Once you can play xiangqi, the next step is to really understand it: what each line on the board is called, how to read a game record, why strong players open the way they do, and which checkmates every player should know. Each article in this series stands on its own, and every move and every checkmate in the diagrams has been checked by this site's rules engine.
If you don't know how to play yet, start with the xiangqi rules and how the seven pieces move.
History of Xiangqi
From xiangxi and Baoying xiangqi to the Song dynasty form: how Chinese chess became the game we play today.
The Xiangqi Board
Nine files, ten ranks, 90 points; the river, the palace, file numbers and the starting setup in one page.
Xiangqi Notation
How to read C2=5 and 炮二平五: files, + - =, steps or destination file, tandem pieces and Chinese records.
Winning and draws
Checkmate and stalemate both win; perpetual check loses; repetition, 60 quiet moves and no attackers are draws.
Openings
Six first moves for Red, seven replies for Black, and the "cannon takes the centre pawn" trap beginners fall into.
Common checkmates
Nine basic mating patterns: learn the shapes of checkmate and you'll know where to attack.
Xiangqi sayings
"Cannon behind the horse", "a pawn across the river", "check him"… what everyday Chinese sayings look like on the board.
Suggested reading order
- Learn to play: Xiangqi rules → The pieces
- Read the records: the board → notation. After that, no book or game commentary will lose you.
- Start winning: checkmate patterns → openings. Learning how to win first makes the openings make sense.
- When you have time: history and origins, xiangqi sayings.
When you need a break, play xiangqi online or head back to the Chinese chess home page.