Whale Shogi (1981) – Board Game Guys

Whale shogi

Westminster: The Election Game is a board game that re-creates the processes of “the Mother of all Parliaments”. Each player controls one of the political parties represented in British politics and tries to win the most seats in the House of Commons. The game was first published in 1983. The game box contains a 4-piece game board, 6 Bill of Parliament cards, 6 Prime Minister tokens, 12 Cabinet Minister tokens, and 32 Member of Parliament tokens.

Why is Whale shogi Popular?

Westminster: The Election Game is significant because it allows players to experience the electoral process of British politics in a fun and engaging way. The game is popular among history enthusiasts and board game collectors.

Game Components of Whale Shogi

Board: A 6×6 grid, significantly smaller than the traditional Shogi board.

Pieces: 12 pieces per player, each named after different cetaceans.

Players: Two players, typically referred to as Black and White.

How To Setup Whale Shogi

The setup involves placing the pieces on the board in a specific arrangement. Each player starts with 12 pieces, including various cetacean-named pieces such as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The exact positions can be found in the rules, but essentially, the pieces are placed in two rows on each player’s side of the board.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The primary goal is to capture your opponent’s white whale.

Movement: Pieces move according to specific rules, similar to traditional Shogi but adapted for the smaller board.

Promotion: Pieces can promote to more powerful forms when reaching the opponent’s starting row.

Capture: Pieces capture by moving into the square occupied by the opponent’s piece.

Player Experience

Whale Shogi offers a condensed and rapid version of the traditional Shogi experience. The smaller board and fewer pieces make games shorter and more intense, requiring strategic thinking and quick decision-making. This variant is ideal for players looking to practice Shogi strategies in a more streamlined format.

Pros

Quick Games: Matches are significantly shorter than traditional Shogi.

Strategic Focus: The smaller board emphasizes strategic play over lengthy games.

Unique Pieces: The cetacean-themed pieces add a fun and educational element.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The reduced number of pieces and smaller board may lack the depth of traditional Shogi.

Steep Learning Curve: While simplified, Shogi rules can still be complex for new players.

Less Common: Not as widely recognized or played as traditional Shogi.

Personal Thoughts on Whale Shogi

Whale Shogi is perfect for those who want to dip their toes into the world of Shogi without committing to the lengthy games of the traditional version. It’s great for beginners who are curious about Shogi’s unique mechanics and for experienced players looking for a quick, strategic challenge. The game’s unique theme and smaller scale make it an enjoyable and accessible introduction to Japanese chess.

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