Chinese Chess
Play Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) against a rule-based AI. Classic strategy game with unique pieces and movement rules.
How to Play Chinese Chess
- Red moves first. Click a piece to select it; legal destinations highlight. Click a highlighted point to move.
- Each piece type moves uniquely: the Chariot moves any distance orthogonally; the Horse moves one step then one diagonal; the Cannon moves any distance but captures by jumping over exactly one piece.
- The General must stay within the 3×3 palace and may never face the opposing General with no pieces between them.
- Checkmate or stalemate the opponent's General to win.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is Chinese Chess different from Western Chess?
- Pieces sit on intersections rather than squares; the board is divided by a river that restricts some pieces; and the General and Advisors cannot leave the palace.
- What is the river?
- The river is the gap between the two halves of the board. Elephants cannot cross it, and Soldiers gain extra movement (can now move sideways) after crossing.
- What does the Cannon do?
- The Cannon moves any number of points orthogonally like a Chariot, but can only capture by jumping over exactly one piece (the "screen") and landing on an enemy behind it.
- What is the flying General rule?
- The two Generals may never face each other along an open file with no pieces between them. A move that creates this situation is illegal.