Pai Sho is a strategy board game that originated in the fictional world of Avatar: The Last Airbender. It is often played by characters in the show as a pastime and features prominently in several episodes. However, some fans have wondered if Pai Sho is a real game that exists outside of the Avatar universe or if it was created specifically for the show. In this article, we’ll examine the origins of Pai Sho and analyze whether or not it can be considered an actual game.
Background on Pai Sho in Avatar
In Avatar, Pai Sho is portrayed as an ancient game that has been played for generations. It is especially popular among the elderly and is seen as requiring great skill and strategy to master. The game features a floral-shaped board with a series of rings that act as spaces for tiles. Players take turns placing uniquely shaped tiles on the board with the goal of capturing their opponent’s tiles.
Pai Sho is played frequently throughout the show, often during moments of down time when characters are traveling or making camp. It is most closely associated with Iroh, Zuko’s wise uncle, who is revealed to be a secret Pai Sho master. Iroh uses his Pai Sho skills to communicate with hidden members of the Order of the White Lotus by manipulating Pai Sho games as a code.
Creation of the Pai Sho Game
Pai Sho was conceptualized by the creators of Avatar specifically for the show. The board and tile shapes were all designed by the production team to give the game its unique flair. While it draws inspiration from real world Asian strategy games like Go and Shogi, Pai Sho does not have roots in any actual game played historically.
Game designers realized that they needed activities like Pai Sho for the characters to engage in during scenes of downtime. Since the show pulls heavily from Asian influences, they wanted to create a game that had a similar look and feel. According to interviews with the creators, they sketched out ideas for the floral board and angular tile shapes, settling on a design they felt matched the show’s aesthetics.
The rules and gameplay of Pai Sho were also formulated from scratch. Simple mechanics were made up to demonstrate characters playing during brief scenes. As Pai Sho became more prominent in certain episodes, its rules and strategies were expounded upon. But the foundation was built solely forAvatar rather than drawing from any pre-existing game.
Pai Sho’s Increasing Popularity
Despite being fictional, Pai Sho has captured the imagination of Avatar fans who want to experience playing the game for themselves. This enthusiasm has led to Pai Sho actually being turned into a real playable game by devotees. Multiple fanmade versions of Pai Sho now exist, complete with boards, tiles, and fully fleshed out rulebooks.
These fan interpretations use the show as a basis but have had to get creative in designing practical gameplay not explained in Avatar. Different variations have emerged with unique rules, strategies, and tile names. Sites like The Garden Gate provide forums, instructions, and resources for those looking to play real-life Pai Sho. Some hobbyists also handcraft gorgeous Pai Sho sets.
Fan conventions will often feature Pai Sho tournaments where attendees can compete against each other while bringing the game from the screen into the physical world. A niche community has arisen dedicated to enjoying this simple board game from Avatar.
Major Pai Sho Variations
| Variation | Creator | Year Created | Notable Attributes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skud Pai Sho | Skud | 2006 | One of the earliest fanmade rule sets, features unique wheel format |
| Vagabond Pai Sho | Tim Detrick | 2011 | Emphasizes bluffing and unpredictability |
| Four Nations Pai Sho | Felicia and Felix | 2013 | Adds elements from all four nations in Avatar |
Pai Sho Tournaments
The main way Pai Sho has transitioned into reality is through tournaments held at conventions like San Diego Comic-Con, Dragon Con, and Gen Con. These competitive events allow players to test their skills against each other in organized Pai Sho matches.
Participants can enter to compete in brackets of head-to-head games. Top competitors will advance through rounds over the course of the tournament until a champion emerges victorious. Tournaments have been held for versions like Vagabond Pai Sho and Four Nations Pai Sho, using standardized rules and tiles.
These contests have helped galvanize Pai Sho’s legitimacy as a playable game. They’ve also created minor celebrities in the Pai Sho scene like three-time world champion Andy Howl and reigning champion Kad Delaurier. Watching masters strategize during tournaments has proven entertaining for spectators as well.
Notable Pai Sho Tournaments
| Tournament | Year | Location | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pai Sho Classic | 2009 | San Diego Comic-Con | Phillip Nelson |
| International Pai Sho Open | 2013 | Dragon Con | Andy Howl |
| Four Nations Championship | 2018 | Gen Con | Jun Li |
Conclusion
While Pai Sho originated completely from the imaginations of Avatar: The Last Airbender’s creators, dedicated fans have put in the work to transform it into a legitimate game that can be played in tournaments. Variations like Skud Pai Sho and Vagabond Pai Sho have comprehensive rules and strategies that enable dynamic matches between opponents.
Contests held at pop culture conventions have also solidified Pai Sho as more than just a TV show abstraction. It can now be experienced in an authentic way that upholds the board game spirit embodied in the Avatar universe. So even though it isn’t actually historical, Pai Sho has graduated from fiction into reality through the ingenuity of enthusiasts who wish to keep its legacy alive. In that sense, it can unequivocally be considered a real game with its own subculture.