US20160074747A1

US20160074747A1 - New game "shiki"

Info

Publication number: US20160074747A1
Application number: US14/784,088
Authority: US
Inventors: Yoshihiro Mizutani
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2013-04-25
Filing date: 2013-05-02
Publication date: 2016-03-17
Also published as: WO2014174687A1; GB2528620A; JPWO2014174687A1; GB201520487D0; KR20160003057A; CN105246565A

Abstract

[Problem]

The problem to be resolved is to invent a new game independent from the domain of a Go game in order to dramatically extend the possibilities of the same to the world of a different dimension.

[Solution]

The first is an improvement of the board. With respect to the 19×19 board of a Go game, the new game adopts a 27×27 board. The second is an improvement in how a stone is put. I know that it is necessary to address the same using a method in which stones are put alternately two moves at a time, and adopted the same. Thereby, it becomes possible to configure a game that is twice larger, quantitatively speaking, using an equivalent number of moves and amount of time as in the prior art, and to be more pleasant, in a shorter amount of time. The third is an improvement in the rules. In the new game, in order to maintain fairness between the players who move first and second, the first placement, i.e., the first move of the player moving first, is set to be one stone only. In addition, with regard to the handicap “Komi” imparted to the player moving second by the player moving first, it is set that 8 stones be imparted to the second player's turn from the first player's turn. The above-mentioned three points are significant features of the new game, and are critical components for functioning as one balanced superior game.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is a new game that is different from the game of Go and dramatically expands on the potential of the game of Go to create a game that is much more appealing.

PRIOR ART

The game of Go is a table game that has been played and enjoyed for many years. Today the game of Go is played by many people throughout the world. The winner and loser of the game of Go are determined by the “territory” that is formed when stones are alternately placed on a 19×19 board and by the number of stones captured.
Rules of the Game of Go

1. The first rule is to capture the opponent's stones. A player places his stones in order to surround and capture his opponent's stones. The stones can only be surrounded by stones that are connected “vertically” or “horizontally,” not “diagonally. ” The outside edges of the Go board can be used to surround stones.
2. Next, in the game of Go, a stone can be placed basically on any point where a stone has not already been placed. However, there are two exceptions. One is “any point where a stone will be captured when it is placed.” At such a point on the go board, there is no room for “breathing,” or “reversal” and the only possible move will be to the direct advantage of the opponent. A play is impossible and so a stone cannot be placed. This is called the rule of “liberty.”

The other point where a stone cannot be moved is “a point where, when a stone is placed once an opponent's stone has been captured, the board returns to exactly the same position as it was one turn previously.” This is called “ko.” This means that a stone cannot be placed unless it is played at a different point from where the captured stone was played.

3. This is the rule of “territory and life and death.” The game of Go involves creating territory.

Where Should Territory be Claimed?
When an area is surrounded by black stones vertically and horizontally, that area is considered to be black's territory. Two surrounded points are called “two stones” territory. The outside edges of the Go board can be used to create territory.
For instance, one white stone enters a black territory of “seven stones”. In this case, the surrounded territory is black territory. The white stone in the black territory cannot escape and immediately dies. This stone is called a “dead stone” and life and death of stones is called “death and life.”
Which stones are dead and which stones are alive? Simply put, “a stone that is captured by an opponent is a dead stone and a stone that is not taken by an opponent, regardless of whether it can be captured, is a live stone.”
For instance, a “three stone” territory is surrounded by black. In order to surround the outside by white, first a white stone is placed, then a black stone is placed, and finally a white stone is placed in the territory called “three stones” in the center. The surrounded black stones are all captured and therefore, the black stones are dead.
Territory divided in this way is called an “eye”, and the best way for a stone to survive is to have “two eyes.” In the previous two examples, eventually the stones could not live because they formed only one eye.

4. Moreover, the territory that is surrounded by both black and white stones is called “dame” and is neutral.
5. Next is “seki”. In almost all cases, a stone survives because it has two eyes, but there are exceptions. For instance, a “dame” can be formed within a stone frame formed by black and white. When a stone frame has two eyes, a player must rule over the two points in the center in order to capture the opponent's stones and survive. “Seki” is the situation where if the player who moves first moves their stone into one of two remaining territories, the opponent will place their stone in the other territory and the first player's stone will be in “checkmate”. In “seki,” neither the black stones or the white stones are “captured regardless of whether they can be captured by the opponent,” and both the white and black stones are “alive.”
6. The last rule regards how a game of Go ends. If a player believes that his territory cannot be increased and the opponent's territory cannot be reduced by placing one or more stones, the player can pass, and when both players continue to pass, the game ends. Then the territory is calculated to determine the winner. If a player believes he has no chance of winning during the game, the player can also end the game by forfeiting the game. This is called “end.”
7. Calculation of territory: According to the earliest records, the game of Go is a game to see who can capture the largest territory. However, the winner of the game of Go is actually based on who has the greatest total number of the following four types of points.

