Matsumoto versus Mori

White's Free King and left-side Dragon King are removed from the board, and their squares are occupied by the Vertical Movers. The Ferocious Leopard in turn occupy the squares vacated by the Vertical Movers, and then White starts the game.

This looks odd. I presume Matsumoto was concerned to over-protect 7h and 5h, but the Phoenix definitely belongs on 8i.

Going for an early push in the centre, to make use of the Vertical Movers. I think this is too early.

There seems to be no point in sacrificing this Pawn at this moment.

Another unusual Phoenix move. This time the Phoenix is destined for 5e, so it must go via 7c rather than 5d, otherwise the fifth-file Pawn falls.

It seems advancing the Blind Tigers and the Gold Generals was typical in these games. I like neither.

A difficult decision. I think it is too early to move the King, as it is not yet clear which side it should move to. For the moment, the centre is in no danger of opening up.

White has already committed his King to moving this way, so he may as well get it out of the centre now. With both Kings moving the same way, we can expect a fierce struggle in front of them. White has a slight space advantage on this side.

White takes advantage of Black's over-crowding in the centre. If Black played S - 9h instead of Ln - 10h, then FL - 9f would be harsh.

I don't know what is going on here. Why doesn't Black retreat the Phoenix, and why doesn't White capture it?

The answer to the second question may perhaps be that Mori feels he can't afford to capture the Phoenix, as he will not have sufficient attack, and Matsumoto's defences will start to look in good shape after P x 9h.

As for why Matsumoto is worried about the centre, I don't know. After Ph - 7j, BT x 6g, BT x 6g and all is secure. After Ph - 7j, Ph x 7f, BT x 7f, and again everything is solid. Perhaps Matsumoto wanted Mori to play FL x 9h. Then after P x 9h the Side Movers are in communication and the centre is solid. But in that case, why did he withdraw the Phoenix at move 113, instead of playing Ln x! 12f first.

Now with Matsumoto just freeing his position, and strating to attack on his right flank, Mori makes his play, but it does not look sound.

Now if Black were to try to give back some material with B x 7g, VM x 7g, DH x 7g, DH x 7g, FK - 2i, he would have a reasonbly easy endgame.

Matsumoto is ahead by a Phoenix and a Dragon Horse. He now prevents the Vertical Mover from promoting, which was not a threat. FK - 7f looks a reasonable move to keep the initiative, and this would also stop Mori's next move.

Now Ln x 5d fails to FK - 9h, and FK x 5d fails to Ln x 5d, Ln x 5d, FK - 9h (though Black is probably just ahead after the latter variation).

This weakens the Drunk Elephant. K - 8l looks better to me.

FK x 6h would leave White without sufficient material.

+VM - 10k looks good. Now Mori gets a chance to go for mate, and the game turns around.

This clears the way for Ln - 10k/j/h mate, so Matsumoto simply resigns.

If he were to play on: