Throughout history, humans have come up with ways to entertain themselves using objects such as cards, counters, and boards. Over thousands of years, these have evolved (进化) into the games we know today, from traditional sets with simple rules and basic pieces, all the way to modern electronic consoles (see the picture attached on the right-hand side) with advanced technology and lifelike interactive graphics (图形).
Strategy game Chess Where Asia When c. 600 AD Many countries claim to have invented chess but one forerunner of the game appeared in India in the 7th century. Over the centuries chess has evolved and spread across the globe, becoming one of the most popular strategy games. It is played with two players who take turns to move 16 pieces to attack each other's king. The aim is to trap the king into checkmate (将死), so that it cannot move to safety. | |
Card game Chinese playing cards Where China When 9th century AD The earliest known playing cards are believed to have originated in China during the Tang Dynasty, though how games with these cards were played is not known today. The modern pack of 52 playing cards, with ♥hearts, ♠spades, ♦diamonds, and ♣clubs, developed much later, in France during the 15th century. | |
Word game Crossword Where US When 1913 The first crossword puzzle was published in the Sunday supplement (增刊) of the New York World newspaper. A series of written clues help the player complete a grid (方格) of horizontal and vertical missing words. Crosswords are not only entertaining, but also expand vocabulary and aid brain development. |