Human chess, also known as “cờ người” in Vietnamese, is a traditional game that is often played at village and temple festivals. It is a variant of Chinese chess, but instead of using chess pieces, the game is played by people who take on the roles of the various chess pieces.
History of Human chess
The history of human chess in Vietnam is not entirely clear. Long time ago, the Human Chess festival was popular all around Vietnam villages, especially those in Binh Dinh, Vietnam.
According to the seniors, Human chess was first introduced at the time that Vietnam was under the ruling of many national feudal dynasties, during the Lý Dynasty (11th and 12th century). It is said that the game was invented by King Lý Nhân Tông (1066-1127) as a way to train his soldiers in military strategy and tactics.
Human chess quickly became popular throughout Vietnam and was often played at village and temple festivals. It was also a popular game at the royal court, where it was often played by the emperor and his courtiers.
In the early 20th century, human chess began to decline in popularity due to the introduction of Western chess. However, the game has experienced a revival in recent years, thanks in part to the efforts of the Vietnamese government to promote traditional culture.
Today, human chess is played at many festivals throughout Vietnam, including the Huế Festival, the Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival, and the New year Festival. It is also a popular tourist attraction, with many visitors traveling to Vietnam to see the game being played.
How to play human chess
Human chess played in Vietnam follows the general rules of Chinese chess. The concept is recognizably similar to Western chess, but with a different-sized board and different pieces, including cannons and guards, each of them marked with a distinct Chinese character. Human chess is played on a giant chessboard that is typically divided into 64 squares. Each player has 16 pieces, which are represented by people dressed in traditional Vietnamese costumes. The two contestants who direct the pieces have their own seats outside the board.
There is often three drum-rolls signaling the start of the game. Two players in Vietnamese traditional dresses appeared, sitting on two high platforms behind chessmen. The first player starts the game by shouting and a chessman left the position to perform martial arts techniques before reaching another position on the chessboard. The second player’s turn, he also shouts and his chessman moves and performs beautiful skills of martial arts. They in turn play the game. If one of them lost his chessmen, these have to leave the chessboard. The spectators triumphantly cheer whenever there is a nice performance, making chessmen try their best to show their skills. After nearly two hours, the human chess competition finishes. However, the spectators often do not want to go home, they would like the organizing board to continue the game.
The game is played in the same way as regular chess, with the goal of capturing the opponent’s king. However, there are some key differences. For example, in human chess, the pawns can move two squares forward on their first move, and the knights can move in an L-shape in any direction.
Human chess in Vietnamese culture
Human chess is more than just a game. It is also a cultural tradition that is deeply rooted in Vietnamese society. The game is seen as a way to promote teamwork, cooperation, and sportsmanship. It is also a way to celebrate Vietnamese culture and heritage.
Human chess is a popular spectacle, and it often draws large crowds of spectators. The games are typically played in a festive atmosphere, with music, dancing, and food.
Human chess is a unique and exciting game that is a must-see for anyone visiting Vietnam. It is a great way to experience Vietnamese culture and heritage.
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Source: hanoitimes.vn