Ancient Game: Backgammon or Go

Debate is on regarding the oldest game in the world. While many feel that the oldest game in the world is backgammon, members of the American Go Association state that the oldest game is 'Go'. Claimed to be over 4000 to 5000 years old, the game of Go is said to have originated in Asia. It can be played in ten minutes or may go on for days as in China. The game enjoys huge popularity in Asian countries and is played by people from all age groups, starting as young as four years old. The game comprises of a wooden board that comes with 180 black stones and 180 white stones. The objective of 'Go' is to capture territory and this involves much strategy and observation. Few feel that the many lines of the game originally served as a forerunner of the abacus. Others also feel that the game is a fortune telling game and the pieces represent yin and yang.

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