinking time is 48 minutes for Sato and 1 hour and 35 minutes for Kubo.about 6 hours ago from web

114. If 62.Sx9e which takes the Lance on 9e is the next move, Gote's Bishop will be killed by P*9g.. So, Gote will make a move other than Sx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

115. 61. L*8i, Adding a lance which protects the square of 8g.about 6 hours ago from web

116. 60. B*9f, Gote's attack continues. But Sente's lance go through the edge file so Gote's King is in danger as well.about 6 hours ago from web

117. 59. Lx9e, Taking a Rook for a Bishop.about 6 hours ago from web

118. 58. Sx8f=, Taking the Bishop with connecting to Rook on 9e. That's why it's unpromoted.about 6 hours ago from web

119. 57. B*8f(!) Strong defensive move. If Gote takes it by Sx8f+, then Sente will take the Rook on 9e by Lx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

120. 56. Rx93, Gote took back the Silver for a Lance.about 6 hours ago from web

121. 72. L*6e, Threaten to take the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

122. 71. Sx7e has another meaning of having a pawn in hand to kill the Bishop on 9f by P*9g in the next move.about 4 hours ago from web

123. 71. Sx7e, activating Silver to approach Gote's King.about 4 hours ago from web

124. 70. Sx9e, Escaping from threatmate by taking the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

125. 69. R*6a, Sent dropped threatmating Rook. If it is Sente's turn, P-9a+ would mate the King.about 4 hours ago from web

126. 68.Px6d, Gote took the Pawn his Pawn. Now Gote has option to do the following; P-6e Sx6e N*6f(forking King and Gold).about 5 hours ago from web

127. 67. P-6d, Sacrificing pawn move. Taking it by Px6d will blocks own Bihsop's diagonal line. Bx6d let Sente's Rook trade Rook's pawn on 2d.about 5 hours ago from web

128. 66. Px8e, it's a natural move of capture back the kNight.about 5 hours ago from web

129. 65. Nx8e, Sente agreed on kNight trade.about 5 hours ago from web

130. 64. N-8e, Gote didn't take Sente's sacrificing pawn on 7d but let the Knight jump to 8e offering kNight trade.about 5 hours ago from web

131. 63. P*7d, Sacrificing pawn on the kNight's head. If Gote takes it by Sx7d, then Sente will be able to drop a Rook on 9b.about 6 hours ago from web

132. 62. Px7e, taking a Pawn with intention to advance it to 7f to threaten to take kNight on 7g.. Sente cannot be slow.about 6 hours ago from web

133. According to the comment filed of the boardlive, the rest thinking time is 48 minutes for Sato and 1 hour and 35 minutes for Kubo.about 6 hours ago from web

134. If 62.Sx9e which takes the Lance on 9e is the next move, Gote's Bishop will be killed by P*9g.. So, Gote will make a move other than Sx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

135. 61. L*8i, Adding a lance which protects the square of 8g.about 6 hours ago from web

136. 60. B*9f, Gote's attack continues. But Sente's lance go through the edge file so Gote's King is in danger as well.about 6 hours ago from web

137. 59. Lx9e, Taking a Rook for a Bishop.about 6 hours ago from web

138. 58. Sx8f=, Taking the Bishop with connecting to Rook on 9e. That's why it's unpromoted.about 6 hours ago from web

139. 57. B*8f(!) Strong defensive move. If Gote takes it by Sx8f+, then Sente will take the Rook on 9e by Lx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

140. 56. Rx93, Gote took back the Silver for a Lance.about 6 hours ago from web

141. 72. L*6e, Threaten to take the Gold on 6h.about 4 hours ago from web

142. 71. Sx7e has another meaning of having a pawn in hand to kill the Bishop on 9f by P*9g in the next move.about 4 hours ago from web

143. 71. Sx7e, activating Silver to approach Gote's King.about 4 hours ago from web

144. 70. Sx9e, Escaping from threatmate by taking the Lance.about 4 hours ago from web

145. 69. R*6a, Sent dropped threatmating Rook. If it is Sente's turn, P-9a+ would mate the King.about 4 hours ago from web

146. 68.Px6d, Gote took the Pawn his Pawn. Now Gote has option to do the following; P-6e Sx6e N*6f(forking King and Gold).about 5 hours ago from web

147. 67. P-6d, Sacrificing pawn move. Taking it by Px6d will blocks own Bihsop's diagonal line. Bx6d let Sente's Rook trade Rook's pawn on 2d.about 5 hours ago from web

148. 66. Px8e, it's a natural move of capture back the kNight.about 5 hours ago from web

149. 65. Nx8e, Sente agreed on kNight trade.about 5 hours ago from web

150. 64. N-8e, Gote didn't take Sente's sacrificing pawn on 7d but let the Knight jump to 8e offering kNight trade.about 5 hours ago from web

151. 63. P*7d, Sacrificing pawn on the kNight's head. If Gote takes it by Sx7d, then Sente will be able to drop a Rook on 9b.about 6 hours ago from web

