“The path you travel are the steps you leave behind” – Guhrel

This results in a total of 32 spaces on the Zhadu board for the stones to move along. One’s journey in becoming adept at Zhadu consists of learning to understand the “pathways” of which the stones travel.

In the picture above, the lines represent how one space relates to another within a triangle and the “pathways” by which a stone may in fact travel from one triangle to the next. The points or intersections represent where a stone may reside.

“Many paths of Zhadu remain hidden from the onset. It  is crucial to know how to walk before deciding on ones destination.“ – Hakummar

Some folks have inquired how come these so-called “pathways” aren’t made visible on the board itself. Besides the aesthetic considerations, the learning of the pathways as illustrated in the image is not meant to be the end of understanding, but the beginning. In order to truly explore the subtle depth of Zhadu, one must learn to see beyond the individual spaces (this includes “counting” them as well) and start seeing the board in terms of ‘diamonds’. This is referred to in the narrative as the lost art of the Gaze. We’ll explore this in another discussion.

The combination of the Stone of 2 and the Stone of 3 makes for some interesting circumstances regarding the play. Each one can reside in the shade of the other without concern while still being able to threaten the other stone directly.

In the picture above, when the Stone of 3 resides on a space that is adjacent to one or two other angles, these angles that are adjacent to those are hidden from this stone. Although these spaces reside within the range of this stone, it is unable to move to these spaces in a single turn due to the nature of its movement.

“Such is the elusiveness of the Stone of 3 that I had previously not considered. Its power in range is usually its most mentioned attribute, but I realized it is the way it casts its Shades that sets this stone apart from the others.” – Hakummar

In the picture to the right, the Stone of 3 resides on an angle that is adjacent to only one other angle of another triangle. Since this other angle has no additional angles adjacent to it, the Stone of 3 casts no shade when it resides here.

As mentioned with the ‘Stone of 2′, the importance of understanding the nature of the Shades lies in the fact that an empty space(s) is created for which another stone can reside in. This other stone could be ones own thereby securing or protecting the space, or the opponent’s stone.

The Shades of the Stone of 3 are larger in number when this stone resides on an angle near the center of the board. While this is true for the Stone of 2 and the Stone of 4 as well, it is the ability of the Stone of 3 to move a space closer to its own shade without stepping into it directly that makes this stone formidable. In some strategies, the Stone of 3 is maneuvered in a way to lure opposing stones into its shades in order to maneuver to an adjacent angle to the opposing stone on either side.

Only the Stone of 2, Stone of 3, and the Stone of 4 are susceptible to casting a shade depending on where these stones actually reside on the board. The limited range of the Stone of 1 and the diversity of the Open Stone renders both of these stones immune from casting a shade.

The Stone of 2 has been considered a prime example of demonstrating the mystery of the Shades. In the picture above, when the Stone of 2 resides on a space that is adjacent to one or two other angles, those angles are hidden from this stone. Although these spaces reside within the range of this stone, it is unable to move to these spaces in a single turn due to the nature of its movement.

“I was at a loss for words upon seeing how Guhrel’s stone was near to my own but in some ways so far away. Before I could even respond, he whispered , ‘Shades’. I wasn’t sure if I heard correctly. Again, he whispered, ‘Shades’ almost realizing my own uncertainty.” – Hakummar

In the picture to the right, the Stone of 2 resides on an angle that is adjacent to only one other angle of another triangle. This space as well is hidden from this stone although it resides within this stone’s range of movement.

While the Stone of 2 is formidable in terms of strategies related to the Sharing, it’s potential shortcoming lies in the way in which it casts its Shades. The importance of understanding the nature of the Shades lies in the fact that an empty space(s) is created for which another stone can reside in. This other stone could be ones own thereby securing or protecting the space, or the opponent’s stone.

By its nature, a Shade is neither advantageous or disadvantageous. How one actually is able to utilize them to ones benefit determines the worth therein. In some circumstances, one may wish to cast a shade in order to lure an opponent’s stone to a particular angle. This angle may prove to be beneficial to one in terms of positioning purposes. At other times, one may wish to avoid casting shades altogether thereby not allowing ones opponent any leverage in maneuvering in an unsecured manner.

So, in the Fall of 2006, I decided to re-write the entire guidelines from the perspective of the character Hakummar. We learn about Zhadu from his journals and letters. The writing was a new and enlivening experience for me for I had the story inside me for many years and now this was a way to share it. Being an artist at heart, I also took the time to do the graphic design of the entire guidelines as well. This was complimented with an illustration done by a professional fantasy artist, Alan Pollack, whom I worked with to visually bring Hakummar to life.

Only the few people who have acquired Zhadu post Fall of 2006 actually have the new guidelines. For those new to Zhadu and those of you who have acquired Zhadu in the past, you may preview the guidelines here: Zhadu_Guidelines (2.4MB .pdf)

Part of the uniqueness of Zhadu is that one player can be in the Offering phase and the other player can be in the Horizon phase. This is made possible by the fact that each player may capture their very first stone at a different time than that of their opponent.

Since the first stone captured determines a player’s pathway to remembering the Sharing, it is crucial that one determine not only where this occurs but when. Choosing to transition into the Horizon before or after ones opponent lies at the heart of understanding the 2 different kinds of strategies within Zhadu – those of the “Dawn” and those of the “Dusk”.

Strategies of the “Dawn” refers to when a player has chosen to transition into the Horizon before their opponent. Strategies of the “Dusk” refers to when a player has chosen to transition into the Horizon after their opponent.

The Offering is an often neglected aspect of the play. Contrary to what some may believe, the strategic considerations begin with the actual placing of the stones. More light will be shed on this subject as we learn more from the journals of Hakummar. In future articles, we explore the different groups & setups and the advantages/disadvantages there within.

The singularity of this pathway allows the opponent to approach the player with their other stones in their fullest capacity save perhaps the Open stone itself. This situation has led to the development of a particular tactic in Zhadu referred to as the “Winding”.

“Beware the frolic of your shallow gaze for the Winding awaits.” – Guhrel

The Winding is a special kind of sacrifice whereupon one tries to compel the other player to capture ones Stone of 2. Although any of a player’s stones may be used in this way, it has become customary to associate the Winding with compelling the opponent to capture this particular stone as their first capture.

While this may be done in a seemingly haphazard way, the key to its mastery lies in its timing. The Winding is most effective when it is not foreseen in advance. Stealth is often a preferred course of action when utilizing this tactic especially when used within a strategy of the “Dusk”.

“I am told that it is rarely spoken of amongst those new to the way. But for those whose journey has weathered many storms, the shining light of the Horizon guides them to the Sharing.” – Hakummar

Different pathways offer different challenges when one enters into the Horizon. For some, the fate of the stones is shared among a few while for other pathways only a single stone must bear the burden. An important consideration regarding the Horizon is when one actually chooses to enter into it. The choice of ones pathway to remembering the Sharing lies in an understanding of when and where to “cross” the Horizon.