The first number of points corresponds to the number of territories on the Go board. The second number of points corresponds to the number of opponent's stones captured. These are called “captured stones.”
The third number of points corresponds to the number of opponent's dead stones. These are not stones that have been removed from the board, but are treated the same as “captured stones.”
Finally, there is the rule of “komi” The game of Go usually begins with a black stone and therefore, the black stones have somewhat of an advantage. This is compensated by giving the white stones a handicap called “komi.” Today Go is played with a “komi” handicap of 5.5 to 7.5.
The above-mentioned four items are calculated to determine the winner and the loser based on the total number of points.
For instance,


	Black	White

Territory	25	22
Captured stones	2	3
Dead stones of opponent	4	2
Komi handicap	0	6.5
Total	31	33.5

Therefore, white wins this match by 2.5 points.

However, an image of the Go board requires a relatively wide visual field and high resolution and a strategy or plan must be thoroughly guaranteed. Today a 19×19 Go board is used. This means that 19 vertical lines and 19 horizontal lines are enclosed by the edges of the Go board. Players alternately move black and white stones and create a strategy for winning There are 1×19=361 territories and a strategy, or a so-called idea and plan, takes shape during the first 30 moves, dominance as a result of securing a strategy is realized in the next 30 moves, and third, territory is established in 30 to 50 moves. In the end, there can be a variety of outcomes after 150 to 250 moves, from victory by a wide margin to victory by half a point. Go is a game in which many strategies are possible because the plans devised vary from individual to individual and result in an infinite number of strategies.
Today, when astronomical figures can be instantly processed, 19×19=361 places on a Go board is a quantity that can be relatively easily processed. Today many people would be amazed if software could be programmed so that a professional chess game could always be won. However, the number of software programs created in the next ten years will exceed the human population. Moreover, the combination of super computers+computer software make will make 300,000,000 moves in one second possible. This has advantages and disadvantages for the human race.
In order to eliminate these concerns, we have devised a completely new game. This invention has three aspects. The first is an improvement of the board. As shown in FIG. 1, the new game uses a 27×27 board. When compared to the 19×19 board of the game of Go, the 27×27 board of the new game allows for more diverse and unlimited positions.
Second is an improvement of the method of moving stones. The board surface is a 27 x 27 board that consists of 27 vertical lines and 27 horizontal lines surrounded by the board edges and the 27×27=729 increases the number of moves to approximately 2.019-times that with a conventional board. However, in order to maintain the game time by this method at approximately the same game time as with a conventional game, it is necessary to change the method of alternately placing one stone at a time. In this game, the method is used whereby stones are alternately placed two at a time. As a result, the total number of stones placed is increased by approximately 2.019-times, but the number of times stones are moved is only increased by 1.9% when compared to a conventional game. This makes the game more efficient. A more appealing game can be completed in a shorter time because quantitatively twice the game as in the past is played in the same amount of time.
Third is a modification of the rules. A common complaint for years has been that the player who moves first has the advantage in the game of Go. The players alternately move two stones at a time in the new game and the player who moves first would therefore be at an even greater advantage. In order to increase fairness between the player who moves first and the player who moves second, the first play and the first point scored by the first player is only one stone. Moreover, regarding the “komi” handicap that the first player gives the second player, the first player gives the second player 8 points. This is 0.5 to 2.5 points increase over the conventional game of Go. The above-mentioned items are the major features of the new game.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Non-Patent Document

Non-patent document 1: Masako OKAWA, editor. Understanding the game of Go “Opening moves,” Shinsei Shuppan, 2002.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Problem to Be Solved By Invention

The problem to be solved is the invention of a new game for dramatically expanding the realm and possibility of the game of Go to different dimensions.

Means for Solving Problem

First, a new 27×27 game board is used in place of the 19×19 board for the game of Go.
Second, a novel game method is used. Players move alternately, but by placing two stones at a time.
Third is a modification of the rules. A common complaint for years has been that the player who moves first has the advantage in the game of Go. In the new game, the players alternately move two stones at a time so that the player who moves first would therefore be at an even greater advantage. In order to increase fairness between the player who moves first and the player who moves second, the first play and the first point scored by the first player involves only one stone. Moreover, regarding the “komi” handicap that the first player gives the second player, the first player gives the second player 8 points. This is 0.5 to 2.5 points increase over the conventional game of Go. The above-mentioned items are the major features of the new game.

