Shogi – Game of Generals
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| Shogi board |
Everybody knows game of chess, but do you know many Asian
countries have their own versions of the game? Some are quite surprising. For example,
in the Chinese one there are no horse pieces. Instead there are elephants that
are too scared to cross the river that divides the board in half.
In this article I would like to present you my favorite version
of chess game – Shogi.
Game of
chess is the battle of two kings. In Shogi game there are two kings as well,
but the game is known as Game of Generals,
because there are 8 generals pieces at the beginning of the game and you can
promote your other pieces to general rank to have even more generals! This is
great strategy to keep in mind while you are playing a game, because generals
are in most situations much better than unprompted pieces. The generals can be
promoted from any piece you want that hasn’t general rank or isn’t a king. The
promotion process is much easier than in regular chess, because a piece is
promoted when it exceeds enemy territory which is three rows long for both
players. It contains ten by ten number of squares. In total it gives 100
squares. Regular chess board contains 8 by 8 squares. This means that Shogi
chess board has 36 more squares than European counterpart. The pieces in Shogi
are moving much slower so combining it with large space it results in
significantly longer games.
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| Kasparov |
The most important feature in Shogi is
that when your piece takes enemy piece it doesn’t kill the piece. Instead the
piece is imprisoned and latter on you can land it in whatever the place you
like to fight for you (there are some exceptions to this rule though)!
The computers figured out chess long
time ago. There was very famous game in New York City in 1997 between IBMs
supercomputer Deep Blue versus past the number one grand-master in the world
Gary Kasparov. This was significant event that made a lot of chess players that
dedicated theirs whole life for chess furious. The most famous one was Bobby
Fisher – legendary American chess player who defeated all Soviet grand-masters
during cold war. After machines started wining, he got depressed and he said, “I
hate this damn game”. He became anti-Semite. He blamed the Jews who, in his opinion
were responsible for building the supercomputer and consequently caused death of chess.
Later, every next versions of IBM’s
computer were better and better, and they become unbeatable. Finally, Google
introduced algorithm named Alpha zero that for the first time was using machine
learning instead of predefined set of strategies and tactics to win games. The
program at the beginning knew absolutely nothing about the game, except of
basic rules and after few hours of learning was able to beat all previous
computers and their programs while having less processing power than them.
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| Deep Blue |
Imagine that computers cannot win Shogi
game with human grand-masters to this day! It shows how more complex the game
is.
If you are able to read Japanese and
love strategy games you should try Shogi! If you can’t read Japanese, don’t worry. You can find in the Internet simplified versions that use pictures
instead of Japanese letters on the pieces.
1. Have you heard about Shogi before? Have
you played it before? If so, did you like it?
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last
time you played it?
3. Are you interested in machine learning?
Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
Sources:
Comments
Yes, I have heard about it before, but I haven't played it, because I was mostly play the Chinese version of it, I like both of them.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
When I was young, I like to play chess, such as Go chesss, Five-in-a-row chess or the Chinese version of Shogi, etc. I mainly played them online, and I haven't played chess that much maybe since middle school.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
Yes, I mainly study machine learning, there is too many applications of ML in other fields, such as voice cloning which combines the knowledge of signal processing that you could use someone's voice to speak in the phone; Pixel-to-pixel which two opponents in a live of Shogi game can swap skin colors or hair styles, etc; Object detecting which becomes a common study of ML enthusiasts that we could use Allegro to take a photo of some unknown product when we are window shopping, and then Allegro will show us all such products or at least the similar ones (although Allegro does not yet have this feature). Anyway, all the ML built in the three-dimensional human cognitive system are not that wise enough, they are slow when the application is large, because this is just the effort of combining mathematical formulas randomly until you match a good ML result by mainly luck.
No I never heard about him before. I never played it before. It seems to be interesting. I like strategic games so I think I would like this one. I am curious how many people in Poland play and know this game.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I like it but I have played it almost year ago. Basically because I don't have a board and firstly I want to learn some strategic by reading books before I try my luck with other players. I have to try it this year.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I am not so interested in this field but I admire it. It must be really interesting and It seems that machine learning will grow and change the world.
It is a short fast because I can't play chess and I have never played chess. I've heard that it's a very addictive and even addictive game. The game of chess develops the ability to predict your opponent's actions and plan your next moves. Chess also teaches long-term, forward-looking thinking and setting plans in a broad context. Unfortunately, I have never played this game.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I use artificial intelligence to classify the brain signal in my work.
