Learn Xiangqi: lessons for beginners · Xiangqi School

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The Board — Points, files, the river and the palaces.
The General — One step at a time, inside the palace.
The Advisor — One step diagonally, guarding the general.
The Elephant — Two points diagonally, never across the river.
The Horse — One step straight, then one diagonally — unless its leg is blocked.
The Chariot — Any distance along a line: the strongest piece.
The Cannon — Moves like a chariot, captures by jumping one screen.
The Soldier — Forward only; sideways too after crossing the river.
Check and Checkmate — Attack the general; trap it to win.
Special Rules — Flying general, no legal move loses, no perpetual check.
Your First Game — Good opening habits, then play a bot.