Liu Dahua Xiangqi Chess Records Journey into the brilliant world of Liu Dahua (柳大华), the legendary "Oriental Computer" of Xiangqi, through this comprehensive collection of his most memorable games and strategic masterpieces. The Living Legend Born on March 3, 1950, in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, Liu Dahua has become a legend in the world of Xiangqi (Chinese Chess). His journey from a curious young enthusiast to one of the greatest Xiangqi masters of all time is a testament to dedication, exceptional memory, and strategic brilliance that continues to inspire players worldwide. Under the early influence of his brother and the expert guidance of Grandmaster Li Yiting, Liu's extraordinary talent bloomed at a remarkably young age. By 13, he had already claimed the youth Xiangqi championship in Hubei province, signaling the arrival of a future legend. His meteoric rise through the ranks of Chinese Xiangqi was nothing short of spectacular, progressing from third place in the Chinese National Xiangqi Singles Tournament in 1974 to eventually dethroning the seemingly invincible Hu Ronghua in 1980. Championship Glory Liu's trophy cabinet tells the story of sustained excellence over decades. His remarkable achievements include being a two-time winner of the Chinese National Xiangqi Singles Tournament (1980-1981), twice crowned champion of the prestigious Five Rams Cup (1981, 1983), and three-time victor of the Yinli Cup (1991, 1993, 1997). As a key player in multiple Asian Xiangqi Team Championships, Liu helped establish China's dominance in international competition. The Oriental Computer Liu's nickname, "Oriental Computer," is well-earned and speaks to abilities that border on the supernatural. His memory and analytical skills have become the stuff of legend, most famously demonstrated through his blindfold chess records that stood as monuments to human cognitive capability. In 1988, he played against 15 opponents simultaneously while blindfolded, later surpassing his own record in 1995 by facing 19 opponents (9 wins, 8 draws, 2 losses). This incredible feat stood unbroken for 15 years, inspiring awe even among fellow grandmasters who understood the mental demands of such an undertaking. Perhaps the most astonishing display of Liu's photographic memory occurred in 1996 during a tournament. After witnessing a brilliant tactical sequence, Liu not only analyzed it in extraordinary depth but also recalled an virtually identical move from a game played three decades earlier. He then proceeded to set up the entire board position from memory to demonstrate the similarity, leaving even seasoned grandmasters speechless at this display of mental prowess. A Mind Like No Other In interviews, Liu has revealed fascinating insights into his approach to the game. He particularly enjoys blitz games, viewing them as "a challenge to the speed of reaction in a limited time" that makes Xiangqi "more exciting". His ability to maintain tactical sharpness even under severe time pressure has been a hallmark of his playing style throughout his career. Despite his advancing age, Liu's passion for the game remains undiminished. While he acknowledges that "I am getting old day by day, I find that my ability has been failing short of my ambition," he maintains that his "skill of Xiangqi play has not shown any sign of retrogress". This honest self-assessment reflects the wisdom of a true master who understands both his strengths and the natural evolution of competitive chess. Strategic Innovation and Legacy Liu's aggressive playing style, particularly his masterful handling of mid-game positions, has influenced generations of players. His deep understanding of tactical combinations and positional nuances has made him not just a champion, but a teacher whose games serve as textbooks for aspiring masters. Today, Liu remains an active and respected figure in the global Xiangqi community. Through his ongoing contributions, including detailed explanatory videos on opening strategies and tactical motifs, he ensures that his vast knowledge and passion for the ancient game continue to benefit future generations of players. Enhanced with Modern AI Technology This collection of Liu Dahua's games is enhanced with cutting-edge NNUE (Efficiently Updatable Neural Networks) technology. Unlike traditional handcrafted evaluation methods, NNUE provides stronger and more accurate position analysis by using lightweight neural networks trained on millions of positions. This technology has proven particularly effective in Xiangqi, where tactical and strategic evaluations are essential, offering insights that complement and enhance our understanding of Liu's brilliant moves. Modern Xiangqi engines using NNUE evaluation can now provide analysis that approaches the depth and accuracy that masters like Liu Dahua demonstrated through pure human calculation. This technological advancement allows us to appreciate even more fully the genius behind Liu's combinations and the precision of his strategic thinking. Explore the Games Whether you're a beginner seeking to understand fundamental Xiangqi principles or an advanced player looking to refine your tactical vision, Liu Dahua's games offer invaluable lessons. Each game in this collection represents a masterpiece of strategic thinking, tactical execution, and the kind of deep positional understanding that separates grandmasters from mere strong players. Step into the world of the "Oriental Computer" and discover why Liu Dahua's games continue to captivate and educate Xiangqi enthusiasts around the globe. Every move tells a story, every position offers a lesson, and every game provides a window into the mind of one of Xiangqi's greatest masters.