Well-fed, at leisure in proper abode
Open my robe, focus on chess thought.
Carved board adorned with clam-leg patterns
Set board edged with ivory trim.
Split earth, four directions raised
Divide banners before two battle lines.
Knit brows pondering superior strategy
Bend fingers calculating central power.
Strong soldiers charge through encirclement
Strange troops swiftly seize territory.
Fish-scale formation spreads nine defenses
Crane wings enfold three borders.
Pursuit and attack, why wait for response?
Vying for advantage, never tired of taking lead.
Double passes guard against easy break
Single eye fears difficulty in survival.
A proud general often suffers disgrace
An enemy shamed repeatedly crushes strongholds.
Suddenly see success turn to failure
Frequently watch cut-off stones reconnect.
Should know the sorrow of Yue's restoration
Cherish the weak, value Xing's relocation.
Criticizing customs like Wei Hongsi
Seeking fame like Ge Zhichuan.
Though moments of time can be precious
How can the minor Way be discarded?
The Minister broke his clogs that day
The woodcutter saw axe-handle rot, years passed.
Tang Yao still did not abandon it
Confucius moreover praised its worth.
The art of board games preserved in records
The Classic of Pots written in rites chapters.
A message to Lu Shiheng
Do not mock Wang Zhongxuan.