These are the discussions questions for 2/11.
The group members are Karl Scheer, Kate Losiewicz, Nick Chamillard, Cameron Lee, and Disere Brink.
- Is the game representational? Think about what kind of world or aspect of the world the game might be representing, even if it does not specifically do so.
Yes. The game of chess represents war and conflict and the monarchy in the way that the pieces fight and have different ranks and powers. The king, consequentially, represents power.
- Are the pieces differentiated? If so, what does differentiation of pieces (or lack thereof) say?
The differentiation says that different people are more important than others. Some are strong and some are not. This is shown in their movement and positions.
- Can all the pieces or only some of the pieces move? (Note: ‘pieces’ are any tokens)
All of the pieces can move, but they all move differently, once again, this goes back to the power and rank of the pieces.
- How is space arranged in the game? Is it linear or planar? What might this say about the game?
Space is planar, it show the battle format of the game and two different sides in battle lines just like normal warfare.
- What are the pieces in the game referred to as? (ex. ‘Men,’ ‘King,’ ‘Bishop’) This is a type of ‘color’ given to the game. What can we learn about the game world from this?
All the pieces have different names according to their rank. The names show that the world has an imbalance of power and that some pieces are better than others.
- What do the pieces look like? Why are they shaped or colored in this manner? If they are representational, how accurately do they reflect their real-world counterparts?
The pieces all have looks that demonstrate their names (The bishop has a bishop hat, the knight has a horse).
- Which player moves first? How is this determined?
White player always moves first because the rules say so. This once again shows a bit of inequality.
- Are there any unique (or humorous) situations that can arise in the game?
When only the kings are left. Without their minions, kings can do nothing.
- Are there any variations to the game? (including house rules) What aspects of the game do these change?
Speed chess! There are not many prevalent alternate versions.
Great set of observations! I'm glad you uploaded your group's observations to your blog. Looking for these kinds of symbolism in ordinary games is important to understanding how games can create messages - and how you can use these concepts to create your own games with your own messages.
ReplyDeleteRemember too: the king's power ultimately depends on the strength of his minions. However, the fact that his capture will end the game also means that he is above the other pieces.
If we think of the Prince as the Queen, then we have an additional layer of symbolism: The Prince/Queen can secede the throne, is younger/stronger/more flexible than the king, but he/she is ultimately not the true source of power.
Devin Monnens