Artificial intelligence extends human intelligence with efficient data processing and precise data analysis, enables better substantiated decisions, and automation improves operations. So, Machine Learning can be used wherever data exists. On the basis of which we have to make a concrete decision. It is very difficult to describe all areas where Machine Learning applies. Let's be honest, it is used everywhere.
We can use it from time series prediction, time series classification, image classification and recognition. Even the recommendation systems in Netflix are based on artificial intelligence. Many books and PhDs have been written about each of these points. There are also many algorithms and statistical systems for teaching, it is a very complex issue.
Yes, I heard about this game before. Many Asian countries have analogues to this game. This is actually not such a simple game, you need to use many brain functions in order to successfully play a game in it. First you need to know the rules of this game, it is also not so simple.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
Yes, I liked to play it in my childhood, probably because I had the opportunity to play it more often. Even in the school where I studied, we had a separate chess lesson, where we could improve tactical skills in this game. The last time I played chess was 4-5 years ago with my friend. Unfortunately, it was a long game and we did not find the winner.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
Yes, by the way, one of the first uses of machine learning that I heard about was chess. In general, of course, you can use this technology in absolutely any field or in any direction of science, culture and social sphere. In the past few years, new aspects of machine learning have often been featured in the news, and it seems to me that even those who have little understanding of modern technology are interested in it.
To be honest the one game from japan that i heard it before is Go which is so tactic and has a lot of possibilities to make next move. Anyway shogi looks quite interesting. If i will have some free time i will try to find more about it in the internet.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I am not such a big fan of chess. Obviously i know basics of this game but i didn't have many possibilities to enjoy it. I am not so sure but i played it a few years ago.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I know only this what we have learned on NAI and MIW. In my opinion it is quite interesting and required in many places but it depends about what you are doing. For example you use artificial intelligence everyday. It is hide in many tools for example in Spotify or YouTube.
2. I used to play chess for most of my high school. But board was hard to hide during lessons and we moved to cards... It was also probably the last time I played it, if we don't count chess like games. If we do, I bought Santorini last year, which is chess-like board game. Well at least a bit. But didn't have many chances to play it, because it's hard to find someone to play with, and didn't touch it for half year.
3. I hated NAI on our university :D. But maybe because I didn't pay too much attention at first. When I had ITN from NAI, it wasn't so bad anymore, but I have to add that whole subject was looking different this time, because leading lecturer changed. Overall machine learning already makes life easier in many domains, so it's good that there are lots of people interested in this theme more than me. Especially since there are probably limitless applications of it in our daily life.
Yes, I have heard about Shogi once, but I didn`t know the rules and facts mentioned in the presentation.
No, I have never played it. But I would like to try.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was the last time you played it?
Yes, I like playing chess and I played it last time a few months ago. It was an online game, I used http://chess.com/ website.
But, unfortunately, I am not a good player yet. I have a pre-intermediate level in chess :)
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in other domains?
Yes, it is an interesting topic and I have studied it a little. Of course, there are other ways to use machine learning. Except for entertainment, it can be medicine or manufacturing. Also I have read that Carlsberg wants to use AI for creating new beer sorts.
1. Have you heard about Shogi before? Have you played it before? If so, did you like it?
No, I haven't. To me it resembles Go - a Chinese strategy game, for some reason.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I do. There was a time when I tried to master them, but nothing came out of it, sadly.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I am, and a bit scared of it. As for the applications of it -- no need to list them, I think, These days everyone is familiar with them, and know that they extend to the very replacing humans themselves.
No, Shogi was new to me, I know about 'Go' which is also an Asian game and enjoyed playing it.
2.
I know the rules of chess, but I'm playing it very rarely, I'm not that good in strategic games, so wasn't getting much enjoyment from play. I think I've played it last in 2019 with a friend on his smartphone.
3.
I am, even though I'm a beginner in that topic, and I guess that I will need to learn a lot more concepts in Machine learning to be fluent in this area. As for other application, I think that it could be used to detect fake news.
Yes, I'm interested in machine learning. I am very interested in creating an application - a system that will predict stock market movements. Thanks to this you will be able to earn some money :) When it comes to machine learning - I recommend you the series "Westworld" - a lot of information about modern technologies, AI and the development of computer awareness.
Yes, I heard about Shogi before, but I never played it but someday I want to try hmm maybe I will look for some online versions on the internet
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
yes, I like to play chess, but I don't remember when I last played them, it's been several years.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
No, I’m not interested in machine learning. There are many possible applications of machine learning they can be used in medicine or manufacturing and many other domains.
