Xi Gua Qi – Board Game Guys

Watermelon Chess

Watermelon Chess, also known as Xi Gua Qi, is a traditional two-player abstract strategy game from China, specifically from Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province. It is also known as The Surround Game and Globe. The game is related to the Bear games of ancient Rome and uses the same board as some of them. It is typically played by children, but it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Why is Watermelon Chess Popular?

Watermelon Chess is a fun and easy-to-learn game that can be played almost anywhere, making it a great game to keep with you on the go. It is a battle game where players take turns to move a piece, capturing the opponent’s pieces by surrounding them. The objective of the game is to immobilize the opponent’s pieces by surrounding them with your own pieces. The game is significant because it is a traditional game that has been passed down through generations and is still enjoyed today.

Game Components of Xi Gua Qi

Game Board: A circular board with four semi-circles around the edges and a central circle. The board is marked with intersections and lines indicating permitted moves.

Tokens: 12 tokens (6 of each color) which can be beads, coins, or any similar small objects.

Optional: A die for determining who starts the game.

How To Setup Xi Gua Qi

To set up Xi Gua Qi, each player selects 6 tokens of their chosen color. Players place their tokens on the 6 intersections closest to them, with 5 tokens around the outside circle and 1 token in the central circle. The player who starts the game is often determined by rolling a die.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Player Turns: Players take turns moving one of their tokens 1 space along the lines indicated on the board.

Movement: Tokens can move in any direction along the lines, but must stay on the intersections.

Capture: A player captures an opponent’s token by surrounding it so that it cannot be moved.

Capture Limit: A player can only make 1 capture per turn.

Objective: The game is won by capturing 4 of the opponent’s tokens, or when the opponent has only 2 tokens left on the board.

Player Experience

Xi Gua Qi is an engaging and straightforward game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It requires strategic thinking and planning to outmaneuver your opponent. The game is highly portable, as the board can be drawn on paper and tokens can be any small objects, making it a great boredom buster for kids and adults alike.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Portable: Can be played anywhere with minimal equipment.

Strategic Depth: Encourages critical thinking and strategic planning.

Quick Games: Matches are typically short, lasting around 15-30 minutes.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game mechanics are simple, which might make it less appealing to experienced strategy game enthusiasts.

Repitition: Games can feel repetitive if players use the same strategies repeatedly.

Personal Thoughts on Xi Gua Qi

Xi Gua Qi is perfect for families, classrooms, or anyone looking for a quick and engaging strategy game. It’s an excellent introduction to abstract strategy games for children and can also serve as a fun, light-hearted challenge for adults. The game’s simplicity and portability make it a great addition to any game collection.

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