Is Pai Sho a Real Game?
Pai Sho is a game that many people associate with the animated series Avatar: the Last Airbender. Created by the great and wise Iroh, the game took on a life of its own with passionate fans developing endless strategies and rulesets. But in its fictious origin, one question remains: is Pai Sho a real game?
Origins of Pai Sho
The game of Pai Sho was first popularized by Avatar: the Last Airbender, but its roots can be found elsewhere. Pai Sho is thought to be based on two real-world games, one which is the ancient Chinese game of Xiang, and the other being the Japanese game of Sennen Renju.
Rules of the Fictious Game
In the Avatar universe, Pai Sho is a complex game involving various pieces, each of which has special abilities. Players must try to capture their opponent’s pieces while protecting their own. When playing the game, it is important to remember Iroh’s wise saying: “Life happens around you while you’re busy making other plans.”
Do People Play Pai Sho in Real Life?
While Pai Sho was first popularized in the Avatar universe, passionate fans have created a fully-realized version of the game with complex rules and strategies. In recent years, tournaments have been held in which different rulesets and strategies are tested.
So, to answer the original question: is Pai Sho a real game? The answer is yes! While it may have begun as a fictious game in a beloved animated series, Pai Sho has become a fully-realized strategy game with passionate fans and exciting tournaments. It is a game that has truly transcended the world of Avatar.