152. 62. Px7e, taking a Pawn with intention to advance it to 7f to threaten to take kNight on 7g.. Sente cannot be slow.about 6 hours ago from web

153. According to the comment filed of the boardlive, the rest thinking time is 48 minutes for Sato and 1 hour and 35 minutes for Kubo.about 6 hours ago from web

154. If 62.Sx9e which takes the Lance on 9e is the next move, Gote's Bishop will be killed by P*9g.. So, Gote will make a move other than Sx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

155. 61. L*8i, Adding a lance which protects the square of 8g.about 6 hours ago from web

156. 60. B*9f, Gote's attack continues. But Sente's lance go through the edge file so Gote's King is in danger as well.about 6 hours ago from web

157. 59. Lx9e, Taking a Rook for a Bishop.about 6 hours ago from web

158. 58. Sx8f=, Taking the Bishop with connecting to Rook on 9e. That's why it's unpromoted.about 6 hours ago from web

159. 57. B*8f(!) Strong defensive move. If Gote takes it by Sx8f+, then Sente will take the Rook on 9e by Lx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

160. 56. Rx93, Gote took back the Silver for a Lance.about 6 hours ago from web

161. 55. Sx9e, Sente had to take it.about 6 hours ago from web

162. 54. Lx9e, It's a natural move to keep attacking.about 6 hours ago from web

163. 52. S*9g, Correction. The intention of this move is to take the pawn on 9e by Lx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

164. 53. P-7e, Blocking Gote's Bihsop's diagonal line to the edge.about 6 hours ago from web

165. 52. S*9g, The intention of this move is P*9h in the next move.about 6 hours ago from web

166. 51. S*9f, dropping a Silver to defend Gote's edge attack.about 6 hours ago from web

167. 50. R-9a, Adding the attacking pieces on the edge file.about 6 hours ago from web

168. 49. Px9e, It's a natural move to take it.about 6 hours ago from web

169. 48.P-9e, Kubo started the edge attack.about 6 hours ago from web

170. 47. S-6f, I think it gives escaping path for Sente's King to 6g from 8h. It means Sente will give up defending Gote's edge attack.about 7 hours ago from web

171. 46. B-4b, The diagonal line now goes through 9g on the edge. Gote must aim at breaking through it.about 8 hours ago from web

172. 45. N-3g, Since Sente's right Silver is used for castling, using the right kNight for offense like this seems mandatory.about 8 hours ago from web

173. The usage of Rook Kubo is trying to do is called "Subway Rook".about 9 hours ago from web

174. 44. L-9b, It's within my prediction. Preparing for Rook transfer to the 9th file to attack the edge weaken by 41.N-7g.about 9 hours ago from web

175. 43. P-3f, giving pressure of the head of the Bishop on 3c and making a room for Sente's right kNight to 3g.about 9 hours ago from web

176. 42. B*3c, Oh, this is beyond my prediction. It prevents Gote from trading pawn on 2d by his Rook.about 9 hours ago from web

177. 7th game of 34th Kio-sen restarted aftet lunch break. http://live3.shogi.or.jp/ki...about 9 hours ago from web

178. Before lunch time, Sato consumed 1 hour and 1 minute while Kubo did 1 hour and 40 minutes.about 9 hours ago from web

179. According to boardlive comment field, Sato's lunch is broiled eel and rice, Kubo ordered maaboo-doofu.about 9 hours ago from web

180. *morning stacks should read morning snacksabout 9 hours ago from web

181. 55. Sx9e, Sente had to take it.about 6 hours ago from web

182. 54. Lx9e, It's a natural move to keep attacking.about 6 hours ago from web

183. 52. S*9g, Correction. The intention of this move is to take the pawn on 9e by Lx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

184. 53. P-7e, Blocking Gote's Bihsop's diagonal line to the edge.about 6 hours ago from web

185. 52. S*9g, The intention of this move is P*9h in the next move.about 6 hours ago from web

186. 51. S*9f, dropping a Silver to defend Gote's edge attack.about 6 hours ago from web

187. 50. R-9a, Adding the attacking pieces on the edge file.about 6 hours ago from web

188. 49. Px9e, It's a natural move to take it.about 6 hours ago from web

189. 48.P-9e, Kubo started the edge attack.about 6 hours ago from web

190. 47. S-6f, I think it gives escaping path for Sente's King to 6g from 8h. It means Sente will give up defending Gote's edge attack.about 7 hours ago from web

191. 46. B-4b, The diagonal line now goes through 9g on the edge. Gote must aim at breaking through it.about 8 hours ago from web

192. 45. N-3g, Since Sente's right Silver is used for castling, using the right kNight for offense like this seems mandatory.about 8 hours ago from web

193. The usage of Rook Kubo is trying to do is called "Subway Rook".about 9 hours ago from web

194. 44. L-9b, It's within my prediction. Preparing for Rook transfer to the 9th file to attack the edge weaken by 41.N-7g.about 9 hours ago from web

195. 43. P-3f, giving pressure of the head of the Bishop on 3c and making a room for Sente's right kNight to 3g.about 9 hours ago from web

