Shogi software programs may be getting stronger. Shogi has a higher number of potential moves than chess, and the feature where pieces can be returned to the board adds another level of strategic complexity for a program to handle. To date, shogi masters have defeated their computer opponents but Kunio Yonenaga recently lost to a program called Bonkras. Yonenaga is not the leading player today, although he arguable once was. Nevertheless, he is the chairman of the Japan Shogi Association and holds the title of lifetime shogi master, so he is no slouch. Yonenaga played Bonkras, the current computer shogi champion, a few weeks ago in a preliminary match which was broadcast live on Nico Nico Douga. He tried a radical opening in the hope it would throw off the program but ended up losing. This match was a forerunner to an official man vs machine championship held earlier today. The result is now in and it seems Yonenaga lost again. He stuck to his radical opening which some observers thought was unwise. However, he seemed to be getting the better of the computer at around the 70 move mark but was eventually defeated in 113 moves. After the match, Yonenaga says he was pleased with his opening but thinks he played too safe mid-game and could not change course when required. The shogi master had played 150 games at home against the software in preparation so was offering no excuses for his loss.
Discussion on English shogi forum here.
