Three Kingdoms chess:象棋

This article introduces Xiangqi (Chinese chess), a two-player strategy board game with a rich history. The game's enduring popularity stems from its simple yet engaging gameplay.

Chess Pieces

Xiangqi uses 32 pieces, 16 red and 16 black, divided into seven types:

• Red: 1 General (帥), 2 Advisors (仕), 2 Elephants (相), 2 Horses (馬), 2 Chariots (俥), 2 Cannons (炮), 5 Soldiers (兵)
• Black: 1 General (將), 2 Advisors (士), 2 Elephants (象), 2 Horses (馬), 2 Chariots (車), 2 Cannons (砲), 5 Soldiers (卒)

Piece Movement:

• General (帥/將): Confined to the nine squares in the palace, moving one square horizontally or vertically. Generals cannot occupy the same rank.
• Advisor (仕/士): Moves diagonally one square within the palace.
• Elephant (相/象): Moves diagonally two squares, but cannot cross the "river" (the center line of the board) or jump over other pieces.
• Chariot (俥/車): Moves any number of squares horizontally or vertically, unhindered by other pieces unless blocked.
• Cannon (炮/砲): Moves like the chariot, but captures by leaping over one piece (either friendly or enemy).
• Horse (馬): Moves in an "L" shape: one square horizontally or vertically, then one square diagonally. Cannot jump over other pieces.
• Soldier/Pawn (兵/卒): Moves forward one square. After crossing the river, it can also move one square laterally.

Gameplay:

Players alternate turns, aiming to checkmate the opponent's General. The game utilizes strategic principles like offense and defense, anticipating opponent moves, and controlling key areas of the board. The red side moves first. The game ends when one player checkmates the other's General, or a draw is declared. Playing Xiangqi enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.

Three Kingdoms chess:象棋 Screenshots