Khanhoo Marker
Introduction
Khanhoo, a captivating card game that bridges cultures,
emerged from the rich tapestry of Chinese gaming traditions. Its journey to the
Western world was facilitated by Sir William Henry Wilkinson, a British
diplomat with a penchant for exploring the intricacies of games. In 1891,
Charles Goodall & Son, the renowned London-based playing card manufacturer,
published Khanhoo for the English audience.
Origins and Gameplay
In its original form, Khanhoo was
known as Kanhu during the Ming dynasty in China. The game’s objective
is straightforward: players must eliminate all their cards by melding them
together. The first player to achieve this feat earns 5 points, and the
ultimate victor is the one who reaches 50 points across two, three, or four
rounds.
Sir William Henry Wilkinson: The
Cultural Bridge
Sir Wilkinson, a biologist and seasoned
diplomat, served in China and Korea. His fascination with Chinese games led him
to introduce Khanhoo to England before 1895. His scholarly
contributions include works such as “A Manual of Chinese Chess” (1893) and
“Chinese Origin Of Playing Cards” (1895), which delve into the historical
context and evolution of these games.
The Goodall Connection
Charles Goodall & Son, a prominent card
manufacturer, packaged Khanhoo in elegant boxes, complete with two
decks of cards. The set also included accessories like illustrated guides and
promotional material for other Goodall products.
Conclusion
Khanhoo exemplifies the cross-cultural exchange facilitated
by games. It remains a testament to the enduring appeal of card games that
transcend borders and epochs. Next time you shuffle a deck, remember the
fascinating journey of Khanhoo—from ancient China to Victorian
England.