Yes, I have heard about it some time ago. This fact is strange cause I have observed it in one anime and even remember about such things as capturing figures of other players. However, it still sounds strange that you can have a whole army of generals. Not very practical in real life :)
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I like it. Sometimes I suddenly start playing them online for a couple of days or even weeks, after that I don't play for some time and then start again. My own chess cycle. The same thing with a lot of things that I like to do.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I'm interested in it but I'm not a fan and not a professional. However, ML has already a lot of implications in different domains. A lot of them are only experiments or some fun-based applications, but there are serious ones also. And who knows which startup will be there tomorrow or next weekend.
I've heard about it but I have never actually tried that myself. I've never been to a real Shogi tournament but I know of one in Japan called Aikikai or Dojo Shogi. It's a real Shogi club in Japan. That's a place where anyone can go and just play Shogi. It's very organized and also very well-organized. They offer tournaments and really good prizes.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
No, unfortunately, I don't enjoy playing chess at all. It's not my speciality and I like other things more like dancing because that is what I've been doing during my childhood as an amateur. I hope one day that chess will become one of the more engaging activities to do with my colleagues who do not take to it with enthusiasm.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
Not really. I need to use it to my PhD in computing, which is how I am able to feed research, as opposed to an academic doing the research.
No, I have never heard about Shogi before, but it looks really interesting, I like strategy games like this. I would like to learn how to play it one day.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I like playing chess, these days I dont have enough time to play it or the problem may be that I dont have an opponent in home, so during quarantine it is hard to play, but if I have a chance I would like to play chess. I know that there are a lot of online portals where I could play but it is not the same. I prefer the classic version in the real world.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I am not, I find it very interested, but it is just not for me. Last time I was using ML to do a transcription for my friend who is studying journalism. It was working really good, we checked it all, because it was very important to be done as well as possible, I have to say that i was surprised.
2. No, I don't enjoy it that much. Last time I played chess when I was like 10 maybe? It was fine.
3.No, I'm not. Maybe I don't know this topic that much and thats why I find it a little bit overrated?
2. Regardless of being terrible at chess, i used to play a little bit in primary school. As i grew older, i've lost interest in chess and i haven't played it ever since.
3. It's not something I'm really interested in, but i like to check out what's new in the machine leearning world from time to time. There are countless applications of machine learning, the first thing that comes to my mind is face recognition, which is done thanks to machine learning, if I'm not mistaken.
I have heard about Shogi from Japanese anime. I don't remember title of anime because it was a few years ago. I never played Shogi but maybe I will try. The rules are very interesting.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I don’t like playing chess. In elementary school my friend tried to teach me and showed me a few basic rules of this game. I think this game is not for me.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I am very interested in machine learning. I use it in my work. It’s a powerful tool to solve many problems. I think we can use machine learning eg. to detect faces, classify objects or to translate text.
Unfortunately, I haven't heard about it before!
2. Do you like playing chess? When was the last time you played it?
I love playing chess. I played a week ago with my father.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in other domains?
Yes I am. There are several applications of ML. E.g. football or medicine :)
2. Yes, when I was a kid I really enjoyed playing chess. Of course back in time I treated chess like it was just a game, not a kind of sport, so I payed like an amateur. My father's friend introduced me to chess. I guess I was 5 or 6 years old when I played chess for the first time.
3. I study ML currently and hope to begin a career soon in this field, but to be honest it's hard to get first job related to ML in current situation. What I like about ML and especially Deep Learning is that there is still a bit of magic inside, even though it is just mathematics in the end. Applications of ML are limitless. My favorite examples of usage are GAN's that in some manner are possible of creation of art etc.
2. I have played chess only a few times in my life by now, but now I feel inspired to broaden my skills. Thank you for that!
3. Unfortunately I don't know anything about ML. I've never studied anything about computers I mostly them as a tool to get my projects done.
2. I have played a few times, last time was actually a year ago and I did enjoyed it but its not my favorite type of games.
3. I’m not that interested in machine learning, for sure it is interesting subject but just not in my interest, so I haven’t red more about it than I have learned while studying it for exams.
No, I haven't heard about it before, unfortunately. Thank you for your article!
2. Do you like playing chess? When was the last time you played it?
I don't play chess very often. I guess last time was few years ago..
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in other domains?
Yeeees! Totally. Applications: manufacturing, football, medicine, education.
Yes, I have heard about Shogi before, but I haven't played them. After reading this article I think I will give it a try, hopefully I will find some simplified version of this game as I don't know Japanese.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was the last time you played it?
When I was young I used to play chess a lot with my grandfather. He taught me how to play this game and he liked playing with me. Unfortunately, I don't remember when was the last time I played chess.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in other domains?
