How to Play Xiangqi: Rules and Pieces for Beginners
A practical Xiangqi introduction covering the board, piece movement, the palace, the river, and basic checkmate rules.
The goal of a Xiangqi game
Xiangqi is a strategy game for two players. You win by checkmating the opposing General: it is under attack and has no legal escape.
Protect your own General before attacking, and always look for your opponent’s checking moves.
The board, palace, and river
The board has nine files and ten ranks. The river divides the two sides, and some pieces have movement restrictions around it.
The 3 by 3 palace at each end of the board confines the General and Advisors.
Key piece movement
The Chariot moves any distance along a rank or file. The Cannon moves the same way, but needs exactly one screen to capture. The Horse moves in an L shape and can be blocked at its leg.
Soldiers move one step forward and may move sideways after crossing the river. Learn these rules before studying openings.