🏯 Janggi Complete Guide

This online Janggi game uses scoring based on the Korea Janggi Federation (KJF). Games end with a decisive win or a points win instead of a draw.

1. What is Janggi?

Janggi is a Korean traditional board game where two players each have 16 pieces with the goal of capturing the opponent's general.

History of Janggi

Janggi is believed to have been introduced from China about 1,000 years ago during the Goryeo Dynasty.

Differences from Chess

2. Pieces

Janggi has 7 types of pieces, and each player has 16 pieces.

General (將/帥) - 1

Kings and guards move one step along a line inside their own 3×3 palace. Diagonal moves must follow a line between the center and a corner.

Chariot (車) - 2

The most powerful piece. Moves any distance in straight lines.

Cannon (砲) - 2

A cannon must jump exactly one other piece to move or capture. It cannot jump a cannon or capture an opposing cannon.

Horse (馬) - 2

Moves in an L-shape. Cannot jump if blocked.

Elephant (象) - 2

Moves diagonally then extends. Cannot jump if blocked.

Guard (士) - 2

Kings and guards move one step along a line inside their own 3×3 palace. Diagonal moves must follow a line between the center and a corner.

Soldier (卒/兵) - 5

Soldiers move one step forward or sideways, never backward. Inside the enemy palace they may move one step diagonally forward along a marked line.

Piece scores: chariot 13, cannon 7, horse 5, elephant 3, guard 3, soldier 2. Han adds 1.5 points (deom). Initial totals are Cho 72 and Han 73.5; the higher total wins a points decision.

This online Janggi game uses scoring based on the Korea Janggi Federation (KJF). Games end with a decisive win or a points win instead of a draw.

Korea Janggi Federation scoring

Game Start

Win Conditions

  1. Capture the opposing king to win. Ignoring check or exposing your own king produces a warning; the opponent can then capture it. Resignation or exhausting your personal clock also loses.
  2. Piece scores: chariot 13, cannon 7, horse 5, elephant 3, guard 3, soldier 2. Han adds 1.5 points (deom). Initial totals are Cho 72 and Han 73.5; the higher total wins a points decision.
  3. Online scope: personal clocks are used. Tournament-wide time limits, referee adjudication of doomed pieces and three-move continuations, and tournament penalties are not automated.

Check and Mate

Pass

Passing can make you lose by points. If you pass once and your opponent immediately passes too, the game ends. The AI can also choose to pass. For example, at Cho 72 and Han 73.5, if Cho passes and AI Han passes next, Cho loses because Han receives 1.5 bonus points. Moving a piece between passes breaks the sequence.

Korea Janggi Federation scoring

4. Formations

The four arrangements specify the initial horse and elephant positions. An opening formation is how pieces develop during play, a separate concept.

Main Formations

馬象象馬

The four arrangements specify the initial horse and elephant positions. An opening formation is how pieces develop during play, a separate concept.

象馬馬象

The four arrangements specify the initial horse and elephant positions. An opening formation is how pieces develop during play, a separate concept.

象馬象馬

The four arrangements specify the initial horse and elephant positions. An opening formation is how pieces develop during play, a separate concept.

馬象馬象

The four arrangements specify the initial horse and elephant positions. An opening formation is how pieces develop during play, a separate concept.

Play on 9×10 intersections. Han confirms the horse–elephant arrangement first; Cho then chooses after seeing it. Each choice has 5 seconds, with the default arrangement used if time expires.

5. Strategy & Tactics

Opening Strategy

Midgame Strategy

Key Tactics

Cannon Usage

Cannon must jump over another piece.

Chariot Power

Place on open files for greater range.

Horse Mobility

Horses are more powerful in the center.

Combined Attack

Chariot+Cannon, Chariot+Horse combos are powerful.

6. Tips

Tips for Beginners

  1. Activate chariots early
  2. Keep your general safe
  3. Calculate piece value in exchanges
  4. Don't give cannon jumping platforms
  5. Don't sacrifice soldiers carelessly

How to Improve

💡 Key: In Janggi, the one who sees one move ahead wins.

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