Is Xiangqi hard to learn?

Not at all. Each piece moves by a clear rule: the chariot moves in straight lines, the horse in an L, the cannon captures by jumping a screen, and the soldier moves sideways after crossing the river. You can learn the basics in half an hour.

Is Xiangqi harder than international chess?

They are different. Xiangqi's cannon (which captures by jumping) and the rule that the two generals may not face each other are unique; international chess has a stronger queen. Most players find the difficulty comparable.

Which opening should a beginner learn first?

Start with the Central Cannon (炮二平五) — it is intuitive and balanced. The usual reply is Screen Horses. Once you know both, explore Adjacent Soldier and Flying Elephant.

Where can I play Xiangqi for free?

On YiBoard, open /xiangqi to play free against AI — no signup, no download, with several difficulty levels.

Learn Xiangqi (Chinese Chess)

A river splits the board in two. Cannons capture by jumping a screen, horses move in an L, elephants in a diagonal, and the two generals may never face each other. This guide takes you from the pieces to basic checkmates and the main opening systems — then play a game at /xiangqi.

The Board and Seven Pieces

Xiangqi is played on a 9×10 grid divided by a "river". Each side has 16 pieces of seven kinds.

General (將/帥)

The commander. Moves one step orthogonally inside the palace and may never face the enemy general on an open file.

Advisor (士/仕)

The guard. Moves one step diagonally inside the palace.

Elephant (象/相)

Defence. Moves two squares diagonally (the "田"), cannot cross the river, blocked if the centre is occupied.

Horse (馬)

Cavalry. Moves in an L; blocked if the adjacent orthogonal point is occupied ("hobbled leg").

Chariot (車)

The rook. Moves any number of squares orthogonally, cannot jump — the most powerful piece.

Cannon (炮/砲)

Ranged attacker. Moves like a chariot but captures by jumping exactly one screen piece.

Soldier (兵/卒)

Infantry. Moves one step forward; after crossing the river may also move sideways; never backward.

Main Opening Systems

The opening shapes the middlegame. Each system below has its own page with notation, strategic ideas, and common replies.

See the full openings index →

Basic Checkmate Patterns

Horse-and-Cannon (马后炮)

The horse controls the general's escape squares while the cannon behind it delivers checkmate. A classic pattern.

Double Cannons (重炮)

Two cannons line up on the same file; the front cannon acts as the screen for the rear cannon's mate.

Twin Chariots (双车错)

Two chariots alternate checks along ranks and files until the general has no escape.

Smothered Palace (闷宫)

The enemy advisor blocks its own general's gate, allowing a cannon to deliver a "smothered" mate.

Xiangqi vs International Chess

Both are two-player royal games, but the differences are clear: Xiangqi uses a 9×10 board and seven piece types, the cannon captures by jumping a screen, the horse can be blocked, and the generals may not face each other — and there is no queen-like super-piece. To play right away, open /xiangqi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Xiangqi hard to learn?: Not at all. Each piece moves by a clear rule: the chariot moves in straight lines, the horse in an L, the cannon captures by jumping a screen, and the soldier moves sideways after crossing the river. You can learn the basics in half an hour.
Is Xiangqi harder than international chess?: They are different. Xiangqi's cannon (which captures by jumping) and the rule that the two generals may not face each other are unique; international chess has a stronger queen. Most players find the difficulty comparable.
Which opening should a beginner learn first?: Start with the Central Cannon (炮二平五) — it is intuitive and balanced. The usual reply is Screen Horses. Once you know both, explore Adjacent Soldier and Flying Elephant.
Where can I play Xiangqi for free?: On YiBoard, open /xiangqi to play free against AI — no signup, no download, with several difficulty levels.

Play Xiangqi Free →Openings