Learning from Othello: The Importance of the 'Intent' Behind an Ordinary Move

As I mentioned in my article on the three lessons of an Othello-like life, the tricks to Othello are very simple.

First of all, there is a big difference between knowing the tricks and not knowing them.
However, since the tricks themselves are simple, anyone can learn and remember them.

Yes, tricks that anyone can understand in the same way.

And yet, even when knowing the same tricks, differences emerge depending on the player.

It's interesting. It truly is, "that match, simple yet profound."
I believe this arises from the 'meaning invested in a single move'.

▼ The Essence of Othello: Controlling Options

The essence of Othello is controlling your own and your opponent's 'options' and 'possibilities'.
Due to this nature, it is not a game of 'creating possibilities' like Shogi, but rather 'choosing from given possibilities'.
And you have to think about moves that are closer to 'defense and management' rather than 'offense'.
Furthermore, 'solid' moves that follow the tricks are better than 'eccentric' ones.

That's why, once you get to a certain level of strength, everyone has the same thought process—
in other words, they play moves that follow the tricks, right?
And that shouldn't be that difficult once you get used to it.

▼ So, why do differences emerge?

Why do differences emerge even among those who know the tricks? Is it luck?

| Basic Othello Strategy (Tricks)

1. Don't take too many. Take pieces so that your color stays on the inside.
→ Since your own color cannot be flipped, the number of places you can play decreases.

2. Understand that when you place a piece, you create places for your opponent to play.
→ Play in a way that minimizes the number of places your opponent can play.

3. Recognize that your opponent is also thinking (seeking) the same thing.
→ Eliminate or change the places your opponent wants to play.

| Whether or not you invest 'meaning'

For example, even when making a single move—
Suppose one person only invests '1. Don't take too many' into that move...

In contrast, suppose another person makes a move investing three meanings: '1. Don't take too many; 2. Don't increase the opponent's available spots; 3. Eliminate the opponent's good moves'.

At first glance, even if both moves seem good and don't violate any principles when looked at individually,the difference in the 'meaning invested' accumulates as the number of moves increases.

And that eventually manifests as a significant difference.
I think that is what Othello is.

▼ Similarities between life and Othello

Doesn't it seem similar?

There are almost no chances to 'attack,' and
basically, you have no choice but to 'choose' from the options available.

...Ah, that's the 'life' of an ordinary person like me (laughs).

But even for an ordinary person—
there is a difference between someone who just chooses andsomeone who chooses with meaning invested,isn't there?

▼ Choices are the accumulation of 'meaning'

Life is a series of choices.
And while the difference in the meaning invested doesn't appear immediately,it definitely accumulates.

Choose a move that isn't a failure rather than a move for success.
Even if you fail, or even if it looks like a failure at first—
make sure you can connect it to the next step.

▼ I want you to remember this when you are in a situation where you must 'choose'

When you decide to do something,
when there are many things you can do or want to do,
when you are made to do something—

please remember!

When you can only do one thing, or when you have to choose.
That there is a criterion for judgment: choose the one where you can invest multiple thoughts and meanings....

▼ Now, for your move today...

How many meanings have you invested in it?

Even if you are being 'made' to do something,
don't just 'do it';
infuse it with your own meaning.
I believe that is what influences future possibilities.

▼Conclusion

Thank you for joining me again today.
I hope this question has served as a gateway to a new 'question' for you.