Sawada versus Kuri

White's Free King is removed from the board, and it's square is occupied by the left-side Vertical Mover. The Ferocious Leopard is moved up from 2a to 2c, and then White starts the game.

Black is playing consistently, sacrificing a pawn so as to take over the centre. But I do not think this strategy is particularly suited to the Free King handicap. The Vertical Mover on 7c already begins to look threatening.

I think Black should keep the centre closed (and start with Ln - 6h, accordingly), and play a tight castle.

It appears that this move was almost considered mandatory, we have seen it so often. On this occasion, it is followed up immediately, as Sawada tries an early attack.

If Black is going to rush his Lion to 4g, and then 2f, for an early attack on the edge, then he does not need to sacrifice a Pawn in the first place, as the Lion can get to 4g from 5i. Rushing back to re-capture the Pawn is unfortunately necessary to protect the Kylin. If instead Ln - 2f, then White can play P - 6g, then DK - 6f (or P - 5f if Black responds with Ky - 5g).

This looks odd, but White has worked out a lightweight defence.

Since there is no prospect of this Pawn advancing further in the near future, nor of winning one of the Pawns which the Side Mover is defending, this move should be omitted. As it happens, White is later able to capture this Pawn in it's exposed position.

Moving the Side Mover up to hold back the attack on the other side of the board is not such a bad idea, though it is rather slow, but DH - 2g completely spoils the plan. Rather, Black should play SM - 2g, RC - 1h, L - i1, VM - 1j - 1k, then R - 1j. White will have to bring the Lion over to 2c to prevent a break through, leaving Black free to develop in the centre and on the left.

As it is, Black soon finds his attack completely paralysed, with the Dragon Horse and Lion mutually defending each other, and so unable to move away.

Again, this should not be advanced just yet, as White is able to force exchanges, releasing the tension. Bringing up the Copper, Silver, Go-Between and fourth-file Pawn is consistent.

The first move in building the Kuri Castle (I call it so, because of it's use by Kuri in this game and the previous one). With Black trying to attack on the other flank, and the centre fated to become open and violent, White's King will be well placed on 11b.

This shouldn't move. It is in a good position where it is, and may result in a combination later.

I don't like this either ‐ White's attack is just being aided.

Black has brought up some more attacking forces, but his attack still does not look very threatening. Meanwhile White has completed his castle. His King is completely safe, so now he can try an all-out attack, and so try to avoid the prospect of being a Free King down in the endgame.

Now White can move his Lion away.

Played to stop Ln x 4d - 4e. But now Black could play Ln - 2d, and end up winning a Lance (which could then be promoted to a White Horse). Apparently White is willing to allow this, as the Side Mover on 1g will have been removed from the defence of the centre.

Looking at this a second time, I don't see this anymore. After Ln - 2d, SM - 1f, Black could play SM - 2g, and then Ln - 2b will win a lot of material, I think.

Ky - 6h looks better, holding on firmly to the square 8h, and reinforcing the King. Black can use the second-file pawn as a basis for attack.

This is the wrong direction. DE - 6j would be better, as it shields the King. Then DK 6k - 7l, G - 5k and K - 5l - 4k is a suitable defensive plan. Also R - 8j could be played.

The defensive plan that Sawada follows in the next few moves leaves his King wide open to attack, and Kuri accepts the invitation.

I imagine Sawada thought the Lion would have to retreat. The big question is, is the Lion sacrifice sound? Kuri has only a Rook for the Lion, so he must make the Pawn on 7h work very hard.(On the other hand, retreating the Lion is unattractive - with his safe King, it is understandable that Kuri prefers to attack.)

Sawada elects to eliminate the dangerous Kylin, but now the Blind Tiger is threatening to come to 8h, forcing the Pawn's promotion.

I would have preferred to defend with Ky - 6h. Then maybe there would be time to defend with G - 6k - 6j, then K - 5k - 4j.

Trying to counter attack, but the King is to vulnerable ‐ R - 10i is called for, though White will play R x 8j, and promote the Pawn anyway. Black is already losing.

DE x 7j then K - 5k is necessary, but it isn't fun.

A very pretty finish.