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by Jim Png (Introduction by), Ping Loong Wong (Author)
Xiangqi, or Chinese Chess which more Westerners may be acquainted with, is an ancient game with strategy that has been played for at least a thousand years. Through the ages, there have been many classics that were written about it, with the earliest publication on the form of Xiangqi that we know today in the late Song dynasty. Many have been lost through the ages, but a handful few have made are still present today. One of theses ancient classics is The Xiangqi Master from the Cave which was estimated to have existed at least over two hundred years ago. There are several unique features to this ancient manual. The Chinese name is made up seven Chinese characters, with each character representing a particular opening system being discussed. There are five games per character. The Chinese name of the book, if translated directly would be Invincible after coming out of the Caves. There are not many variations but there are many tactics, strategies and brilliant kills that are demonstrated. Although the level of play may seem simple by today's standards, it is nevertheless an ideal book for the beginner, amateur or even club level Xiangqi player to learn, for the ideas demonstrated form the basics of Xiangqi theory today. Detailed explanations have been provided to assist the reader in understanding the game. Ample diagrams have also been placed such that it would be easy to cross reference the moves and the actual situation on the board. The reader will be guaranteed to be amazed at the contents of the board, but more importantly, the reader will be able to appreciate the Chinese culture way back in the ancient times.
