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Learn Xiangqi

Review the goal through a picture story, then work through the chapters you need one at a time.

Xiangqi goal (What is Xiangqi?)

A two-player game in which players take turns moving pieces on a board divided by a river, using distinctive pieces such as cannons to checkmate the opposing general.

Scene 1 Move pieces on intersections alternately The board has a grid of 9 by 10 lines with a river across the middle. Take turns moving one piece while observing each piece's movement restrictions.
Scene 2 Capture an Opposing Piece Captured pieces are not reused as they are in shogi. The chariot moves along ranks and files, the horse follows its distinctive angled path, and the soldier moves mainly forward; each captures an opposing piece on a square it can reach.
Scene 3 The general cannot leave the palace The palace that protects each general is a core Xiangqi rule. Under the flying-general rule, it is also illegal for the two generals to face each other on the same file with no piece between them.
Now try it yourself Go to the tutorial
Meet them all

The stars of this game

Explore all 7 pieces, cards, tiles, and adopted roles in order. Pause autoplay or choose any item from the list.

Items: 7
Xiangqi pieces 16 each for Red and Black

General / Marshal

Skills and characteristicsMoves one point orthogonally within the palace. Beware the rule against facing Generals.

Relative strength 5/5
Value varies by position and combination. This is a learning guide only.
1/ 7 General / Marshal
Xiangqi

Learning

CMS managed tracks
Learning Rules

The River, Palace, and Piece Movement

Learn the movement restrictions of cannons, horses, elephants, advisors, and generals, plus the flying-general rule.

2Modules 10Items
Xiangqi Basics Beginner / 5min

Place pieces on line intersections, alternate moves while accounting for the river and palace, and checkmate the opposing general.

  • Article Capture the Opposing General
  • Pattern Move pieces on intersections alternately
  • Move sequence Capture an Opposing Piece
  • Pattern The general cannot leave the palace
  • Move sequence A Cannon Captures by Jumping Over One Piece
  • Position puzzle Cut off the general's escape routes
Practical tutorial Beginner / 7min

Learn by connecting basic terms, practical mate patterns, and representative openings.

  • Article Coordinate Pieces to Corner the General
  • Article Link practical terms to the position
  • Article Learn representative mating patterns
  • Article Typical opening setup and its aim
Go to the study page
Xiangqi

Xiangqi Basics

Beginner
Practice the basic controls right here

Choose a step in the inline tutorial below to review the flow.

Piece movement and special rules

Open it only when you need to check something.

Next step

Choose after the tutorial

Once you are comfortable moving pieces, review anything that was unclear or practice your decisions with a short problem.

Learn: Your first three minutes Briefly review the objective of Xiangqi and the first action to take. Web tutorial Learning: Rules quick reference Review how to move, capture, and win on one screen whenever you are uncertain. CMS guide Training: Short problems After reviewing the basics, reinforce your decision-making with short problems. Practice before a match Mastery: Maxims and competitive philosophy Read about strategy, whole-board vision, decisions, and competitive philosophy unique to Xiangqi in a practical guide. Reading