History of Xiangqi - Origins of the Game
There are many similarities between Xiangqi and its western cousin Chess, suggesting a common origin. Although historically the Chinese have always maintained Xiangqi was locally invented, the prevailing theory on the origin of chess before the 1970"s (which was largely based on Oxford historian H.J.R.Murray"s work) favoured the so-called "Indian Connection". However, since the 1970s, more and more weight has been given to the idea that China already had a version of chess before India. This is an intriguing area of mind sports history, which requires further research, given mention of "Xiangqi" in documents during the Warring States period (403-221BC) and even earlier.
Chinese historians generally agree that the modern version was reached sometime during the late Tang dynasty (A.D.618-906). This is supported by recent unearthing of ancient artifacts, with a Xiangqi set identical to the modern set that dated back to the Song dynasty. For a long period, Xiangqi was snubbed by high officials, and the game of Go was preferred by the higher classes. However, Xiangqi, with its charms and characteristics, quickly became a game for the masses. From the Song dynasty through the Qing dynasty, the game began to be more accepted by officials, and numerous records were referenced in bureaucratic manuscripts and scholarly works.
Xiangqi Stories
The Qing dynasty"s last Emperor Fu Yi, in his autobiography, recounted the true case of the Dowager Empress Tzu Hsi, who was very fond of the game. One day the Empress was playing one of the old servants. The servant said:""Your humble servant will take your highness" horse."" And the Empress broke into a sudden rage:""Then, I will take your life!"" And she ordered her opponent promptly beheaded.
Song dynasty"s first Emperor, Zhao, supposedly lost the mountain Hua Shan to Chenchuan, a fairy-like figure, as a wager on the result of a game of Xiangqi. The opening that Chen used still carries the nickname Fairy"s Hand.
Hu Han Min, a close associate of Dr. Sun Yat Sen and one of the most prominent figures in the founding of the People"s Republic of China, died while playing Xiangqi. In a winning position, Hu inadvertently let his rook be pinned in front of his king by his opponent"s cannon. He promptly had a stroke and died.
The Modern Game
After the Qing dynasty fell, both Nationalists and Communists had many devoted followers of the game. Dr. Sun Yat Sen, Chiang Kai Shek and Mao Tse Tung were keen players, and Chou En Lai played at near master level. From 1949 on, mainland China and other Asian regions all went through a great surge in Xiangqi popularity, but in separate parallels. In 1956, the game was officially listed as a sports item in China and began its National Championship cycles. The same event also produced the first champion in the person of Yang Guan Lin, who almost single-handedly caused the southern city of Guangzhou to be known as "Xiangqi City". During the Cultural Revolution, Xiangqi was banned, among many other things, while outside China it prospered. In 1968, the first of seven Asian Xiangqi championship events was held in Singapore, helping to unite south-east Asian nations/regions.
The Advent of International Competition
1980 marked another historical milestone, as China finally joined the
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