The Yunzi game, also known as Go in the United States, is a big deal. There are over 40 million players worldwide, and the game has been around more than 2,500 years dating back to Confucious. It originated in China, and is HUGE all over East Asia.
Yunzi is such a big deal that it was taught to ancient Chinese scholars as one of the four essential arts of culture and learning.
Yunzi is embraced as a fun, challenging method for children to develop balanced intellectual growth, not to mention the coveted traits of focus, patience and strategic thinking. Like music, it is believed to simultaneously develop both the left and the right brain. Who wouldn't want that for their children?
Be assured, however, that Yunzi is also played by adults of all ages. Shrewd, strategic thinking is the essence of the game, making it an engaging pastime for all.
What exactly is Yunzi? It is a strategic board game for two. Players alternately place black and white playing pieces, called "stones", on vacant intersections ("points") of a board with a 19x19 grid of lines. The aim is to surround a larger total area of the board than one's opponents. Though it sound simple, many wildly fun and devious calculations are involved. This is because the areas are rarely surrounded directly. The rules are simple, but the dance is intricate.
TLS Living is currently selling a vintage Yunzi board with extraordinary patina. It would make a handsome gift for an intelligent friend who appreciates the historical context as well as the wicked fun of Yunzi.
https://www.tlsliving.com/products/232