A chess game that integrates the theme of the Three Kingdoms with various gameplay modes offers a unique and engaging experience. Players can navigate through all levels, challenge iconic heroes, and delve into the intricacies of chess endgames. Xiangqi, a traditional Chinese chess game, is a two-player strategy game with a rich history. Its simplicity in design and engaging gameplay have made it a beloved pastime.

Chess Pieces

Xiangqi features 32 pieces, divided into two teams: red and black, with 16 pieces each. These are categorized into seven types, as detailed below:

• Red Chess Pieces: One handsome, two rooks, two horses, two cannons, two phases, two shi, and five soldiers.
• Black Chess Pieces: One general, two horses, two cannons, two elephants, two advisors, and five pawns.

Handsome/General

The red side's leader is called "handsome," while the black side's is "general." Both are pivotal figures in the game, representing the ultimate target. They can move within the "nine palaces," only one square at a time, either vertically or horizontally. A critical rule is that the handsome and general cannot face each other directly on the same vertical line, or the side moving will lose.

Shi/Advisor

The red side's "shi" and the black side's "advisor" are confined to the nine palaces, moving diagonally one square at a time.

Phase/Elephant

The red "phase" and black "elephant" move diagonally two squares, known as "flying the field." Their movement is restricted to their half of the board, unable to cross the river. If a piece blocks the center of their path, they cannot move, a situation called "blocking the elephant's eye."

Rook/Chariot

The rook, or chariot, is the most powerful piece, capable of moving any number of squares along ranks or files, as long as no piece blocks its path. It's known for controlling up to 17 points, hence the saying, "one chariot can control ten pieces."

Cannon

The cannon moves like the rook when not capturing, but to capture, it must jump over exactly one piece, whether friend or foe, known as "firing across the board" or "jumping the mountain."

Horse

The horse moves in an "L" shape, first one square along a rank or file, then diagonally one square. It can reach up to eight points around it, embodying "eight directions of majesty." However, if another piece blocks its initial move, it cannot proceed, known as "tripping the horse's leg."

Soldier/Pawn

The red "soldier" and black "pawn" can only move forward before crossing the river, and cannot move backward. After crossing the river, they gain the ability to move left or right as well, but only one square at a time. This change significantly enhances their power, leading to the saying, "a small pawn crossing the river can challenge a chariot."

Players alternate moves, embodying the strategic principles from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," aiming to "checkmate" or "trap" the opponent's general or handsome. The red side moves first, and the game continues until a win, loss, or draw is determined. Through the dynamic interplay of attack and defense, players enhance their cognitive abilities, navigating the complexities of strategy and tactics.