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Learn xiangqi

Twelve short lessons. You move the pieces on a real board — each piece first, then check and mate, then two rules chess does not have.

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The pieces

  1. 1. Chariot 車The chariot moves any distance along a line, but cannot jump.3 steps
  2. 2. Horse 馬One point straight, then one diagonally outward. A piece on that first point blocks it.3 steps
  3. 3. Elephant 象Exactly two points diagonally. It is blocked by a piece in between and never crosses the river.3 steps
  4. 4. Advisor 士One point diagonally, and it never leaves the palace.2 steps
  5. 5. General 帥One point straight, inside the palace only.2 steps
  6. 6. Cannon 炮Moves like a chariot, but captures only by jumping exactly one piece.3 steps
  7. 7. Soldier 兵One point forward. After crossing the river it may also step sideways. Never back.2 steps

Check and mate

  1. 8. CapturingMove onto an enemy piece to take it off the board.2 steps
  2. 9. CheckAttack the general. The other side must answer it at once.2 steps
  3. 10. CheckmateCheck with no way out wins the game.2 steps

Rules only xiangqi has

  1. 11. Facing generalsThe two generals may not face each other on an open file. Use that to trap the general.1 steps
  2. 12. No move losesIn xiangqi a side with no legal move loses, even when it is not in check.1 steps

Read the rules