Othello is a board game where players alternately place black and white stones, capturing the opponent's stones by sandwiching them between their own. While it's a game loved worldwide, it's actually an invention from Japan.
The Creation of Othello
Othello was invented by a Japanese man named Mr. Goro Hasegawa. Mr. Goro Hasegawa came up with this game in 1945, during his junior high school years, shortly after the end of World War II. At that time, Japan had few forms of entertainment due to the aftermath of the war, and Mr. Goro Hasegawa created this game to play with his friends. Despite its simple rules, Othello offers deep strategic gameplay. In 1973, it was released by a Japanese toy manufacturer and subsequently gained popularity worldwide. The name "Othello" is derived from Shakespeare's play "Othello". The game was named after the story, which centers around the Black general Othello and his white wife Desdemona, where allegiances shift rapidly, much like the gameplay of Othello.
Othello Rules
The rules of Othello are incredibly simple and can be learned in just a minute. While the rules are straightforward, the game has a deep strategic nature, making it enjoyable for people of all ages and genders.
- Players alternately place black and white stones.
- When an opponent's stone is sandwiched between your stones, all of the opponent's sandwiched stones turn into your color.
- The player with the most stones on the board at the end wins.
Benefits of Playing Othello
Othello engages both the mind and fingertips and also stimulates conversation. It is often cited as one of the best games for children to play. Some medical institutions even use Othello in the treatment of patients with brain injuries, recognizing it as an intellectual communication tool.
Othello's Global Popularity
Othello is played by around 600 million people in 65 countries worldwide, and there are even world championships held for it. The 44th World Othello Championship was held in Paris, France, where a Japanese player emerged as the winner.
Othello, invented by the Japanese, is a game loved worldwide. It would be delightful if this sparks an interest in Othello for you.
