中 国 象 棋

How to Play Chinese Chess (Xiangqi)

Chinese Chess is one of the most popular strategy board games in the world. The board has 9 vertical lines and 10 horizontal lines, with a "river" in the middle. Each side has 16 pieces including General, Advisors, Elephants, Horses, Chariots, Cannons, and Soldiers.

Key Differences from Chess

• The General (king) is confined to a 3×3 palace and cannot leave it.
• Cannons capture by jumping over exactly one piece (the "screen").
• Elephants cannot cross the river and move exactly two points diagonally.
• Soldiers gain the ability to move sideways after crossing the river.

Winning Tips

• Use cannons aggressively in the opening to control central files.
• Advance soldiers early to restrict opponent's elephant movement.
• Coordinate chariot and horse attacks — they complement each other well.