Welcome to my second original collection of classic strategy entitled Qyshinsu : Mystery of the Way. This edition includes an enriched narrative and storyline that will provide timeless moments of challenge and intrigue.

Qyshinsu is the second chapter of a sacred journey told through the eyes of a fictional traveler named Hakummar. He travels to a far away land in search of the legendary Master Qy. Along his way, he encounters a mysterious herbalist named Li. She assists him on his sojourn as he discovers the secrets that lie within the ancient practice known as Qyshinsu.

On Saturday May 17, 2008 I held a gathering for the release of my second original classic strategy collection, “Qyshinsu: Mystery of the Way”. The event was filled with warm regards and fellowship. I am still speechless by the amount of love and support from friends and family who attended. It has truly been a blessing for me to share my joy in this way.

It was nice to show folks of what my work actually involves – I create the game, the graphic design, and writing also. It was also an opportunity to thank my woodworker Tim who has been with me on this strange journery of mine since day one. I enjoyed providing folks with a sense of what actually goes into my “work”. Although the pieces are manufactured, all the boards are handcrafted by Tim himself. The quality of craftmanship he brings is invaluable.

The road has been a long as look back over the last 15 years of quietly mastering my “craft”. I proud to release this latest collection as the depth alone is worthy of exploration. I am currently working on my 6th game while the 3rd, 4th, and 5th are eagerly awaiting to be released as well. As a friend of mine once said, “In all things there own time.”

To those who have and continue to support me and my work throughout the years, I simply bow and say “Thank you”!

The simplicity of the Zhadu board design belies a depth and uniqueness in the stones movement. While from first appearance there appear to be eight triangles, there are in fact four places within each one that a stone may reside – near the three corners and the center.

“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. Read the rest »

While the Stone of 2 is the most prevalent of the stones in casting a Shade, the Stone of 3 is next in line. Where the two differ significantly is that the former casts a shade when it resides on any angle, while the latter only casts a shade when it resides on some angles. It is this uniqueness of the Stone of 3 that provides tactical insights for strategic considerations.

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. Read the rest »

There is a phenomenon within Zhadu that has become known as the Shades. A “shade” is a space or spaces that remains hidden from a particular stone while still residing within the range of that stone. This is caused by the very nature of a particular stone’s range of movement and at times due to the presence of other stones.

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. Read the rest »