In Chinese chess history, there is a famous piece that has been used for centuries - the dragon of the sky, known as Wu Jingui's Wing Defense in Shanghai Shenhua. This powerful piece, which can move through the air and strike diagonally across the board, has become one of the most recognizable pieces in modern chess.
Wu Jingui was a Chinese chess master who lived from 1527 to 1619. He was born into a family of merchants and had a keen interest in chess. He studied chess extensively and became proficient at it. In 1588, he won a tournament against a renowned player named Fan Yuyi, which set him on a path to becoming a chess prodigy.
Wu Jingui's Wing Defense was one of his most famous moves. It consists of moving two pawns diagonally across the board and then capturing them with the help of the knight. The knight is known for its ability to leap over other pieces and capture enemies easily.
The Wing Defense was particularly effective against white pieces, such as the bishop or rook. It allowed Wu Jingui to control the center of the board while still having enough space to maneuver around the opponent's knights and bishops.
Despite its effectiveness, Wu Jingui's Wing Defense also had some drawbacks. It required skill and strategy to use effectively, and it could be challenging to learn quickly. However, it remains one of the most recognized and widely played pieces in modern chess.
Today, the Wing Defense is still used in many games, especially in tournaments. It is often seen in matches where players have to outmaneuver their opponents and take advantage of their weaknesses. Despite its limitations, the Wing Defense continues to be a valuable tool in the game of chess.