Three Kingdoms chess:象棋

A strategic chess game inspired by the Three Kingdoms era, featuring diverse gameplay modes.

This Three Kingdoms-themed chess game offers multiple gameplay options, allowing players to conquer all levels, challenge legendary heroes, and master endgame strategies. Xiangqi, originating in China, is a two-player strategic board game with ancient roots. Known for its straightforward yet engaging pieces, it remains a widely enjoyed intellectual sport.

Chess Pieces

The game features thirty-two pieces divided into red and black armies, each containing sixteen pieces across seven distinct types:

Red army: One general, two each of chariots, horses, cannons, mandarins, and guards, plus five soldiers.

Black army: One commander, two chariots, two horses, two cannons, two elephants, and five pawns.

General / Commander

The red general (帅) and black commander (将) serve as the kings of their respective armies and the primary objectives in gameplay.

Restricted to movement within their palace's nine squares, these pieces move one space vertically or horizontally per turn. They cannot directly face each other along an unobstructed file - violation results in automatic loss.

Mandarin / Guard

These advisors (红士/黑仕) operate exclusively within palace boundaries, moving one diagonal square per turn.

Elephant / Minister

The elephant (相/象) moves diagonally two squares per turn ("elephant's leap"), constrained to their side of the river. Movement is blocked if another piece occupies the center square ("blocked elephant eye").

Chariot

The most powerful piece moves any distance orthogonally ("chariot runs straight"). Capable of controlling up to seventeen squares simultaneously, earning its reputation as "one chariot worth ten soldiers".

Cannon

Cannons move like chariots when not capturing, but require jumping over exactly one intervening piece (friend or foe) to capture ("cannon screens").

Horse

Horses move one orthogonal step followed by one diagonal outward ("horse moves like '日' character"), potentially reaching eight positions. Movement is blocked if the initial orthogonal path is obstructed ("hobbled horse").

Soldier / Pawn

Soldiers (兵/卒) advance forward only before crossing the river, gaining sideways movement capability afterward while still moving one space at a time. Their enhanced mobility inspires the saying "a river-crossed pawn equals a chariot".

Following Sun Tzu's military principles, players alternate turns (red moves first) to achieve checkmate or stalemate. Through this strategic interplay of attack, defense, and positional nuance, players develop advanced tactical thinking.