A classic Chinese strategy game where the goal is to capture the general
1. What is Xiangqi?
Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) is a long-standing strategy board game. Each side uses 16 pieces, and victory comes from capturing the enemy general.
Background
Xiangqi has evolved through centuries of analysis and competition. With online platforms, it is now one of the most accessible deep strategy games for global players.
Structural Characteristics
The board is 9×10 with a river and palace system
Pieces move on intersections rather than inside squares
The cannon jump-capture rule creates unique tactical depth
The two generals cannot directly face each other on an open file
2. Piece Overview
Xiangqi has 7 piece types. Understanding movement limits is the core foundation for improvement.
General - 1
King piece. Moves one step orthogonally inside the palace only. If captured, you lose immediately.
Advisor - 2
Moves one step diagonally inside the palace and protects the general.
Elephant - 2
Moves two points diagonally and cannot cross the river. It is blocked if the path is occupied.
Horse - 2
Moves in an L-shape and can be blocked at the leg.
Chariot - 2
Long-range straight mover and the main attacking piece.
Cannon - 2
Must jump exactly one piece to capture. Cannon structure often decides the game.
Soldier - 5
Primarily advances forward. After crossing the river, it can also move sideways.
In practical play, initiative and position are often more important than static value.
3. Basic Rules
Game Start
Red moves first, Black moves second
Only one piece moves per turn
No legal move or captured general means loss
The two generals cannot face each other directly on the same file
Win Conditions
Checkmate: Attack the enemy general with no legal escape
Resignation: Opponent resigns
Time: Opponent runs out of time
Check and Defense
Check: The general is under immediate capture threat
Defenses: Move general, capture attacker, or block line
Illegal state: Keeping generals directly facing is not allowed
Draw
WXF repetition rules: when the same position and turn occur three times through the same cycle, the cause of repetition decides the result. A player who checks on every turn or illegally chases the same enemy piece throughout the cycle loses. Change your moves after a repetition warning. Mutual perpetual check and permitted repetitions are draws. Chase decisions distinguish legal captures, legal recaptures by protectors, and genuine exchanges between pieces of the same type. King/pawn chases and chasing an uncrossed pawn have exceptions; a horse or cannon may not perpetually chase even a protected chariot.
Draw agreements are available in human-versus-human games. On your turn, select “Offer draw”; the opponent can select “Accept draw” to end the game. Declining or making a move rejects the incoming offer.
The game draws automatically when both sides have only kings, advisors and elephants, with no attacking pieces remaining. Having no legal move is a loss. In AI games, Undo reverses your last move and any AI reply, restoring the repetition history as well.
4. Opening Setups
Early Xiangqi is about activating chariots and horses while preparing cannon lines. Prioritize center control and king safety over reckless pawn pushes.
Opening Patterns
🔹 Central file activation
Open central files early to increase chariot mobility.
🔹 Cannon platform setup
Arrange support pieces so cannons can create pressure quickly.
🔹 Horse-centered development
Develop horses toward central influence and restrain enemy plans.
🔹 Solid palace shell
Keep advisors and elephants coordinated for a safe transition to middlegame.
💡 Beginner tip: Start with central file activation plus cannon platform setup for stable progress.
5. Strategy and Tactics
Opening Strategy
Open paths for chariots and secure long-term pressure lanes
Build cannon structure before forcing direct attacks
Use horse placement to support both attack and defense
Do not weaken your general shell too early
Middlegame Strategy
Create layered threats with chariot-cannon coordination
Break enemy horse legs and cannon platforms
Trade pieces when it reduces key enemy resources
Force checks to keep initiative
Key Tactical Themes
Cannon pressure
Cannon strength depends on stable platform pieces. Build and protect structure.
Chariot file control
Early occupation of open files can lock enemy defenders.
Horse-leg block
Blocking horse legs can sharply reduce opponent mobility.
General-line squeeze
Checks plus line restriction often force critical mistakes.
6. Practical Tips
Tips for Beginners
Before your move, verify all immediate checking moves by the opponent
Avoid rushed exchanges near your general
Keep cannon platforms connected and durable
Reposition chariots onto open lines whenever possible
When ahead, choose safe conversion over flashy tactics
How to Improve
Review one recurring losing pattern after each session
Practice chariot-cannon attack sequences separately
Train exchange evaluation in middlegame positions
Use short AI games to improve check response speed
💡 Key Insight: Long-term calculation accuracy wins more games than one-time tactical shots.