A chess game that combines the theme of the Three Kingdoms, adding various modes of gameplay, can pass all levels, challenge all heroes, and can also quickly study the chess endgame. Xiangqi, a type of chess originating from China, is a two-player confrontation game with a rich history. Due to its simple yet engaging pieces, it has become a highly popular chess activity.

Chess Pieces

There are thirty-two chess pieces, divided into two groups: red and black, with each group consisting of sixteen pieces. These are further categorized into seven types, listed as follows:

• 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 features the "handsome," while the black side has the "general." Both are the leaders in the game and the primary targets. They can only move within the "nine palaces," moving up, down, left, or right one space at a time. The handsome and general cannot face each other directly on the same vertical line, as this results in an immediate loss for the moving player.

Shi / Advisor

The red side uses "shi," and the black side uses "advisor." These pieces are also confined to the "nine palaces" and can only move diagonally within this area, one space at a time.

Phase / Elephant

The red side has "phase," and the black side has "elephant." They move diagonally two spaces at a time, known as "elephant flying field." Their movement is restricted to their respective sides of the "river" and cannot cross it. If a piece blocks the center of the "field" during movement, the phase or elephant cannot move, referred to as "blocking the elephant's eye."

Rook (Chariot)

The rook is the most powerful piece in Xiangqi, capable of moving any number of spaces along horizontal or vertical lines, as long as no piece blocks its path. Known as "chariot straight road," a rook can control up to seventeen points, earning it the nickname "one chariot equals ten pieces."

Cannon

The cannon moves similarly to the rook when not capturing a piece. However, to capture, it must jump over exactly one piece, whether friendly or enemy, known as "firing over a screen" or "over the mountain."

Horse

The horse moves in an "L" shape, known as "horse walking day." It can reach eight points around its current position, hence the phrase "eight directions of majesty." If another piece blocks its path, the horse cannot move, referred to as "tripping the horse's leg."

Soldiers / Pawns

The red side uses "soldiers," and the black side uses "pawns." These pieces can only move forward and not backward. Before crossing the river, they cannot move sideways. After crossing the river, they gain the ability to move left or right one space at a time, significantly increasing their power, hence the saying "small pawn crossing the river can top a chariot."

Players take turns moving their pieces, adhering to the combat principles from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," such as "winning without fighting" and "capturing the enemy's general." The player with the red pieces moves first, and the game continues until a win, loss, or draw is determined. Through the intricate dynamics of attack, defense, feint, and strategy, players can enhance their cognitive abilities.

This themed chess game, inspired by the Three Kingdoms, not only provides an engaging experience with its various gameplay modes but also offers a platform to master the endgame strategies of Xiangqi, making it a comprehensive tool for chess enthusiasts.