Game instructions
How to play
- 2 players
- ranked
Goal and board
Chinese chess is played by two people. Pieces stand on the intersections of nine vertical and ten horizontal lines. A river divides the middle, and each side has a 3×3 palace. Red moves first. The goal is to leave the opposing general without a defence.
General and advisors
The general moves one intersection horizontally or vertically, staying inside its palace. The two advisors move one intersection diagonally inside the palace. The generals cannot face each other on the same file with no intervening piece.
Chariot, cannon and horse
The chariot moves any unobstructed distance horizontally or vertically. A cannon moves the same way without capturing, but a capture must jump over exactly one intervening piece of either colour. The horse moves one step straight and then one diagonally outward. An occupied first adjacent point blocks that horse move.
Elephant and soldier
The elephant moves exactly two intersections diagonally, cannot cross the river, and is blocked by a piece on the intermediate point. Before crossing the river, a soldier moves and captures one point forward. After crossing, it can also move and capture one point sideways. It never moves backwards and does not promote.
Wins and draws
You may not leave your own general attacked. Checkmate wins, but having no legal move also loses even without check. The engine resolves repetition and other draw conditions; do not assume repeated checking can continue indefinitely. Players may also resign or accept a draw offer.
You know the rules — time for a game.
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