196. 42. B*3c, Oh, this is beyond my prediction. It prevents Gote from trading pawn on 2d by his Rook.about 9 hours ago from web

197. 7th game of 34th Kio-sen restarted aftet lunch break. http://live3.shogi.or.jp/ki...about 9 hours ago from web

198. Before lunch time, Sato consumed 1 hour and 1 minute while Kubo did 1 hour and 40 minutes.about 9 hours ago from web

199. According to boardlive comment field, Sato's lunch is broiled eel and rice, Kubo ordered maaboo-doofu.about 9 hours ago from web

200. *morning stacks should read morning snacksabout 9 hours ago from web

201. 55. Sx9e, Sente had to take it.about 6 hours ago from web

202. 54. Lx9e, It's a natural move to keep attacking.about 6 hours ago from web

203. 52. S*9g, Correction. The intention of this move is to take the pawn on 9e by Lx9e.about 6 hours ago from web

204. 53. P-7e, Blocking Gote's Bihsop's diagonal line to the edge.about 6 hours ago from web

205. 52. S*9g, The intention of this move is P*9h in the next move.about 6 hours ago from web

206. 51. S*9f, dropping a Silver to defend Gote's edge attack.about 6 hours ago from web

207. 50. R-9a, Adding the attacking pieces on the edge file.about 6 hours ago from web

208. 49. Px9e, It's a natural move to take it.about 6 hours ago from web

209. 48.P-9e, Kubo started the edge attack.about 6 hours ago from web

210. 47. S-6f, I think it gives escaping path for Sente's King to 6g from 8h. It means Sente will give up defending Gote's edge attack.about 7 hours ago from web

211. 46. B-4b, The diagonal line now goes through 9g on the edge. Gote must aim at breaking through it.about 8 hours ago from web

212. 45. N-3g, Since Sente's right Silver is used for castling, using the right kNight for offense like this seems mandatory.about 8 hours ago from web

213. The usage of Rook Kubo is trying to do is called "Subway Rook".about 9 hours ago from web

214. 44. L-9b, It's within my prediction. Preparing for Rook transfer to the 9th file to attack the edge weaken by 41.N-7g.about 9 hours ago from web

215. 43. P-3f, giving pressure of the head of the Bishop on 3c and making a room for Sente's right kNight to 3g.about 9 hours ago from web

216. 42. B*3c, Oh, this is beyond my prediction. It prevents Gote from trading pawn on 2d by his Rook.about 9 hours ago from web

217. 7th game of 34th Kio-sen restarted aftet lunch break. http://live3.shogi.or.jp/ki...about 9 hours ago from web

218. Before lunch time, Sato consumed 1 hour and 1 minute while Kubo did 1 hour and 40 minutes.about 9 hours ago from web

219. According to boardlive comment field, Sato's lunch is broiled eel and rice, Kubo ordered maaboo-doofu.about 9 hours ago from web

220. *morning stacks should read morning snacksabout 9 hours ago from web

221. Photos of morning stacks served to both players at 10:30am are here. http://tinyurl.com/ccykrmabout 10 hours ago from web

222. After N-7g, bothe players are in Lunch. Me too:-).about 10 hours ago from web

223. 41. N*7g should read N-7g.about 10 hours ago from web

224. For example, L*9b and R-9a would be an idea to attack the edge file which became weaker after 41. N*7g.about 11 hours ago from web

225. After 41.N*7g, Sato's edge file became weaker since his left kNight went to the 7th file.about 11 hours ago from web

226. 41. N*7g, protecting the vanguard pawn on 6e.about 11 hours ago from web

227. 40. Px5e, Kubo took back the Silver. It's only natural.about 11 hours ago from web

228. 39. Sx5e, Sato agreed Silver trade.about 11 hours ago from web

229. 38. S-5e, offering Silver trade. If it goes like Sx5e, P-5e, then the vanguard pawn on 6e will be floating again.about 11 hours ago from web

230. 37. S7g-6f, protecting the vanguard pawn on 6e.about 11 hours ago from web

231. 36. N*6e, threatening to take the floating pawn on 6e.about 11 hours ago from web

232. 35. S-7g, This is a natural Silver development.about 11 hours ago from web

233. 34. S-4d, Kubo advancing his left Silver to 4d. This makes it possible for the Knight jump to 3c.about 11 hours ago from web

234. 33. P-6e, Sato advanced his vanguard pawn on the 6th file. Seems to be followed by S-7g and S7g-6f to secure it.about 11 hours ago from web

235. 32. G-7h, When both have a biship in hand, Gold often goes to the opposite side of the King to prevent effective Bishop drop like this.about 11 hours ago from web

236. This seems a defensive game. I'm not sure where will be a contact breaker point.about 11 hours ago from web

237. 31. S-8h, This seems to intend to develop the Silver to 7g.about 11 hours ago from web

238. Both players are using their nurves not to give the opponent a good bishop drop each other.about 11 hours ago from web

239. 30, R-5a, Gote pull his Rook to the bottom row. I thinnk Rook on the bottom row is good for defending possible BIshop drop.about 11 hours ago from web

