Xiangqi, Chess, and making Pokémon Real

There are occasions in real life in which we are permitted to compete. In the United States, we have a fairly free economic system that allows competition. We all know that we are allowed to compete in school (except that TUSD doesn't do rankings!). Sports are another obvious choice.

I think it is safe to say that many people are fascinated by competition, and in particular duels. Take for example the great popularity of Pokémon and other anime shows. We see lots of individuals battling. Now wouldn't it be cool if we could all be Pokémon masters? As a child, back in the day of the original 150, I greatly enjoyed Pokémon. I also enjoyed playing Chess.

Chess/Xiangqi/Shogi etc. offers a safe ground to duel. Nearly everyone I have met knows how to play Western Chess. Nearly all Chinese people I know are familiar with Xiangqi or can play once reminded of a couple of things. Young/Old, Male/Female, I would say that a fairly fair (pun?) battle ground is offered.

Xiangqi in particular has done a lot for me lately. This Saturday I had the pleasure of playing Ye Ye at Xiangqi (won one, lost one). On Friday, I lost to Christine Ma (NOOOO!). I've lost multiple times to master William Chiu. If it weren't for changed seats in Biology, I'd be playing some good games with Andrew Kao this week. Jeff Wei knows he is doomed when I have a plan. Whatever the case, Xiangqi is socially connecting tool as well as an intellectually stimulating hobby.

It is unfortunate that we cannot have Pokémon duels. Other games such as Starcraft and Call of Duty or whatever people are playing nowadays (Starcraft is kind of old, but people still play :D ) will give distinct advantages to players with better equipment or more hours invested. I still think that good, old fashioned chess (and variants) offers a delightful duel alternative to other more physical options.