Complete Collection of Chinese Chess Compositions (Revised Edition)

Author: Cheng Mingsong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The four great cultural arts of ancient China are often referred to as music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Chess includes Go and Xiangqi, 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. The Beijing Historical Museum in China still preserves unearthed bronze chess 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 and profound, fascinating and thought-provoking. Without dedicated study, one cannot glimpse its essence or explore its variations. Therefore, chess players skilled in the art of Xiangqi have emerged in large numbers. Through the research and development of over the generations, some Xiangqi manuals have been passed down. Among them, the endgame situations become increasingly unique, and the strategies evolve with greater precision. Some handwritten ancient manuscripts and so-called "martial arts secret manuals" are even more mysterious and difficult to fathom, leaving people in awe. As a result, 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 "Shiqing Yaqiu" compiled by Shi Yong. The book includes complete game manuals such as "Shilin Guangji," "Zi Chu Dong Lai Wudi Shou," "Shiqing Yaqiu," "Jie Zhong Mi," "Wangshi Meihua Pu," "Taolue Yuanji," "Wushuang Pin," "Wu Zhao Long Xiangqi Pu," "Songben Tang Meihua Misi Pu," "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 page-574 pages); and endgame manuals such as "Shilin Guangji," "Mengren Shenji," "Baibian Xiangqi Pu," "Shiqing Yaqiu," "Sancai Tuhui," "Jie Zhong Mi," "Taolue Yuanji," "Wanbao Quanshu," "Xin Wu Canbian," "Lankexinji," "Baaju Xiangqi Pu," "Zhuxiangzhai Xiangxi Pu," "Lankeshenji," "Xiangqi Xinpu," "Shenmiao Huanbi Xiangqi Pu," "Qipu Miliu," "Xin Jian Jinpeng Bianfa Xiangqi Pu," "Xiaogu Zi Xiangqi Pu," "Yuan Shen Hai Kuo Xiangqi Pu," "Huoyan Ji," "Qixue Jiejing," "Jiaozhuzhai Xiangqi Pu," "Xiangqi Laopu," and "Huizhen Ge" (575 pages-1788 pages).
During the compilation of this book, emphasis was placed on four aspects:
(1) "Comprehensiveness." All ancient Xiangqi manuals were, with a focus on woodblock editions.
(2) "Authenticity." Necessary research was conducted on various versions, especially handwritten manuscripts. Not only the entire version but also its contents were verified to ensure authenticity.
(3) "Precision." Redundant content was minimized, and unnecessary details were omitted to retain the essence. Therefore, identical situations were omitted but referenced with original diagrams. Annotations were provided to indicate sources, winning and drawing points, features of the game, and modifications.
(4) For each variation in the complete game manuals, conclusions were noted after every move. Since this book aims to preserve the original appearance of ancient Xiangqi manuals, the arrangement follows the original order. If a variation within a variation exists, such as "You Bian" within "Bian Er," it is treated as "Bian San" and arranged sequentially. Similarly, if possible, divisions are listed to avoid flipping pages and enhance clarity. Additionally, photographs are used to reveal the true faces of the manuals, as ancient Xiangqi manuals are rare and difficult to access.
Because the compilers of this book have extensively collected various ancient manuals, the Xiangqi materials presented are relatively complete. With just one volume in hand, readers can gain a comprehensive understanding of ancient Xiangqi manuals, making more convenient. It is also expected to be well-received by Xiangqi enthusiasts.