240. How about seft-handers of chessplayers? Does they use left hands in moving pieces?about 12 hours ago from web

241. *chepsticks should read as chopsticks.about 12 hours ago from web

242. Do western Left-handers have a knife in their left hand and a fork in the right? I'm just curious.about 12 hours ago from web

243. In Japan, left-handers are trained to use chepsticks in the right hand in their childhood. But no need to do so in playing shogi.about 12 hours ago from web

244. As you see in the photo. Challenger Kuno is a left-hander.about 12 hours ago from web

245. Both are in Kimono. It's usual for Title match. But they wear suites in non-title shogi matches.about 12 hours ago from web

246. Photo of defender Sato is here. http://tinyurl.com/c2bklsabout 12 hours ago from web

247. Photo of Challenger Kubo is here. http://tinyurl.com/cmlbp3about 12 hours ago from web

248. The Silver on the opposite side of the King is usually used for offense rather than defense in shogi. So Sato's Silver usage is exceptional.about 12 hours ago from web

249. 29. S-6g, Sente add his right Silver to his Castle. But this means his attacking power becomes lower.about 12 hours ago from web

250. 28. P-7d has another meaning of preventing Sente from N*7e if Sente has a kNight in hand later in the game.about 12 hours ago from web

251. 28. P-7d, Pawn advancement which enables kNight jump to 7c. Please take attention that the kNight head(7d) is already protected by S on 8c.about 12 hours ago from web

252. 27. G-5f, Sente seems to add his right Silver to his castle such as S-6g later.about 12 hours ago from web

253. 26. G-7b, Gote built Silver Crown castle. It's called "Gin Kanmuri" in Japanese.about 12 hours ago from web

254. 25. P-6f, Advancing pawn to expand Sente's territory.about 12 hours ago from web

255. @kirikitten ▲５八金右 There were two golds which could move to 5h such as G on 6h and 4i. 右 means right. That's why to specify wihich Gold.about 12 hours ago from web in reply to kirikitten

256. 24. S-8c, Gote is building Silver Crown.about 12 hours ago from web

257. 23. G4i-5h, Sente made his right Gold closer to the King.about 12 hours ago from web

258. 22. P-8d, Gote seems to intend to build Silver Crown such as S-8c and G-7b later.about 12 hours ago from web

259. 21. S-4g, Sente developed his Right Silver to the central field. This made Sente's 2nd file weaker.about 13 hours ago from web

260. 20. S-2b, Preventing Sente from trading pawns on 2d and make a room to transfer Gote's Rook to 2b(opposing Rook).about 13 hours ago from web

261. 19. P-9f, Sente also advancing edge pawn on the Kingside.about 13 hours ago from web

262. 18. P-9d, advancing edge pawn to ope the escaping path of Gote's King.about 13 hours ago from web

263. 17. K-7h, moving the King to Setne's left side again.about 13 hours ago from web

264. 16. S-7b, Sente's castle is Mino-gakoi.about 13 hours ago from web

265. 15. K-6i, Sente also started moving his King to his left side to escape from possible battle field in advance.about 13 hours ago from web

266. 14. K-8b, Moving Gote's King further to his right side.about 13 hours ago from web

267. 13. P-4f, This is the preparation to move up Sente's right Silver to 4g to prevent Gote's pawn exchcange on 5f after Gote's P-5e.about 13 hours ago from web

268. 12. K-7b, moving the King to Gote's right side to escape from the possible battle field such as 1st through 5th files.about 13 hours ago from web

269. After 11.S-3h, P-5e would be bad since B*6e(forking pawns to take with promotion) is waiting.about 13 hours ago from web

270. 11. S-3h, Started to develop Sente's right Silver general.about 13 hours ago from web

271. After 10.K-6b, P-2d Px2d Rx2d would be bad since B*3c(forking Rook and Lance on 9i) is waiting.about 13 hours ago from web

272. 10. K-6b, Kubo is traying to move his King to his right side for castling.about 13 hours ago from web

273. 9. G-6h, It's unusual. This seems to have secret of Sato's plan in this game.about 13 hours ago from web

274. 8. Sx2b, This is a natural move. If Gote takes it by Rx2b instead, B*5c is waiting.about 13 hours ago from web

275. 7. Bx2b, Sato traded BIshops.about 13 hours ago from web

276. 6. R-5b, trasferring the Rook to the central file. This is the succeseive move of 4.P-5d.about 13 hours ago from web

277. 5. P-2e, Advancing Rook's pawn again with intention of breaking through Gote's bishop head.about 13 hours ago from web

278. 4. P-5d, Kubo seems to choose Gokigen Nakabisha(cheerful Central Rook) strategy.about 13 hours ago from web

279. 3.P-2f, Advancing Rook's pawn. Sato showed his intention to choose Ibisha(static Rook) strategy.about 13 hours ago from web

280. 2. P-3d, Gote(Kubo 8 dan) also opened his Bishop's diagonal line.about 13 hours ago from web

