Xiang Qi game rules

Xiang Qi (Chinese chess) game rules

Game board

Cartoon layout	Chinese layout

Areas of interest on the board

The zones with an X on either sides of the board, are called the palaces.
The area in the middle of the board where there are no lines drawn, is called the river.

Pieces

Name	Cartoon	Chinese	Description
Pawn			A pawn can only move 1 forward. Once it has crossed the river, it has also the possibility to move 1 to the side. Unlike in "regular" chess, a pawn captures the same way it moves. Once it reaches the opposite end, it can only move to the sides. Nothing is awarded.
Cannon			A cannon moves over any distance vertically or horizontally. It cannot jump over any pieces when it moves. However in order to capture, it has to jump over exactly 1 piece.
Elephant			An elephant moves exactly 2 diagonnaly. It cannot cross the river. Therefore there are only 7 places where it can be. It cannot jump over any piece obstructing its way.
Knight			A knight moves 1 vertically or horizontally and then 1 diagonally. It cannot jump over any pieces. This makes it less powerful than in regular chess.
Rook			A rook moves over any distance vertically or horizontally. It cannot jump over any pieces.
Guard			A guard moves 1 diagonaly. It cannot leave the palace.
King			The king moves 1 vertically or 1 horizontally. He cannot leave the palace. Unlike in "regular" chess, a diagonal move is NOT allowed.

Aim of the game

The aim of the game is to put the otherone in a position of checkmate OR stalemate.
Unlike in "regular" chess, a stalemate is also considered a victory, NOT a draw.

Special rules

Both kings cannot directly face each other. There has to be at least one piece in between.
Repeating the same sequence of moves indefinitely is forbidden. If none of the players of the players decides the break it, the game ends in a draw. (This is not implemented in the component.)

Rules by Axel Fontaine. Created 01/09/1998. Modified 03/09/1998.