Question from a reader:
I want to know about the strength of the shogi genius, Sōta Fujii. Specifically, how does he excel compared to other shogi players? I heard that he was the only one to score 100 points at today’s tsume shogi championship, winning with time to spare, and I’m curious about the secret behind his skills.
Thoughts on Sōta
Fujii’s Strength
When discussing the genius of shogi, Sōta Fujii, it’s natural to wonder about the secrets behind his strength. I was amazed to hear that he scored 100 points alone at the recent tsume shogi championship! Winning with time to spare is truly a divine feat. I’ve contemplated what sets him apart from other players.
Overwhelming Reading Speed!
I believe the foundation of Fujii’s strength lies in his “speed of reading moves.” While an ordinary person takes time to read one move, he can read deeper and faster. This is truly remarkable. It’s as if he exists at “light speed” in the world of shogi. I’ve dabbled in shogi, but I can barely read a few moves ahead. It’s evident that people who can think ahead like Fujii are incredibly special.
Innovative Thinking
What’s even more astonishing is Fujii’s innovative thinking. The moves he concocts often foresee futures that other players cannot envision. It’s like he’s a magician in the realm of shogi! When I play against friends, I sometimes think, “It would be interesting to play this move,” but Fujii brings that kind of creativity along with his exceptional skills, making it truly impressive.
Influence of Being a Tsume Shogi Enthusiast
Fujii’s background as a tsume shogi enthusiast also contributes to his strength. Engaging in tsume shogi likely deepened his reading speed and understanding of positions. I occasionally solve tsume shogi puzzles with friends, but often I end up eating too many snacks while thinking, which distracts me from concentrating. Maintaining focus like Fujii does is no easy task, as I’ve come to realize.
Fujii is Not Perfect
Of course, it seems that Fujii has weaknesses as well. There are blind spots in his reading, and he can sometimes get pulled into a fixed idea once he formulates a plan. This reveals his human side. I often struggle to correct my thoughts in areas beyond shogi, and I relate to the challenges he faces. In conclusion, whether in shogi or other pursuits, if you have moments of being engrossed in something special or unexpected discoveries to share, I’d love to hear about them in the comments! I’m happy to share even the smallest experiences.