281. 1. P-7f, Opening Sente's Bishop diagonal line.about 13 hours ago from web

282. As a result of Furigoma(5 pawn toss), Sato became Sente player.about 13 hours ago from web

283. 5th game of 34th Kio-sen started at 9:00am in Japan. http://live3.shogi.or.jp/ki...about 13 hours ago from web

Boardlive today - 5th game of 34th Kio-sen

Today is the day for the 4th game of 34th Kio-sen between Kio Sato Yasumitsu and Kubo Toshiaki(8 dan) at Tokyo Shogi Kaikan in Sendagaya, Tokyo. Sato is Sente player as a result of Furigoma(5 pawn toss) and the opening strategy is Kubo's Gokigen Nakabisha. The winner of this game will be the next Kio-title holder. The allotted thinking time per player is 4 hours and less than 60 seconds per move after consuming it. I think it will end around 5:00 - 6:00pm since it started at 9:00am(Japan Time). You can watch the boardlive through below;

Kifu for Flash board

Kifu for Java board

Here is the link to my twitter where I'm writing down my feeling, impression etc.., with watching the boardlive.

Twitter / takodori

22. P-8d, Gote seems to intend to build Silver Crown such as S-8c and G-7b later.half a minute ago from web    21. S-4g, Sente developed his Right Silver to the central field. This made Sente's 2nd file weaker.10 minutes ago from web    20. S-2b, Preventing Sente from trading pawns on 2d and make a room to transfer Gote's Rook to 2b(opposing Rook).15 minutes ago from web    19. P-9f, Sente also advancing edge pawn on the Kingside.16 minutes ago from web    18. P-9d, advancing edge pawn to ope the escaping path of Gote's King.17 minutes ago from web    17. K-7h, moving the King to Setne's left side again.17 minutes ago from web    16. S-7b, Sente's castle is Mino-gakoi.17 minutes ago from web    15. K-6i, Sente also started moving his King to his left side to escape from possible battle field in advance.18 minutes ago from web    14. K-8b, Moving Gote's King further to his right side.20 minutes ago from web    13. P-4f, This is the preparation to move up Sente's right Silver to 4g to prevent Gote's pawn exchcange on 5f after Gote's P-5e.21 minutes ago from web    12. K-7b, moving the King to Gote's right side to escape from the possible battle field such as 1st through 5th files.22 minutes ago from web    After 11.S-3h, P-5e would be bad since B*6e(forking pawns to take with promotion) is waiting.23 minutes ago from web    11. S-3h, Started to develop Sente's right Silver general.26 minutes ago from web    After 10.K-6b, P-2d Px2d Rx2d would be bad since B*3c(forking Rook and Lance on 9i) is waiting.27 minutes ago from web    10. K-6b, Kubo is traying to move his King to his right side for castling.29 minutes ago from web    9. G-6h, It's unusual. This seems to have secret of Sato's plan in this game.29 minutes ago from web    8. Sx2b, This is a natural move. If Gote takes it by Rx2b instead, B*5c is waiting.31 minutes ago from web    7. Bx2b, Sato traded BIshops.31 minutes ago from web    6. R-5b, trasferring the Rook to the central file. This is the succeseive move of 4.P-5d.32 minutes ago from web    5. P-2e, Advancing Rook's pawn again with intention of breaking through Gote's bishop head.33 minutes ago from web    4. P-5d, Kubo seems to choose Gokigen Nakabisha(cheerful Central Rook) strategy.36 minutes ago from web    3.P-2f, Advancing Rook's pawn. Sato showed his intention to choose Ibisha(static Rook) strategy.37 minutes ago from web    2. P-3d, Gote(Kubo 8 dan) also opened his Bishop's diagonal line.38 minutes ago from web    1. P-7f, Opening Sente's Bishop diagonal line.38 minutes ago from web    As a result of Furigoma(5 pawn toss), Sato became Sente player.38 minutes ago from web

Anaguma is the winner - PlayOK tournament #3113860

Anaguma is the winner of the captioned on-line shogi tournament held on March 28, 2009. Here is the link to the result.

 PlayOK.com - tournament #3113860 (shogi)

You can replay the games by clicking each point in the table on the linked page. Since the page will disappear in 6 months from the tournament date, I'm uploading the screenshot of the tournament table below;

THE MAINICHI DAILY NEWS reported about 58th Osho-sen

Here is the link.

Japanese shogi champ Habu wins 5th straight Osho title - The Mainichi Daily News

Japanese shogi champion Yoshiharu Habu defeated Koichi Fukaura in game seven of the 58th Osho match on Thursday to win his fifth straight Osho title.

The final game of the best-of-seven match started on Wednesday in Tendo, Yamagata Prefecture. Habu, 38, defeated the 37-year-old Fukaura in 110 moves, finishing the game at 6:51 p.m. on Thursday. Habu had 10 minutes remaining, while Fukaura had thee minutes on the clock.

"Fukaura got the lead over me, and it turned out to be a tough game," Habu said. "It was pretty difficult shogi in the sixth and seventh games. It still hasn't sunk in that I've defended the title, but I want to use this as encouragement to play better."

Fukaura said he wanted to take his loss positively.

"After my third win I had thought there was still a long way to go (to the title). I benefited from being able to take on strategies that I don't normally use. I want to take my loss positively," he said.

With the title under his belt, Habu increased the number of his Osho match wins to 12. He is the defending champion of the Meijin, Kisei, Oza and Osho titles. His overall number of title wins stands at 72, close to the record 80 won by Yasuharu Oyama.

Fukaura, who holds the Oi title, had been gunning for his first Osho crown.

The Osho match was sponsored by the Mainichi Newspapers and Sports Nippon Newspapers.

Video of a shogi shop in Ginza, Tokyo uploaded on YouTube

Today I found the following video uploaded on YouTube by an Italian user. It shows the inside of a shogi shop in Ginza, Tokyo.

YouTube: Viaggio in Giappone - 11 - Negozio di Go e Shogi a Ginza Tokyo

Habu defended Osho title - 7th game of 58th Osho-sen

On March 25 & 26, the 7th game of 58th Osho-sen 4-win match between Osho Habu and Challenger Oui Fukaura was held at Tendo Hotel in Tendo City, Yamagata prefecture. Fukaura was Sente player as a result of Furigoma(5 pawn toss) in this game. Habu chose Yokofutori R-8e(Chuza-bisha) opening. Habu beat Fukaura and defended Oho-title with the score of 4-3.

The diagram below is the resignation one where Sente moved his promoted Rook to 7h. After the diagram, the possible variations of forced mate would be as followings;

K-6f G*7f K-5e S*5d K-6d G-7c(mate)

K-6f G*7f K-6e Gx7e K-6d G-7c K-5e S*5d(mate)

K-6f G*7f K-6e K-5e S*5d K-6d G-7c(mate)

My twitter entries about the 7th game of 58th Osho-sen

Here are the duplicate of my twitter entries about the 7th game of 58th Osho-sen played on March 25 & 26. They are put in descending order. The game itself can be replayable here.

Osho Habu vs Oui Fukaura - 7th game of 58th Osho-sen(Sete=Fukaura, Won by Habu)

1. After 110. ;R-7h, Mate exists such as (1)K-6f G*7f K-5e S*5d K-6d G-7c or (2)K-6f G*7f K-6e Gx7e K-6d G-7c K-5e S*5dabout 18 hours ago from web
     
2. 110. +R-7h, After this move, Fukaura resigned the game. Habu defended Ohso title. Congratulation.about 18 hours ago from web
     
3. 102. N*5f, Sacrificing kNight drop with threatmate of +R-6h.about 19 hours ago from web
     
4. 101. +B-6e, threaten to take promoted Rook on 3h. hmmn.about 19 hours ago from web
     
5. 100. K-4a, it's beyond my prediction. Hmmn.about 19 hours ago from web
     
6. 99. K-6i, No mate for Fukaura's King. But...about 19 hours ago from web
     
7. 98. +R-3h, check. Habu did not take the promoted Bishop.about 19 hours ago from web
     
8. 97. +Bx5d, If Gote takes it, then mate exists to begin with Bx6b+. But this move is not threatmate.about 19 hours ago from web
     
9. 96. Kx5b, Can Fukaura keep attacking?about 19 hours ago from web
     
10. 93. S*5b, It seems like Fukaura's final attack before resignation.about 19 hours ago from web
      
11. 92. +Rx3g, Natural move to take Silver.about 19 hours ago from web
      
12. At this position, What's pity for Fukaura is that he can drop a pawn only in the 2nd file. So he has no effective attack using pawn drop.about 19 hours ago from web
      
13. 91. Gx7g, Fukaura gave up defending the Silver on 3g.about 20 hours ago from web
      
14. I'm sure Habu' is defending Osho-title soon. Boardlive is here. http://mainichi.jp/enta/sho...about 20 hours ago from web
      
15. Sente seems to have to drop Silver on 4h. If S3g-4h instead, then Rx3f would be a decisive move to threaten to take Bishop on 3e.about 20 hours ago from web
      
16. 90. +R-3i, Threatens to take Silver on 3g escaping from the promoted Bishop on 6e.about 20 hours ago from web
      
17. 89. P-4f, Opening King's escaping path and threatens to take promoted Rook on 2i.about 20 hours ago from web
      
18. 87. +Bx6e, Taking Silver on 6e. But the location of this promoted Bishop is not good in this position.about 20 hours ago from web
      
19. 86. P*7f, Threaten to take the SIlver on 7g, If Silver goes back to 6h, then N*6f is waiting.about 20 hours ago from web
      
20. They say Habu is in the winning position.about 20 hours ago from web
      
21. Another candidate of 86th move is 86. P*7f.about 20 hours ago from web
      
22. 85. Nx6d, Accoding to the press room, P*3d will be a good move to kill the Bishop on 3e while Gote will lose Silver on 6e.about 20 hours ago from web
      
