Figure 15:9, a-b Manuscript of the Qi Jing (Classic of Weiqi)

Since my reading response was based on the importance of written manuals to the survival of games, I thought it would be fitting to describe the weiqi manual depicted in the Art of Contest. Dating to the middle of the sixth century, the weiqi manual is one of the oldest survivors of its kind.  While not visually striking in the traditional sense, the manual’s paper is in unbelievably good condition and the Chinese characters inscribed in black ink are still perfectly visible.  Signed by a Tibetan monk, the game was already spreading throughout Asia in the sixth century. The bottom corner is permanently marked with the orange British Museum emblem, thus it will be forever marred by a foreign land that does not even partake in the game of weiqi. The simplicity of the manual reflects the simple design of the actual game.  Frivolous designs are not necessary to the games popularity, the complex nature of weiqi is what attracts its many followers.  Beyond its appearance the manual speaks to the importance of written game manuals to the nature of games.  Manuals, if they survive, help to solidify game play and rules.  Game variations are less likely to occur if an accepted rule set is available for reference.  Manuals allow for games to be played consistently across large expanses, as would be necessary in the vast continent of Asia.  Writing rules down also lends to a sense of permanency, there is a hope that the game described will remain popular long after the time of its inception. Weiqi is still played two thousand years after its inception, with very little adaption occurring within that time. Its manuals like the Qi Jing that have aided in weiqi’s unyielding popularity.