Three Kingdoms chess:象棋

This Three Kingdoms-themed chess game offers diverse gameplay modes, allowing players to conquer levels, challenge iconic heroes, and master endgame strategies. Xiangqi, the Chinese chess game, is a classic two-player contest with a rich history. Its simple yet engaging design has made it incredibly popular.

Chess Pieces

There are 32 pieces, 16 red and 16 black, each side comprising seven types:

• Red: 1 General, 2 each of Chariots, Horses, Cannons, Elephants, and Advisors, and 5 Soldiers.
• Black: 1 General, 2 each of Chariots, Horses, Cannons, Elephants, and Advisors, and 5 Soldiers.

General/Commander

The red General and the black Commander are the leaders, the ultimate targets of each side's strategy.

Movement is restricted to the "nine palaces" (a 3x3 grid in the center of the board). They can move one square horizontally or vertically. Direct confrontation (being in the same vertical line) results in an immediate loss for the moving player.

Advisors

Red Advisors and black Advisors are also confined to the nine palaces, moving diagonally one square at a time.

Elephants

Red Elephants and black Elephants move diagonally two squares, often described as "elephant flying." They are restricted to their own side of the "river" (the central horizontal line dividing the board) and cannot jump over pieces. A piece directly between the Elephant and its destination blocks its movement ("blocked elephant eye").

Chariots

The Chariots are the most powerful pieces, moving any number of squares horizontally or vertically without obstruction. This unrestricted movement across up to seventeen squares earns them the reputation of "one chariot equals ten pawns."

Cannons

Cannons move like Chariots when not capturing. To capture, they must jump over a single piece (either friendly or enemy) – a move known as "cannon over the mountain."

Horses

Horses move in an "L" shape: one square horizontally or vertically, then one square diagonally. They cannot jump over pieces. Their potential eight movement squares give rise to the phrase "eight directions of majesty."

Soldiers/Pawns

Red Soldiers and black Soldiers can only move forward one square at a time before crossing the "river." After crossing, they can also move one square laterally. This increased mobility after crossing the river gives rise to the saying, "small pawns crossing the river top chariots."

Gameplay

Players alternate turns, following the ancient military strategy of "winning without fighting," aiming to checkmate the opponent's General/Commander. Red moves first. The game ends when one player checkmates the other, or a draw is declared. Xiangqi enhances strategic thinking through complex interactions of attack, defense, and overall board control.

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