23. If it is Gote's turn, N*6f seems very strong. If it goes like Px6f Nx6f Sx6f Sx6f, then Sente's King seems to have no defense.about 20 hours ago from web
      
24. 84. G5b-6b, Adding the connection to the kNight on 6a. Early Gold escape from Nx6d as well.about 20 hours ago from web
      
25. 83. +B-8c Threaten to take kNight on 6a.about 20 hours ago from web
      
26. 82. N*6a, threatened to take the promoted Bishop on 7c and blocking Rook's horizontal line.about 20 hours ago from web
      
27. 81. N-5f, The kNight dropped for defense earlier is participating in offense.about 20 hours ago from web
      
28. 79. P*2c, Fukaura dropped a sacrificing pawn ahead of the Silver on 2b to weaken Gote's castle.about 21 hours ago from web
      
29. 78. S7d-6e, Habu let the Silver escape. If Sente's next move is Bx5c+(!!), then G3b-4b will be a good and only defense.about 21 hours ago from web
      
30. Photos of afternoon stack, Upper for Habu, Lower for Fukaura. http://tinyurl.com/cl3js3about 22 hours ago from web
      
31. 77 +B-7c, Fukaura did not take the Silver on 7d but priotize activating the promoted Bishop.about 22 hours ago from web
      
32. 74. N*5d, It's to take Bihsop on 4f in check. If Sente moves it to 3e, then 72. G*5b protected the square of 5c in advance.about 23 hours ago from web
      
33. 73. B-7b+ Looks like a natural move.about 23 hours ago from web
      
34. 72. G*5b, The first move after lunch break. Nobody could predict it. Everybody thought about N*5b.about 24 hours ago from web
      
35. 71. B*6c, CHeck. Uh-huh. He made a check before defending threatmate.12:19 PM Mar 26th from web
      
36. If Fukaura's king is not in threatmate, 71. B*6b will be a dicisive move. But he have to make a defensive move for the 71st move.12:17 PM Mar 26th from web
      
37. 70. +Rx2i, This is a threatmate such as G*5i K-6h G-6i K-5h +R-5i.12:15 PM Mar 26th from web
      
38. 67. G-2h, Forking Rook and promoted Bishop. 65. B-4f turned out to have another intention.12:14 PM Mar 26th from web
      
39. 66. P-6d, Blocked Bishop's diagonal line to Silve on 7c again with this pawn advancement.12:10 PM Mar 26th from web
      
40. 65. B-4f, Fukaura moved his Bishop to the good location to threaten to take Silve on 7c after it was blocked by the Pawn on 3c.12:09 PM Mar 26th from web
      
41. Photos of Morning snack for Habu(Upper) and for Fukaura(Lower). http://tinyurl.com/dbqgnt11:25 AM Mar 26th from web
      
42. 62. P*3c, Habu blocked the diagonal line of Bishop on 2d toward 5a. This prevented mating line such as Nx6b+ Gx6b R*5a.11:17 AM Mar 26th from web
      
43. 59. N*7d, This has the intention of Nx6b+ Gx6b R*5a(mate).11:07 AM Mar 26th from web
      
44. 56. B*3h, Habu's choice was Bishop forking  drop. The game seems going to be a straight-forwarded samurai sword fight.11:05 AM Mar 26th from web
      
45. Video of opening the envelope of the sealed move is here. http://tinyurl.com/ck3e3210:34 AM Mar 26th from web
      
46. 55. Sx3g, Still Habu's Rook on 2d is threatened to be taken. What's next move? B*3h forking Rook on 2i and Gold on 2g or R-4d is predicted.10:04 AM Mar 26th from web
      
47. 52. P-2g+(!). Habu neglected Fukaura's last move of B*4f which is forking Rook and Lance.9:35 AM Mar 26th from web
      
48. 51. B*4f, Fukaura's sealed move was B*4f which forks Rook on 2d and Lance on 9a.9:13 AM Mar 26th from web
      
49. Day 2 of the 7th game of Osho-sen(shogi title match) started. Fukaura vs Habu. http://mainichi.jp/enta/sho...9:11 AM Mar 26th from web
      
50. Many people predicted Fukaura's seald move is B*4f. Other candidate is N*1f according to Chuza 7 dan.10:54 PM Mar 25th from web
      
51. Day 1 ended with 50 moves. The 50th move was N-2e. Fukaura sealed the 51st move.10:52 PM Mar 25th from web
      
52. Back home. Watching again the 7th game of 58th Osho-sen.(Shogi). Habu vs Fukaura. http://mainichi.jp/enta/sho...10:52 PM Mar 25th from web
      
53. I'm going to off the Net soon. I'll come back tonight. The 7th game isin lunch break. http://mainichi.jp/enta/sho...12:42 PM Mar 25th from web
      
54. 32. P-1d, This position has 78 precidents reportedly with 39 wins and losses!! Oh, it's an even position.12:02 PM Mar 25th from web
      
