A chess game that seamlessly integrates the legendary theme of the Three Kingdoms offers an engaging experience, enriched with diverse gameplay modes. This game not only allows players to conquer all levels and challenge iconic heroes but also provides a fast track to mastering chess endgames. Xiangqi, a cherished form of chess originating from China, is a two-player strategic game with a rich history. The simplicity and fun of its pieces have made it a widely popular pastime.

Chess Pieces

In Xiangqi, there are 32 chess pieces, split into two opposing teams: red and black. Each team consists of 16 pieces, categorized into seven distinct types:

• 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 leader of the red team, while the "General" leads the black team. These pieces can only move within the "nine palaces" and are restricted to moving one square at a time either vertically or horizontally. A crucial rule is that the Handsome and General cannot face each other directly along the same line, as this results in an immediate loss for the moving player.

Shi / Taxis

The "Shi" (red) and "Taxis" (black) are also confined to the "nine palaces." They move diagonally but are limited to one diagonal square per move.

Phase / Elephant

The "Phase" (red) and "Elephant" (black) move diagonally two squares at a time, known as "elephant flying field." Their movement is restricted to their half of the board and cannot cross the river. If a piece blocks the middle of their "field" path, they cannot move, a situation referred to as "plugging the elephant's eye."

Rook / Chariot

The Rook, or "Chariot," is the most powerful piece on the board. It can move any number of squares along a horizontal or vertical line, as long as no piece blocks its path. This ability to control up to seventeen points earns it the nickname "one chariot and ten children."

Cannon

The Cannon moves like the Rook when not capturing, but to capture, it must jump over exactly one piece, friend or foe, known as "shelling the partition" or "over the mountain."

Horse

The Horse moves in an "L" shape, first moving one square along a rank or file, then diagonally one square. This move pattern is known as "horse walking day" and can reach eight points around it, hence the phrase "eight sides of majesty." If a piece blocks the initial move, the Horse cannot jump over it, known as "crippling the horse's legs."

Soldiers / Pawns

The "Soldiers" (red) and "Pawns" (black) move forward one square at a time and cannot retreat. Before crossing the river, they can only move forward. Once across, they gain the ability to move laterally as well. This enhancement in mobility leads to the saying "small pawns crossing the river can top a chariot."

In Xiangqi, players alternate turns, embodying the strategic principles from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," such as "winning without fighting." The objective is to checkmate or trap the opponent's General (or Handsome). The red team moves first, and the game continues until a win, loss, or draw is determined. Through the intricate interplay of attack and defense, players can enhance their cognitive abilities, mastering the art of strategy and foresight.