Effect of Invention

The new game uses a 27×27 board, wherein 27 vertical lines and 27 horizontal lines are surrounded by the board edges and the 27×27=729 increases the number of moves to approximately 2.019-times that with a conventional board. The new game allows for more diverse and unlimited positions.
Second, in order to maintain game time by the new method at approximately the same game time as with a conventional game, it is necessary to change the method of alternately placing one stone at a time. In the new game, the method is used whereby stones are alternately placed two at a time. As a result, the total number of stones placed is increased by approximately 2.019-times, but the number of times stones are moved is only increased by 1.9% when compared to a conventional game. This makes the game more efficient. A more appealing game can be completed in a shorter time because quantitatively twice the game as in the past is played in the same amount of time.
Third, once the first player moves one stone, the players alternately move two stones at a time in the new game. When this is combined with the use of an 8-point handicap, fairness between the first player and second player is increased and the game becomes more competitive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram for each name for the new game positions (with key).

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the method for playing the new game (Example 1).

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the method for playing the new game (Example 1).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the method for playing the new game (Example 1).

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the method for playing the new game (Example 1).

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the method for playing the new game (Example 2).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the method for playing the new game (Example 3).

EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

The new game uses a 27×27 board wherein 27 vertical lines and 27 horizontal lines are surrounded by the board edges and the 27×27=729 increases the number of moves to approximately 2.019-times that with a conventional board. As a result, the new game dramatically expands on the potential of the game of Go to create a game that is much more appealing.

Example 1

FIG. 2 is the opening board in the new game (Example 1) and is when the perspective and strategy are conceived. Note that FIG. 3 shows the black dominance where the first player has secured his strategy.
The new game uses a 27×27 board. 27 vertical lines and 27 horizontal lines are surrounded by the board edges and players move white or black stones, two stones at a time, to create dominance and prospects. There are 27×27=729 territories, which increases the number of moves to approximately 2.019-times that with a conventional board. A strategy, or a so-called idea and plan, takes shape during the first 50 moves, dominance as a result of securing a strategy is realized in the next 50 moves, and third, the territory is established in 50 to 80 moves. In the end, there can be a variety of outcomes after 250 to 400 moves (number of stones), from victory by a wide margin to victory by half a point.
In order to maintain the game time by the new method at the same time as with a conventional game, it is necessary to change the method whereby players alternately move one stone at a time. We decided to incorporate the method whereby players alternately move two stones at a time in the new game. As a result, the total number of stones placed is increased by approximately 2.019-times, but the number of times stones are placed is only increased by 1.9% when compared to the conventional game of Go. Therefore, twice the game is played in the same amount of time it takes to play the game of Go, making the game more appealing and shorter.
FIG. 4 shows how the game is played with the intention of establishing territories in 50 to 80 moves.
FIG. 5 is the end of the game in 344 moves. The game is declared over when the first player and the second player both pass. As previously mentioned, stones are placed alternately, two at a time, and therefore, the number of times stones are placed by each player is approximately ½ of the stones a player has, or in FIG. 4, 172 times for both players combined.
In FIG. 5, the winner and the loser are determined by the number of points as calculated from the following four items:


	Black	White

Territory	209 points	175 points
Captured stones	0 points	4 points
Dead stones of opponent	26 points	7 points
Komi handicap	0 points	8 points
Total	235 points	194 points

Therefore, black wins this match by 41 points.

Example 2

FIG. 6 shows a second situation in which the match ends after 168 moves. The game is declared over when both players pass because the dominance and outcome will not be changed by moving a stone. As previously mentioned, the players alternately move two stones at a time and therefore, the number of stones placed by both players is approximately half the number of a player's stones or in FIG. 4, 84 times for both players combined. Obviously the white player who moves second has established dominance. Thus, the victory is one-sided because the white player who moves second has established dominance.

Example 3

FIG. 7 shows the so-called “tesuji ” of checkmate “shiki” where the black player lives. Black 1 and black 2 create “atari” and white 3 and white 4 are effectively captured. Checkmate is at black 5 and black 6.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The new game uses a 27×27 board. The board encloses 27 vertical rows and 27 horizontal rows and there are 27×27 places where a stone can be moved. A star point is placed at the point in the center, and at every six stones. The position correlation is more apparent and accidental play is prevented by a total of 25 star points.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 New game board (FIG. 1)
2 Black stone (FIG. 1)
3 White stones (FIG. 1
4 Star points (FIG. 1)

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. First, a new 27×27 game board encloses 27 columns and 27 rows, and therefore, there are approximately 2.019-times more moves at 27×27=729 when compared to a Go board and the number of positions is almost unlimited;

second, by using a novel game method wherein only one stone is moved by the first player and two stones at a time are alternately moved beginning with the second player to move, the total number of stones moved is increased by approximately 2.019-times, while the number of times a stone is moved is only increased over conventional games by 1.9%, and therefore, twice the game is played in the same amount of time it takes to play the game of Go, making the game more appealing and shorter;

third, by using the rule of 8 stones as the “komi” handicap, fairness between the first player and second player is increased and the game promises to be more competitive;

the above-mentioned three features are the structural elements that are indispensable to a game of superior balance.