The History of Weiqi: An Ancient Game of Strategy

The earliest recorded mention of Go—known as Weiqi (围棋) in Chinese, Baduk (바둑) in Korean, and Igo (囲碁) in Japanese—dates back to 548 B.C. However, the game itself is likely much older, with multiple origin theories offering different explanations for its creation.

Origins of Go: Myths and Theories

Several legends attempt to explain the origins of Go:

• The Emperor’s Son 🏯
  According to one legend, Emperor Yao (circa 4000 years ago) had a son who lacked discipline, focus, and balance. To educate him, the emperor commissioned the invention of Go as a tool for intellectual development.
• Warlord Strategies ⚔️
  Another theory suggests that ancient Chinese warlords used stones on maps to visualize troop movements and battlefield strategies. Over time, these tactical illustrations were formalized into an abstract game to help generals simulate different scenarios.
• Shamanistic Rituals 🔮
  A third hypothesis links Go to the shamanistic traditions of the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 B.C.). According to this theory, ancient shamans performed divination rituals by casting chi pieces (Go stones) onto a grid marked with astrological and geomantic symbols.
• Gradual Evolution 🎲
  Some scholars believe Go evolved gradually from simpler games like:
• • Connect-Five (五子棋)
  • Tafl games (early Norse strategy games)
  • Shape-arranging puzzles

Regardless of which theory holds the most truth, by the 4th century B.C., Go was firmly established in China, appearing in historical records and even referenced in Confucian texts.

Go in China: From Nobility to Scholars 🎓

During ancient times, Go was played by the Chinese aristocracy and later became one of the Four Arts (琴棋书画) that every scholar-official was expected to master:

• Qin (琴) – The guqin (a traditional musical instrument)
• Qi (棋) – Weiqi (Go)
• Shu (书) – Calligraphy
• Hua (画) – Painting

While Go was widely studied among the nobility, archaeological findings suggest that the lower classes also enjoyed the game.

Go Spreads to Japan and Korea

Japan: The Way of Go (Kido, 棋道)

Between 600 and 700 A.D., Go was introduced to Japan, where it became deeply intertwined with Zen philosophy and was referred to as Kido (棋道), meaning "The Way of Go."

• During the Tokugawa Period (1603–1867), Go became a professional discipline, with noble houses and schools competing in prestigious tournaments.
• The shogunate sponsored Go schools, leading to the rise of professional Go players who dedicated their lives to the game.

Korea: Espionage and Strategy

Go also spread to Korea (then known as Goguryeo) around the same time. Several legends highlight the game's strategic significance:

• The Spy Monk Dorim 🕵️‍♂️
  King Jangsu of Goguryeo allegedly sent a Buddhist monk named Dorim as a spy to rival kingdoms. His exceptional Go skills allowed him to infiltrate enemy courts and gather intelligence.
• A Game to Save a Kingdom 🎭
  Another legend tells of an early Tibetan kingdom where a Buddhist monk played a decisive Go match to determine the fate of the country.

Go in the Modern World 🌏

Today, Go remains a dominant intellectual pursuit in:
✅ China 🇨🇳
✅ Japan 🇯🇵
✅ Korea 🇰🇷
✅ Taiwan 🇹🇼

However, the game has also gained popularity worldwide, with increasing numbers of players in Europe, the United States, and beyond.

This summary only scratches the surface of Go’s rich and intricate history. If you're interested in exploring further, many sources provide deeper insights into the game's cultural evolution and historical significance.