Hu Ronghua Xiangqi Games
Welcome to the Hu Ronghua Xiangqi Games app, a comprehensive collection showcasing the brilliance of Grandmaster Hu Ronghua (胡荣华 / Hồ Vinh Hoa), one of the greatest Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) players in history.
About the App
This interactive Xiangqi app offers an unparalleled learning experience, featuring:
Language options: English, Vietnamese, and Chinese
Adjustable board sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large
Various GUI themes to enhance your playing experience
An extensive collection of Hu Ronghua's most memorable and instructive games
The Legend: Hu Ronghua (胡荣华 / Hồ Vinh Hoa)
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born on November 14, 1945, in Shanghai, Hu Ronghua's journey in Xiangqi began at a remarkably young age. While the exact age he started playing is debated (some say 4, others 10), Hu himself recalls being unbeatable among his peers during elementary school.
In 1957, at just 12 years old, Hu caught the attention of renowned Xiangqi master Xu Dakang, who became his mentor. Under Xu's guidance, Hu's skills rapidly developed as he was introduced to high-level play at famous Shanghai chess venues.
Unprecedented Achievements
14-time Chinese National Xiangqi Singles Champion (a record)
Youngest champion at age 15 (1960) and oldest champion at age 55 (2000)
10 consecutive championships from 1960-1979, earning the title "Ten Consecutive Xiangqi King" (十连霸)
First champion of the Xiangqi Champion's Tournament (1988)
5-time winner of the prestigious Five Rams Cup
Key player in Shanghai's team victories in the National Team Tournament (1960, 1979, 1986, 1991, 1994)
A Career Spanning Decades
Hu Ronghua's dominance in Xiangqi lasted for over 40 years, from 1960 to the early 2000s. His career is marked by several milestone achievements:
1960: Won his first national championship at age 15
1960-1979: Achieved his legendary "Ten Consecutive Championships"
1982: Awarded the title of "Special Class Grandmaster" by the Chinese Xiangqi Association
1988: Became the first "Xiangqi King" and was named "International Grandmaster" by the Asian Xiangqi Federation
1997: Won his 13th national championship at age 52
2000: Claimed his 14th and final national championship at age 55
Playing Style and Contributions
Hu Ronghua's playing style is characterized by:
Deep calculations and foresight
Creative and innovative openings
Excellent endgame technique
Mastery of the "Flying Elephant" opening and the "Opposite Palace Horse" defense
Ability to adapt his strategy to different opponents
Hu is renowned for revolutionizing several aspects of Xiangqi strategy:
Revived and improved the "Opposite Palace Horse" defense
Innovated the "Central Cannon vs Screen Horse" variations
Developed new theories for the "Flying Elephant" opening
Notable Games and Moments
The app features several of Hu Ronghua's most memorable matches, including:
1960: His championship-winning game at age 15, shocking the Xiangqi world
1965: The legendary battle against Wang Jialiang, showcasing Hu's superior endgame skills
1982: The intense match against Dyang Quanlin, demonstrating Hu's innovative approach to traditional openings
1997 and 2000: His 13th and 14th championship victories, proving his enduring skill even in his 50s
Contributions Beyond Playing
Hu Ronghua's impact on Xiangqi extends far beyond his playing career:
Authored several influential books on strategy and tactics
Mentored numerous top players, including Xie Jing
Promoted Xiangqi globally through exhibitions and lectures
Pioneered the use of computers in Xiangqi analysis
Notable Publications
"Specialized Collection on the Opposite Palace Horse" (反宫马专集)
"Hu Ronghua's Self-Annotated Games" (胡荣华象棋自战解说谱)
"Hu Ronghua's Hundred Flying Elephant Games" (胡荣华飞相百局)
"Selected Games of Hu Ronghua" (co-authored with Xu Tianhong)
Honors and Titles
1982: Awarded "Special Class Grandmaster" and the Sports Honor Medal by the Chinese State Sports Commission
1988: Named "International Grandmaster" by the Asian Xiangqi Federation
2000: Recognized as one of the "Ten Outstanding Xiangqi Players of New China"
A Xiangqi academy in Shanghai was named after him: "Hu Ronghua Xiangqi Academy"
Current Roles and Legacy
Even in retirement, Hu Ronghua continues to shape the world of Xiangqi:
Vice President of the Chinese Xiangqi Association
First Vice Chairman of the Asian Xiangqi Federation
Advisor to numerous Xiangqi organizations and tournaments
Hu Ronghua's legacy in Xiangqi is unparalleled. His dominance over four decades, innovative play, and contributions to Xiangqi theory have earned him a place as one of the greatest chess players in history, not just in Xiangqi but in the broader world of chess.
Learn from the Master
Through this app, you'll have the opportunity to study and analyze Hu Ronghua's most brilliant games, gain insights from his strategic thinking, and improve your own Xiangqi skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, the genius of Hu Ronghua has something to teach you.
Start Your Journey
Embark on an exciting journey through the world of high-level Xiangqi. Download the Hu Ronghua Xiangqi Games app now and start learning from one of the greatest chess minds of the 20th century!