Chinese Chess
Chinese Chess: checkmate the enemy general.
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About the game
Xiangqi, or Chinese Chess, is a two-player strategy game on a board crossed by a river. Move your pieces by their distinct rules to deliver checkmate to the opposing General.
How to play
Each piece type moves uniquely - the chariot like a rook, the horse in an L, the cannon captures by jumping a screen. Trap the enemy General so it cannot escape check.
Tips & strategy
['Control the center and the river crossings.', 'The cannon is deadly with a screen piece to leap.', 'Protect your General with advisors and elephants.']
Advanced guide
Xiangqi strategy balances attack and fortress defense. Develop your chariots and horses early to command the center, and use the cannon's screen-capture to threaten from range. Above all, never leave your General exposed along an open file where the enemy rook could deliver a fatal check.
History & origins
With roots over a thousand years old, Xiangqi is among the most played board games in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the river for?
It restricts certain pieces and is where the cannon and soldiers gain new powers.
How does the cannon capture?
It must jump exactly one piece (the screen) to capture.
Why can't the generals face each other?
A direct line with no pieces between is illegal - it would be instant check.
What wins the game?
Checkmating the enemy General, or stalemating so they have no legal move.
How does the horse move?
One step orthogonally then one diagonally, blocked if the adjacent orthogonal square is occupied.
What is the best opening?
Central horse and chariot development mirrors strong chess openings.
Where can I play Chinese Chess for free?
Right on this page — Chinese Chess is embedded above, free, legal, and with no download or sign-up. Play with your keyboard on desktop or touch controls on mobile. Your best score is saved in your browser, so it's still there next time. Every game here is original or open-source, with links that stay valid.