Cultural and Artistic Reformation Activity - Gomoku competition

To encourage inmates to engage in positive recreational activities, our institution organized a "Gomoku Competition for Inmates" on August 15^th, 2024. Through this board game competition, participants were able to enhance their logical reasoning and judgment skills, exercise their intellect, and improve concentration, all of which contribute to personal growth and the development of cognitive abilities. A total of 22 representatives from various units participated in the competition.

An elderly inmate, referred to as "Ah De" (pseudonym), who is over seventy years old, shared his thoughts on the event. He mentioned that, due to his age, he cannot compete with the younger participants in terms of physical strength. However, chess transcends age, allowing players to engage in intellectual battles and hone their skills. Although the rules of Gomoku are simple, the game board is like life itself—different players make different moves, leading to different outcomes. Some players are aggressive and relentless in their attacks, while others carefully control the pace and balance between offense and defense. There are also those who are patient, defending while waiting for the right moment to strike. Ah De reflected on his younger years, when he was often impulsive and lacked foresight. As he aged, he learned to slow down, consider the bigger picture, and plan his moves more thoughtfully. The evolution of his playing style mirrors his deeper understanding of life.

Warden Huang Hongxi remarked that chess, like life, offers more than just intellectual stimulation, entertainment, and the improvement of logical reasoning and concentration. It also helps stabilize thoughts and cultivate a well-rounded personality. In Gomoku, the first player to connect five stones in a row wins, but success requires careful balance between offense and defense. Acting too hastily can lead to failure, just as in life, where rushing forward without caution often results in setbacks. By moving forward at a steady pace and thinking carefully before acting, one can plan well and create a bright and successful future.

After several rounds of competition, the event concluded in a relaxed yet slightly tense atmosphere. The champions, runners-up, and third-place winners were announced, and prizes were awarded. Participants were encouraged to understand that simple things often contain profound truths. Although the rules of Gomoku are simple, victory or defeat is often determined within just a few moves. This principle applies to life as well—one should not boast of their abilities in moments of success, nor should they lose heart in times of failure. Maintaining composure allows one to face temporary disadvantages and wait for the next opportunity to turn the tide.