Three Kingdoms chess:象棋

Imagine diving into a chess game that marries the epic saga of the Three Kingdoms with the intricate strategy of Xiangqi. This unique blend offers various gameplay modes, allowing you to conquer all levels, challenge legendary heroes, and master the art of chess endgames. Xiangqi, a traditional Chinese chess game, is a captivating two-player strategy game with roots stretching back centuries. Its simple yet engaging pieces have made it a beloved pastime across generations.

Chess Pieces

Xiangqi features a total of 32 pieces, split into two teams: red and black, with 16 pieces each. Each team is comprised of seven distinct types of pieces. The composition of the pieces is as follows:

• Red Pieces: One General (Shuai), two Chariots, two Horses, two Cannons, two Advisors, two Elephants, and five Soldiers.
• Black Pieces: One General (Jiang), two Chariots, two Horses, two Cannons, two Advisors, two Elephants, and five Soldiers.

General (Shuai/Jiang)

The General, known as "Shuai" for the red team and "Jiang" for the black team, is the most critical piece in Xiangqi. It represents the leader and the ultimate target in the game. The General can only move within the "palace," a 3x3 grid, and can move one space horizontally or vertically. A crucial rule is that the two Generals cannot face each other directly along the same file without any intervening pieces; if they do, it results in an immediate loss for the player who moved into this position.

Advisors (Shi)

The Advisors, referred to as "Shi" in both red and black teams, are confined to the palace like the General. They move diagonally within the palace, one space at a time, and are essential for protecting the General.

Elephants (Xiang)

The Elephants, or "Xiang" for the red team and "Xiang" for the black team, move diagonally two spaces at a time, a movement known as "flying over the field." They cannot cross the river that divides the board and are blocked if a piece occupies the middle point of their path, known as "blocking the elephant's eye."

Chariots (Ju)

The Chariot, or "Ju," is the most powerful piece in Xiangqi, moving any number of spaces horizontally or vertically, unrestricted by other pieces unless they are in its path. This piece can control up to 17 points on the board, earning the nickname "one chariot against ten pieces."

Cannons (Pao)

The Cannon, or "Pao," moves like the Chariot when not capturing but must jump over exactly one piece to capture another, a move known as "firing across a screen" or "shooting over the mountain."

Horses (Ma)

The Horse, or "Ma," moves in an "L" shape, one space in one direction and then one space diagonally. It can reach up to eight points around it, known as "the majesty of eight sides." However, if another piece blocks its path, the Horse is hindered, a situation called "tripping the horse's leg."

Soldiers (Bing/Zu)

The Soldiers, known as "Bing" for the red team and "Zu" for the black team, can only move forward before crossing the river. After crossing, they gain the ability to move left or right, but always one space at a time. Their increased mobility post-river is encapsulated in the saying, "a small soldier crossing the river can challenge a chariot."

In Xiangqi, players alternate moves, embodying the ancient military philosophy of Sun Tzu's "Art of War" by aiming to checkmate or trap the opponent's General. The game begins with the red player's move, and play continues until a victory, defeat, or draw is determined. Through the dynamic interplay of attack and defense, players enhance their strategic thinking and tactical prowess, making Xiangqi not just a game but a mental workout.