Chinese Chess, or Xiangqi, is an extraordinary game in which the endless tactical subtleties are far more important than the eventual outcome. Those who perceive it as some primitive, outmoded predecessor of the modern game are seriously deluded. It has a distinguished history.
Tamerlane, that brilliant but ferocious Mongolian warrior who became the scourge of Eastern and Central Asia at the end of the 14th century, was utterly obsessed with the game. It is said he named one of his sons after the rook because, just as he was moving this piece, news of the boy's birth was brought to him. The game has always been favored by the military, who saw it as a perfect way of using their spare time to try out strategies that would stand them in good stead on the battlefield. In China it is still common to see people playing in public with a crowd of spectators gathered around to discuss the progress of the game.
As well as a board and play pieces, this pack includes a 128-page book that not only explains the rules and moves, but also describes the tactics in detail and the all-important endgame. Those who take the trouble to learn the rules will admit themselves to a world of endless pleasure and intrigue.
