The book has many layers of meaning, more so than Kawabata's other works. As well as simply describing the game, on the surface there are the inherent themes of the struggle between the older player whose powers are fading, and his younger challenger; and also the clash between the differing playing styles, and the personalities in which they are to some degree rooted. The book also describes vividly how the Master and the challenger dealt with exhausting struggles against themselves. The book reflects the tension between old traditions and new pragmatism - for example, commenting upon the rigid rules governing the contest, the author writes: