Dharma of the Board
Shaolin Chess is different, it's hard.
it's not for everyone. it's a living puzzle in which you contend in the grand skirmishes, but if there's a market for the Rubik's cube, Topo Chico, Celery soda, or Go, there's a market for this...
Shaolin Chess will never be an online game. Let's be honest, there are enough of those. I wanted to create a community that didn't revolve around: Alcohol, Drugs, Deities, or Politics. A community based on mutual and personal growth, challenge, stories, and thought.
One where if you said something out of line, you'd immediately know.
So here are a few codes of conduct to cultivate the culture:
1. Put Your Phone Away
Much like taking your shoes off when entering a home, this is probably the most important aspect I will go over. This is your time, be here. The board deserves your full attention, and so does everyone around it. There's nothing respectful in dissociating around the table.
2. There Is Always a Tomorrow
Before the first match, name something you're putting effort into: a project, your finances, your focus, your joy, patience, whatever you're growing. own it.
3. Play With Respect
No slamming pieces. No power trips. No yelling. We play to grow, not dominate.
4. Lose with Strength, Win with Grace
After each match, all players express one thing they learned or respected in others strategy. Let reflection end the round, not ego.
5. Share the Time
let people finish their thoughts. give space like you’d want space to speak, and if someone is quiet give them a chance to speak.
6. One Silent Round
Each meetup, spend at least one round or game in total silence. You’d be surprised how much the game speaks when you listen.
7. Keep the story going
Tell a story, from your life, or from something you've read, or from the game itself. Not one at someone else’s expense, it's weak, especially if they’re not present to defend themselves.
8. Keep it clean
Leave yourself, your space and friends better than you found them.
This is not about hygiene, this is about respect.
9. Record the Highlights
If something cool or meaningful happened during the game, write it down in the group's shared records.
10. We're Just Passing Through
One day, someone else will sit in your seat. Don’t pretend you haven’t made mistakes. Teach with Grace and understanding.
