First Tibetan Chess Association established
On August 28th, the first Tibetan Chess Association of was established in Lhasa, capital city of SW China's Tibet Autonomous Region,after four years of preparations.
Tibetan chess, also called “Multi-Eye Chess” or “Multi-Eye Show,” is a popular game in the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau; played for years, the game is similar to chess. Based in the culture of the Bon religion, it is an integral part of Tibetan culture.
In addition, the areas surrounding the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, such as Bhutan, Nepal, and Sikkim of India, also have their own versions of the Tibetan chess game, such as “King and Minister Chess,” “Wolf and Sheep Chess,” “Jiu Chess,” etc.
There are two major types of Tibetan chess, the “MimangChess” and “JiuChess.” In ancient times, Mig Mangs was played primarily in upper class Tibetan society. Due to historical reasons, the game became almost extinct and is awaiting revitalization, while “JiuChess” is a wide-spread game almost everyone knows how to play in Tibet.
Reports say there are 100 individual members and 20 organizational members in the Tibetan Chess Association, and they are all dedicated to promoting the research, carrying-on, preservation, and growth of Tibetan chess.