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Xiangqi Strategy and Tips

Here is how to think about winning at Xiangqi, split into short lessons. Each one reads on its own, and each one comes with a real position: press Try it on the board and you play the move yourself.

Run the chariot on an open file

Lesson 1

A chariot travels any number of points horizontally or vertically until a piece blocks its path. To use that long range, keep your own pieces out of the way and look for a rank or file that runs straight to an enemy piece.

Here the a-file is open. Nothing stands between the red chariot on a0 and the black soldier on a7, so the chariot can capture it in one move. Chariots become especially powerful when they control a clear line across the board.

After the capture, the chariot also attacks horizontally inside Black's camp. A single blocker would stop it, so scan outward from every chariot in four straight directions and identify the first occupied point on each line.

Clear the horse's leg

Lesson 2

A horse first takes one orthogonal step and then bends one point diagonally. It cannot jump over a piece on that first step. This point is called the horse leg, and one blocker there removes both destinations in that direction.

The horse on c3 has its upward leg blocked by the red soldier on c4. Advance the soldier to c5 to clear the leg. After Black's reply, the horse can bend to d5. Before planning a horse move, check that its first orthogonal point is empty.

The destination must also be free of a friendly piece, and the move may not expose your own general. Check the leg, the destination, and the general in that order when judging a horse move.

Jump one screen with the cannon

Lesson 3

A cannon moves like a chariot when it does not capture, but captures by a special rule. There must be exactly one piece of either color between the cannon and its target. That intervening piece is the screen.

In this position, the red soldier on e5 is the only screen between the cannon on e2 and the black chariot on e8. The cannon can jump that soldier and capture the chariot. With no screen, or with two pieces in between, the capture would be illegal.

The screen stays where it is, and only the first piece beyond it can be captured. Count occupied points along the line before committing the cannon, because an extra piece beyond the screen stops the shot early.

Check with a soldier across the river

Lesson 4

Before crossing the river, a soldier moves only one point forward. After crossing, it also gains a one-point move to either side, though it can never retreat. Near the opposing palace, those three directions make an advanced soldier a serious attacking piece.

The red soldier on d7 has already crossed the river. Moving sideways to e7 makes it attack the black general directly ahead on e8, giving check. Even a small soldier becomes powerful deep in enemy territory because it can restrict the general's escape points.

The soldier still cannot move diagonally or backward. Combine its three attacked points with a chariot or cannon, and remember to look for a sideways check whenever an advanced soldier stands beside the opposing general's file.

Try it on the board

Pick a lesson and the board starts from that position. Start over as often as you like.

Now put it to work

Play with friendsLearn how to play (3 min)

Last updated 2026-09-19 · Run by Qdan, Inc.