The Senior Games Photo

Photographer’s Note

On the back streets throughout China men gather for the game of Chinese Chess. Xiangqi as it is called in China is one of the most popular board games for older men such as these.

Distinctive features of Xiangqi include the unique movement of the pao ("cannon") piece, a rule prohibiting the generals (similar to chess kings) from facing each other directly, and the river and palace board features, which restrict the movement of some pieces. These men focus hard on each play and often make suggestions (kibitz) on every move ... "coaching" the key players. Sometimes this gets heated.

The group here is larger than what is pictured about 12 men, but a wider shot looses the game board and key players. There were three such groups of men at this location and perhaps thousands more throughout China.

I was invited to play, but these men are masters and I don't know all the rules ... and there are some language issues as my Chinese is weak.

BennyV has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

BennyV (5002) 2009-01-27 10:30

Hello David,

I like the framing here, with the man on the left and all eyes on the board. Good informative note, too.

Benny

geist_21 (652) 2009-01-29 3:16

Very interesting to find this shot, lately I have also been trying to take some shot of Chinese chess theme.

I like this framing you did here, you placed yourself as an observer, and captured nicely the spectators, players and the game itself.

The only negative note I have to point here is about the slight noise in the photo, according the photo info you plubished here, you used an ISO 1600, and usually that is not the best for this kind of shots