Kendo Match: Still Mind

Kendo Match is a reaction game built on one idea from kendo: wait for the opening, then strike without hesitation. Your opponent stands in guard, shinai pointed at your throat. Hold Guard to stop every incoming strike. When the tip drifts, the wrist lifts, or the arms rise, a target opens. Release your guard and tap it before the chance closes: head, throat, either wrist, or either side of the torso. Hit it clean and the referee raises the flag. HOW A MATCH WORKS First to two points wins. Three minutes on the clock, stopped after every point. Tied at time? The next point wins. TWENTY-ONE OPPONENTS Each opponent is faster than the last. Later challengers block your strikes, counter on the return, and throw feints designed to pull your guard away. Reach the twenty-first and face the Ghost of the Dōjō. THREE DIFFICULTIES Easy gives you time to read openings. Medium tightens the windows and…