Imagine a chess game that blends the epic narrative of the Three Kingdoms with a variety of engaging gameplay modes. This unique fusion allows players to conquer all levels, challenge legendary heroes, and master the intricacies of chess endgames. Xiangqi, a form of chess that originated in China, is a beloved two-player strategy game with a rich history. Its simple yet captivating pieces have made it a popular pastime across the globe.
Chess Pieces
Xiangqi features thirty-two chess pieces, divided into two opposing teams: red and black. Each team consists of sixteen pieces, categorized into seven distinct types. Below is a detailed breakdown of the pieces:
- Red Chess Pieces: 1 Handsome, 2 Rooks, 2 Horses, 2 Cannons, 2 Phases, 2 Shi, and 5 Soldiers.
- Black Chess Pieces: 1 General, 2 Horses, 2 Cannons, 2 Elephants, and 5 Pawns.
Handsome/General
The "Handsome" represents the red team's leader, while the "General" leads the black team. Both are the primary targets in the game. They can only move within the "nine houses" area, moving one block horizontally or vertically at a time. The Handsome and General cannot face each other directly across the board, as this results in an immediate loss for the player whose turn it is.
Shi/Taxis
The "Shi" (red) and "Taxis" (black) can only move within the nine houses and are restricted to diagonal movements. They can move one diagonal block at a time.
Phase/Elephant
The "Phase" (red) and "Elephant" (black) move diagonally, covering two blocks at once, known as "elephant flying field." Their movement is confined to their own side of the "river boundary" and they cannot cross the river. Additionally, if a piece blocks the center of their path, they cannot move, a situation referred to as "plugging the elephant's eye."
Rook (Jū)
The Rook is the most powerful piece in Xiangqi, capable of moving any number of blocks horizontally or vertically, as long as no other piece blocks its path. This is known as "car straight road." A single Rook can control up to seventeen points, hence the saying "one Rook equals ten children."
Cannon
The Cannon moves similarly to the Rook when not capturing, but to capture an opponent's piece, it must jump over exactly one piece, whether friendly or enemy. This is referred to as "shelling the partition" or "over the mountain."
Horse
The Horse moves in an "L" shape, first moving one block horizontally or vertically, then one block diagonally. This is known as "horse walking day." It can reach up to eight points around it, hence the term "eight sides of majesty." If a piece blocks its initial move, the Horse cannot proceed, a situation called "trapping the horse's leg."
Soldiers/Pawns
The "Soldier" (red) and "Pawn" (black) can only move forward before crossing the river. After crossing, they gain the ability to move left or right but are still limited to one block per move. Their increased mobility post-river crossing enhances their strategic value, leading to the saying "small pawns crossing the river top the Rook."
Players take turns moving their pieces, embodying the strategic principles of Sun Tzu's "Art of War," aiming to "checkmate" or "trap" the opponent's General (Handsome). The red team moves first, and the game continues until a win, loss, or draw is determined. Through these battles, players can enhance their cognitive skills, navigating the complex interplay of attack and defense, feint and reality, and overall strategy versus local tactics.