Yes, I am interested in ML. I think it could find a possible application everywhere, it could people to create new staff, improve what we have already. I think with the possibilities of ML we can get a lot of new and interesting stuff.
2.I played chess long time ago, but I was never fascinated with it
3.Yup, currently studying it on our Uni. Well response for that particular question could be a book having 2000 pages 🙂 For example - augmented reality, self-driving cars, translators, Google search bar, whatever you can think of.
2. I love playing chess. I watch also really often world game. It's really interesting game assuming multiplication of possible moves.
3. I like machine learning. I think its future because data analysis is really powerful. It can allow to multiply incomes in some serious company.
No and I'm surprised I haven't! My engineering final project was focused on AI and machine learning. Based on chess I've described vast approaches but surprisingly Shogi was never mentioned in articles I've read in preparation.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was the last time you played it?
Maybe a few weeks ago. Nowadays I mostly enjoy watching games rather than playing on my own. You could say I've internally agreed I will never be good in that game, so I just gave up progressing whatsoever :(
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
Yes, I am! I'm currently studying on data science department on PJATK and enjoy much of it. Anything that touches prediction or categorization can be surprisingly solved so smoothly by machine learning algorithms. I'm fascinated by idea and want to understand it from bottom up
2. Yes, I love chess and I play it very often. Even if today I played with my father for 4-5 hours. This is a great game that I recommend to everyone. By the way, I also wrote about chess on this blog.
3. I don't like machine learning and I try to avoid it as much as possible. This field is for me one of the most boring IT fields.
2. I'm not a big fan, but I even like playing it. Unfortunately, it's been many years, mainly because I don't have the time or someone to play it with. I was mainly playing them in primary school.
3. I'm as interested in as I have to be in order to pass the college classes. It is certainly a very interesting field of IT, but I am not a big fan of it. In purely theoretical terms, it is even nice to talk about it with friends, but I can't imagine myself as a machine learning programmer. As far as unused areas of machine learning or even AI itself are concerned, I think that applications personalized to the user may be very different in this direction in the future.
2 / I love chess, in every sense and sphere. But I play very badly ... This month, as if I was playing with someone on the network.
3 / Yes, I am interested in this matter. Since this is a new niche in the market as well as great opportunities for the developer of games and individual programs. I will be happy to watch this progress.
2. Honestly, I don't like chess. I played a little with my grandpa but that was a long time ago. I do prefer various other board and card games that require logical thinking and strategising skills. Neuroshima hex, for example, is in a way similar to chess, so I recommend you try this one. It is a board game where you distribute your army on the hexagonal board, along with your opponent and base on the character's initiative you play the rounds out. There are some boosters and suppressors that will mess with the play. Essentially it is a game where you need to plan way ahead and keep track of what your opponent does. It is one of my favourites.
3. I don't know much of this topic but it seems that this is the future.
The only japanese game I know is Go becouse it is really common thing in IT world. I really do like to give it a try
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
I quite like it but I am not the best player. It's quite calming game and allow us to improve our strategies not only in the game itself but in the real life. Last time I've played with my friend before coronavirus thing came out.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
Yes, I do many projects connected with it. Yes - really in every domain we can think about it.
I have heard about Shogi while watching anime but never played it by myself.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was the last time you played it?
I like playing chess, but not often, the last time I played chess was a few months ago, because it takes too much time and sometimes is boring, but the strategies there are very interesting.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
I'm very interested in machine learning, it is an area I plan to work in when receive more experience. There are many possible applications of machine learning, everything that needed is fantasy.
Yes, I have heard about Shogi but unfortunate I have never played it. I tried playing Go instead.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
No, I don't, it's too boring for me. Probably the last time I played chess was over 10 years ago.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of machine learning in another domains?
A little bit, I'm not really into machine learning but I read some articles about it in the past. It seems to be interesting and anticipated also. Unfortunately, I don't know for sure any other application of machine learning in another domains but I guess some of them can be used for AI in video games.
Of course, I have heard about Shogi before. It was a main focus on some Anime series I've watched. It looks like a very complicated game, so even after seeing it many times, I still know very little about rules of Shogi. I think it's a very rewarding game after you learn all the rules and tactics, but I prefer some games with more basic structure.
2. Do you like playing chess? When was last time you played it?
Last time I played it was when I was really young. My dad had a beautiful chess board, so we often played against each other. After we stopped, I didn't played any match though.
3. Are you interested in machine learning? Is there another possible application of
machine learning in another domains?
We had some lessons in college focused on machine learning and it was really interesting learning about it. The potential of machine learning is infinite, so I would guess there is a lot of things that can use it.