55. Photos of Tendo where the game is being played. http://tinyurl.com/cw4tds11:51 AM Mar 25th from web
      
56. Photos of Morning snacks served to the both players. http://tinyurl.com/c7b2k211:49 AM Mar 25th from web
      
57. 28. P-7d, 29.P-3f, Both prepared for activating their right kNights.11:48 AM Mar 25th from web
      
58. Gote's castle is called Nakahara-gakoi. It's very flexible and can stand for Rook drop. So Gote can sacrifice his Rook easily.11:46 AM Mar 25th from web
      
59. 25. G-3h, The position at the 25th move of this game is won by Gote at .549 reportedly. Why Fukaura chose this?11:12 AM Mar 25th from web
      
60. 23. K-5h, Fukaura chose Nakazumai-gyoku(King on 5h) instead of New-Yamazaki-ryu which is the formation of K-5i, S-4h, P-3f and N-3g.10:18 AM Mar 25th from web
      
61. 20. R-8e, Habu's choice was R-8e instead of R-8d. R-8e is called Chuza-Bisha(Chuza's Rook, Chuze is 7 dan player who often adopt this.)9:50 AM Mar 25th from web
      
62. 19. P*8g, Habu must pull his Rook back to somewhere in the next move.9:49 AM Mar 25th from web
      
63. So, R-8e is a newer opening.9:39 AM Mar 25th from web
      
64. R-8d has been invented by Naito since 1960's as aerial fight(Kuchu-sen). R-8e has been named Chuza-bisha since 1990's.9:39 AM Mar 25th from web
      
65. 16. Habu's choice was B-3c. Then next branch is where he will pull back his Rook, 8e or 8d.9:35 AM Mar 25th from web
      
66. What's habu's 16th move? B-3c is most the usual. N-3c and Bx8h+ are seldom here in the professional games.9:28 AM Mar 25th from web
      
67. 15. Rx3d, Fukaura took the Pawn on 3d which is called Yokofutori(Side Pawn).9:26 AM Mar 25th from web
      
68. I'm writing my comments and impressions about the Shogi game between Habu & Fukaura. http://mainichi.jp/enta/sho...9:25 AM Mar 25th from web
      
69. 11. Rx2d, Fukaura traded his Rook pawn. So would Habu soon.9:24 AM Mar 25th from web
      
70. 8. P-8e, Both advanced their Rook pawn twice. Yokofutori instead of Itteson-Kakugawari?9:23 AM Mar 25th from web
      
71. Sorry, the last entry was wrong. Fukaura advanced his Rook pawn to 2e at the 5th move actually.9:22 AM Mar 25th from web
      
72. 7. G-7h, Fukaura reserved advancing Rook pawn to 2e. It keeps the possibility for his right kNight to jump to 2e in the middlegame.9:21 AM Mar 25th from web
      
73. Itteson-Kakugawari is Bishop exchange from Gote with one tempo delay.9:19 AM Mar 25th from web
      
74. 4. G-3b, Habu's choice was G-3b. This showed he would take Ibisha(static Rook). I think it is going to Itteson-Kakugawari.9:18 AM Mar 25th from web
      
75. That's why P-5d or B-3c are increasing as the 4th move. They are often adopted by Furibisha players recently.9:17 AM Mar 25th from web
      
76. One of the recent topics is the number of P-4d at the 4th move is reducing since the winning percentage is low.9:15 AM Mar 25th from web
      
77. This is the first branch to choose an opening.9:14 AM Mar 25th from web
      
78. 3. P-2f. Bingo!! Fukaura showed he would choose Ibisha(static Rook) with this move. Habu's response would be B-3c, P-5d, P-8d, P-4d or G-3b.9:13 AM Mar 25th from web
      
79. I guess Fukaura's 3rd move will be P-2f.9:11 AM Mar 25th from web
      
80. The third and fourth move are important to decide what opening they will choose.9:10 AM Mar 25th from web
      
81. 2. P-3d, Both opened their Bishops' path.9:08 AM Mar 25th from web
      
82. As a resurt of Furigoma(5 pawn toss), Fukaura became Sente player. The winner will be the next Osho holder. It will end tomorrow evening.9:07 AM Mar 25th from web
      
83. 7th game of 58th Osho-sen, Habu vs Fukaura started just now. http://mainichi.jp/enta/sho...9:05 AM Mar 25th from web

Boardlive today and tomorrow - 7th game of 58th Osho-sen 4-win match

Today and tomorrow is the days for the 7th(final) game of 58th Osho-sen 4-win match between Osho Habu Yoshiharu and Oui Fukaura Koichi at Tendo Hotel in Tendo City, Yamagata prefecture. As a result of Furigoma, Fukaura became Sente player. It started at 9:00 am. The opening strategy is Yokofutori R-8e which is called Chuza-Bisha. Before the game, the score is tied in 3-3. The winner of this game will be the next Osho title holder.

Kifu for Flash

Official Blog(in Japanese)

The allotted thinking time per player is 8 hours and less than 60 seconds per move after consuming it. The game is expected to end in the evening of tomorrow(based on Japan Time).

I'm writing my impressions, comments etc.., about this game in my twitter page from time to time. If you are interested, please follow it.