Rules & Guide

Everything you need to know to become a Xiangqi Master

1. Basic Xiangqi Rules

Standard Xiangqi Rules

Xiangqi is played on a board of 9 vertical lines and 10 horizontal lines. Pieces are placed on the intersections.

Main Pieces:

  • • King: Moves one square horizontally/vertically. Stays in 'Palace'.
  • • Advisor: Moves one square diagonally. Stays in 'Palace'.
  • • Elephant: Moves 2 squares diagonally. Cannot cross river.
  • • Chariot: Moves horizontally/vertically as far as path is clear.
  • • Cannon: Moves horizontally/vertically. Must jump over 1 piece to capture.
  • • Horse: Moves L-shape (1 straight, 1 diagonal). Can be blocked.
  • • Soldier: Moves 1 square forward. Can move sideways after crossing river.

Objective:

The goal is to Checkmate the opponent's King. The game ends when a player has no valid moves or is in checkmate.

2. Hidden Xiangqi (Cờ Úp)

Hidden Piece Rules

Cờ Úp is an exciting variation where pieces (except King) are face-down and randomly arranged.

  • The first move of a hidden piece follows the rule of the piece that normally occupies that starting position.
  • After the first move, the piece is 'revealed' and follows its own rules from then on.
  • Advisors and Elephants can cross the river and move anywhere after being revealed.

3. How to use Xiangqi Master

App Features Guide

Board Recognition

Use your camera to scan a physical board. AI automatically detects pieces and exports them for analysis.

AI Analysis

After each match, use analysis tools to review blunders and find optimal moves from the engine.

Ranked Match

Join online matches to earn ELO. The system matches you with opponents of similar skill level.

Puzzles

Train your tactical thinking with thousands of endgame puzzles from professional matches.

Ready to challenge yourself?

Get the Xiangqi Master app today!

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