TD-Gammon is a neural network that trains itself to be an evaluation function for the game of backgammon by playing against itself and learning from the outcome. The Neural Net Backgammon Programs . From Jay Scott's Machine Learning in Games web site. Click here for a citation to a paper about Hex. The object of the game is to capture the opponent's King.
Shogi is much like 'western' chess, but has some very interesting differences.
One is that almost all pieces can promote to stronger pieces once they reach the opposite side of the board. You'll finds lots of information here and even Shogi software .