Shogi (Japanese Chess)

Last night's Nonohana Eikaiwa group mostly centered around the game of Shogi, commonly referred to in English as Japanse chess because, well, the two are almost exactly the same. We discussed the rules in English and then had a go at the game. My first two moves had them believing I was some kind of intuitive learner and praising my skills. I explained how similar it was to chess and then made some stupid mistakes which proved I was nothing more than average at best. The rules were just different enough to trip me up a few times and I ended up getting clobbered by Tamako in no time. I have to say I picked it up much better than Go which I've been trying to understand beyond the very basics for months now. (Note: playing a computer that even on the easiest setting and with a handicap kills you every time is not the best way to learn.) I'll have to pick up a Shogi set of my own here soon.