Xiangqi

How to play Xiangqi

Xiangqi (Chinese chess) is played on the 9×10 intersections. Red moves first. Win by checkmating the enemy general — or by leaving your opponent with no legal move (stalemate also loses in Xiangqi).

  • General 帥/將: one step orthogonally, must stay in the 3×3 palace. The two generals may never face each other on an open file ("flying general").
  • Advisor 仕/士: one step diagonally inside the palace.
  • Elephant 相/象: exactly two points diagonally, cannot cross the river, and is blocked if the point in between is occupied.
  • Horse 傌/馬: one point orthogonally then one diagonally outward; blocked if the first point is occupied (hobbling the horse's leg).
  • Chariot 俥/車: any distance orthogonally, like a rook.
  • Cannon 炮/砲: moves like a chariot but captures only by jumping over exactly one piece (the screen).
  • Soldier 兵/卒: one point forward; after crossing the river it may also move sideways. It never moves backwards.

Controls: tap a piece and then a highlighted point, or drag it. Play the computer (5 levels) or a friend. The game is drawn after 60 moves by each side without a capture. Undo is available and games are saved automatically.

About this xiangqi

Chinese chess: capture the general across the river. Play Xiangqi free in your browser on desktop, tablet or phone. It works offline once loaded — perfect for travel. Your progress and best scores are saved on your device. Popular searches: chinese chess.

Xiangqi FAQ

Is Xiangqi free to play?

Yes. Xiangqi is completely free on GamesVora. There is nothing to download or install and you don't need an account.

Can I play Xiangqi offline?

Yes. Once you have opened GamesVora while online, Xiangqi is saved on your device and you can keep playing without an internet connection.

Does Xiangqi work on mobile phones and tablets?

Yes. Xiangqi works in any modern browser on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, tablets, laptops and desktop computers, with touch, mouse and keyboard controls.

Is my progress saved?

Your settings, best scores and statistics are saved in your browser on this device. Clearing your browser data will reset them.

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