Complete Collection of Chinese Chess Compositions - (Revised Edition)

Author: Cheng Mingsong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The four great cultural arts of ancient China are often referred to as the "Four Arts of Music, Go, Calligraphy, and Painting." Go includes both Weiqi (Go) and Xiangqi (Chinese Chess), both of which were invented in China and have a long history. Xiangqi is said to have been standardized during the Tang Dynasty and flourished in the Song Dynasty. Today, the Beijing Historical Museum still preserves unearthed bronze Xiangqi pieces from the Song Dynasty. For a long time, Xiangqi has been deeply loved by the vast working people of China, with a solid foundation among the masses. The rules of Xiangqi are subtle, profound, and deeply intriguing, making it fascinating and thought-provoking. Without dedicated study, one cannot uncover its mysteries or explore its variations. As a result, chess players skilled in the art of Xiangqi have emerged in great numbers. Through the research and development of over the centuries, some Xiangqi manuals have been passed down. Among them, the endgame situations become increasingly unique, and the strategies evolve with greater refinement. Some handwritten ancient manuscripts and so-called "secret manuals from the martial arts world" are even more mysterious and difficult to fathom, leaving people in awe. Thus, some Xiangqi secret manuals are regarded by the chess community as treasures, eagerly acquired for high prices and preserved as family heirlooms, rarely shared with others.
This book is arranged in chronological order based on the publication dates of the ancient manuals. The complete-game manuals were compiled by Tu Jingming and Zhu Shiju, while the endgame manuals were compiled by Yang Mingzhong, Feng Jinzhu, Ding Zhangzhao, and Chen Jianguo, with the endgame section of Shiqu Yaqiu compiled by Shi Yong. The book includes complete-game manuals such as Shilin Guangji, Zi Chu Dong Lai Wudi Shou, Shiqu Yaqiu, Jie Zhong Mi, Wangshi Meihua Pu, Taolüe Yuanji, Wushuang Pin, Wu Zhao Long Xiangqi Pu, Song Ben Tang Meihua Mipi, Meihua Quan, Xiangqi Manpan Pu, Zhengshi Meihua Bianfa Pu, Wu Zhu Meihua Pu, Shangqing Tang Chongding Meihua Bian, Shi Yang Yiju, and Fan Meihua (1-574 pages); and endgame manuals such as Shilin Guangji, Mengren Shenji, Baibian Xiangqi Pu, Shiqu Yaqiu, Santai Tuhui, Jie Zhong Mi, Taolüe Yuanji, Wanbao Quanshu, Xin Wu Canbian, Lankuo Zhenji, Ba Ju Xiangqi Pu, Zhuxiang Zhai Xiangxi Pu, Lankuo Shenji, Xiangqi Xinpu, Shenmiao Huanbi Xiangqi Pu, Qipu Miliu, Xin Jian Jinpeng Bianfa Xiangqi Pu, Xiaogu Zi Xiangqi Pu, Yuan Shen Hai Kuo Xiangqi Pu, Huaya Ji, Qixue Jiejing, Jiaozhu Zhai Xiangqi Pu, Xiangqi Laopu, and Hui Zhen Ge (575-1788 pages).
During the compilation of this book, emphasis was placed on four key aspects:
(1) "Completeness." All ancient Xiangqi manuals were included, with woodblock editions as the primary focus.
(2) "Authenticity." Necessary research was conducted on all versions, especially handwritten manuscripts. Not only the entire version but also its contents were verified to ensure authenticity.
(3) "Refinement." Redundant content was minimized, and unnecessary details were omitted to preserve the essence. Thus, identical situations were omitted but referenced by original diagrams. Annotations were provided, indicating sources, winning and drawing points, features of the game, and revisions.
(4) "Conclusions." For each variation in the complete-game manuals, a conclusion was noted after the final move.
As this book aims to preserve the original appearance of ancient Xiangqi manuals, the arrangement follows the original order. Variations within variations, such as "another variation" within "variation two," are treated as "variation three" and listed sequentially. If possible, sub-variations are separated, but they are still linked to the main variation to avoid confusion and enhance clarity. Additionally, photographs are used to reveal the true nature of the manuals, as ancient Xiangqi texts are rare and difficult to access. Since the compilers of this book have extensively collected various ancient manuals, the Xiangqi materials presented here are relatively complete. With just one volume in hand, readers can gain a comprehensive overview of ancient Xiangqi manuals and find it convenient to consult. It is hoped that this book will be well-received by Xiangqi enthusiasts.