Chinese Chess Game

What is Xiangqi (Chinese Chess)?

Xiangqi, also known as Chinese Chess or Elephant Chess, is one of the world's most popular strategy board games with over 500 million players worldwide. Dating back over 1,000 years, this ancient game features unique mechanics like the river boundary, palace restrictions, and the powerful cannon piece. Two armies of 16 pieces each battle on a 9x10 board with pieces placed on intersections rather than squares. Our online Xiangqi game features intelligent AI using the Minimax algorithm with alpha-beta pruning, providing challenging gameplay for all skill levels.

Game Features

• Play vs Computer with 3 difficulty levels (Easy, Medium, Hard)
• Local 2-player mode to play with friends
• Smart AI using Minimax with alpha-beta pruning
• Positional Value Tables for realistic play style
• Drag-and-drop or click-to-move controls
• Legal move highlighting showing valid positions
• Captured pieces tracking for both sides
• Material advantage indicator
• Complete move history in Chinese notation
• Hint system suggesting best moves
• Undo moves (both player and computer)
• Flip board to view from either side
• Check, checkmate, and stalemate detection
• Flying General rule implementation
• Sound effects for moves, captures, and check
• Dark mode support
• Responsive design for all devices
• No registration required

How to Play Xiangqi

1. Select game mode: vs Computer or 2 Players
2. Choose your color (Red or Black) and difficulty level
3. Click or drag a piece to see legal moves highlighted
4. Move pieces to capture opponents and control the board
5. Protect your General - when in check, you must escape
6. Checkmate the opponent's General to win
7. Use the Hint button if stuck - it shows the best move
8. Undo mistakes and learn from them

Xiangqi Tips and Strategy

• Control the center files - especially the central cannon and chariot positions
• Develop your chariots early - they are the most powerful pieces
• Protect your General - never leave it exposed on an open file
• Use cannons effectively - they need a screen piece to capture
• Advance soldiers across the river - they gain sideways movement
• Block enemy horses with pawns - horses can be blocked unlike knights in chess
• Keep elephants at home - they cannot cross the river
• Watch for the Flying General rule - generals cannot face each other directly
• Coordinate your advisor and elephant defense around the palace
• In endgames, a chariot is often worth more than a horse and cannon combined
• Use discovered checks and double attacks with your cannon
• Think ahead - consider your opponent's possible responses