In June 1835, a game of Go, known as the blood-vomiting game, was played between two rivals. The match lasted for four consecutive days. Hon'inbō Jōwa faced off against Akaboshi Intetsu.
This game was not just any match; it was steeped in rivalry. Jōwa had recently won the title of Meijin, which had been fiercely contested. Akaboshi was sent by Jōwa's rival, Inoue Gennan Inseki, who was determined to unseat him.
As the game progressed, Jōwa employed three brilliant moves that ultimately led to his victory. However, the toll of the match proved to be severe. After the final move, Akaboshi reportedly knelt over the board and coughed up blood.
Shortly after this devastating event, Akaboshi reportedly died a few months later. He was only 25 years old at the time of his death. Accounts suggest that pre-existing health conditions may have contributed to this tragic outcome.
The blood-vomiting game remains a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked consequences of intense competition.
