Gambles of History: Unravelling the Threads of China's Millennia-Long Gambling Saga

Embarking on an odyssey through ancient China's intricate tapestry of gambling unveils a captivating saga, weaving threads of entertainment, strategy, and societal impact over the course of millennia. From its nascent roots over 3,000 years ago in the Xia dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties' flourishing card games and mahjong, China's relationship with gambling is a dynamic and evolving narrative.

The earliest form of gambling recorded in China dates back to the Xia dynasty (c.2070 – 1600 BCE), known as "bo." The ancient Analytical Dictionary of Chinese Characters notes that Wu Cao, an official during the Xia dynasty, invented "liubo," a board game using 12 chess pieces. While the rules of liubo are lost to history, it is considered a precursor to chess, indicating an early fascination with strategic games.

As the Spring and Autumn (770 – 476 BCE) and Warring States (475 – 221 BCE) periods unfolded, gambling took on diverse forms. Beyond board games, competitions involving animals became prevalent. Horse racing emerged as a favorite among the wealthy, with notable bets recorded in historical texts. Tian Ji, a military general, and the king of Qi engaged in legendary horse races, creating a strategic spectacle that entered cultural lore.

Cockfights and dog races captured the interest of ordinary citizens during these periods. However, gambling was not without its dark side. The Commentary of Zuo, a narrative history of political events, recounts a cheating incident in cockfighting between two high-ranking officials that escalated into political turmoil, leading to a palace coup.

The allure of gambling persisted, intertwining with power struggles and personal vendettas. The infamous case of Huangfu Hui during the Five Dynasties period exemplifies the transformative impact of gambling on history. Losing all his money, Huangfu resorted to kidnapping his general and fomenting a rebellion against the emperor, ultimately altering the course of dynastic rule.

Government attempts to regulate gambling emerged during the Wei state and subsequent dynasties. The Wei state's Canon of Laws stipulated fines for gamblers, with harsher penalties for the crown prince. The Qin dynasty introduced tattooing on the forehead as a punishment for those partaking in gambling activities. Despite these measures, the burgeoning popularity of gambling persisted.

In the Tang dynasty (618 – 907), cricket fighting became fashionable, leading to Emperor Xuande of the Ming dynasty earning the moniker "Cricket Emperor." Strategic bets on cricket fights influenced political decisions, showcasing the intertwining of leisure and power. The Eastern Jin dynasty saw military general Wen Jiao's penchant for the chance game "chupu," leading to personal debts and precarious situations.

The Ming and Qing dynasties ushered in a new era of gambling. Card games gained popularity, and mahjong, a game that would become synonymous with Chinese leisure, was invented. The Sketch Book of Liaozuo describes a society engulfed in gambling, playing day and night, reflecting the widespread allure of these games.

Despite laws attempting to curb gambling, its deep-seated roots in Chinese culture persisted. Notable figures like Emperor Xuan of the Han dynasty, who appointed a creditor as a prefectural chief, exemplified the entanglement of gambling with political and social structures. The Ming and Qing dynasties saw a proliferation of gambling forms, illustrating its pervasive nature.

The multifaceted nature of gambling extended beyond entertainment. Prime Minister Jia Sidao's moniker "Cricket Prime Minister" and Emperor Daozong of the Liao dynasty's dice-casting decisions added political dimensions to these pastimes. Qing writer Pu Songling's warnings about the destructive impact of gambling on families and moral integrity highlighted the societal challenges posed by these activities.

In essence, China's gambling history transcends mere entertainment, weaving a complex narrative of societal, political, and personal dynamics. It stands as a testament to the enduring allure and multifaceted challenges posed by games of chance across the diverse landscape of Chinese cultural evolution. The intricate interplay between leisure, strategy, and power illustrates the profound and lasting impact of gambling on the tapestry of Chinese history.

By fLEXI tEAM