Chinese Chess, called Xiangqi (象棋), is a traditional strategy board game played by two people. This guide explains everything from the board layout to how you win — no prior chess knowledge required.
1. What You Need to Play
- A Chinese chess board;
- 32 round pieces (16 per player);
- Two players.
Each player controls one side:
- Red moves first;
- Black moves second.
2. Understanding the Board
The Chinese chess board looks different from Western chess.
Board features:
- 9 vertical lines and 10 horizontal lines;
- Pieces are placed on the crossing points of the lines;
- The middle of the board has a gap called the River;
- Each side has a marked Palace (a 3×3 area with diagonal lines).
Important:
- Most pieces can move anywhere on the board;
- Some pieces are restricted by the River or Palace.
3. The Pieces and How They Move
Each player has the same pieces. Learn them one by one.
General (将 / 帥) – The most important piece
- Moves one step forward, backward, left, or right;
- Must stay inside the Palace;
- The two Generals cannot face each other directly on the same vertical line
If your General is captured, you lose the game.
Advisor (士) – Protects the General
- Moves one step diagonally;
- Must stay inside the Palace;
- Used mainly for defense.
Elephant (象 / 相) – Strong defender
- Moves two steps diagonally;
- Cannot cross the River;
- Cannot jump over pieces.
Horse (马) – Fast attacker
- Moves one step straight, then one step diagonally (L-shape);
- Cannot jump over a blocking piece;
- If the first step is blocked, the Horse cannot move.
Chariot (车) – The strongest piece
- Moves any number of steps horizontally or vertically;
- Cannot jump over pieces;
- Similar to a rook in Western chess.
Cannon (炮) – Unique and tricky
- Moves like a Chariot when not capturing;
- To capture, it must jump over exactly one piece;
- That jumped piece is called the “screen”.
Soldier (兵 / 卒) – Small but important
- Moves one step forward;
- After crossing the River, can move left or right;
- Never moves backward.
4. Setting Up the Board
From left to right on the back line:
- Chariot – Horse – Elephant – Advisor – General – Advisor – Elephant – Horse – Chariot;
- Cannons go on the third line from each side;
- Soldiers go on the fourth line, placed with one space between each.
5. How a Turn Works
On your turn:
- Move one piece;
- Follow the movement rules;
- Capture an opponent’s piece if possible;
- Players take turns moving one piece at a time.
6. Check and Checkmate (Very Simple)
Check: Your General is in danger
- You must remove the danger immediately;
- Checkmate: You cannot escape the danger — the game ends;
- There is no draw by repetition for beginners — focus on learning first.
7. How to Win the Game
You win when:
- You checkmate your opponent’s General;
- Your opponent resigns;
- Your opponent has no legal moves.
8. Very Basic Beginner Tips
- Protect your General;
- Use your Chariots early;
- Do not move all Soldiers at once;
- Watch for Cannon attacks;
- Keep pieces working together.
9. Common Beginner Mistakes
- Leaving the General exposed;
- Forgetting Cannons need a screen to capture;
- Blocking your own Chariots;
- Advancing Soldiers too early.
10. Your First Game
For your first few games:
- Play slowly;
- Focus on learning piece movement;
- Don’t worry about winning;
- Replay mistakes and learn from them.
Conclusion
Chinese Chess is easy to start and rewarding to learn. Once you understand how the pieces move and how to protect your General, the game becomes much more enjoyable. With practice, you will begin to see patterns, tactics, and strategies naturally.
