Articles
Discover Xiangqi: history, strategy and Chinese Chess culture.
Xu Yinchuan: the Immortal of Guangdong and the Most Precise Endgame in Xiangqi
He won the national title at eighteen and was still winning them two decades later. Xu Yinchuan built his career on the least glamorous skill in Xiangqi — being right in the endgame, every time.
Playing Chinese Chess Against the Computer: Bots, Difficulty Levels and How to Improve
A computer opponent will never keep you waiting, never gloat and never be unavailable at 2am. Choosing the right one, though, decides whether you improve or just lose repeatedly.
Chinese Chess Rules: The Complete Xiangqi Rulebook
One page, every rule. How the seven pieces move, what makes a move illegal, how games are won, and the handful of rules that have no equivalent in Western chess.
Xiangqi in Indonesia: History, PEXI and the Twenty Silent Years
For twenty years, Xiangqi pieces in Indonesia were played without a single Chinese character on them. The story of the game there is the story of a community that kept its tradition through a period when that tradition could not be written down.
Chinese Chess (Xiangqi) Board Setup: Starting Position, Piece Placement and Characters
Sixteen pieces per side, ninety intersections, and two sets of Chinese characters that do not match. Here is the exact starting position, and how to tell your Advisor from your opponent's.
Mastering the General in Xiangqi: Movement, the Flying General Rule & Mating Patterns
The General never leaves a nine-point box, yet it decides every game. Here is how it moves, why two Generals may never see each other, and how that strange rule wins games.
Pikafish: The Complete Guide to the Strongest Xiangqi Engine
Pikafish is to Xiangqi what Stockfish is to chess: a free engine far beyond the best human players. Here is what it actually does, how to run it without the classic mistakes, and how to read what it tells you.
Understanding Elo Ratings in Xiangqi: Rankings, Scales and Official Titles
From the 800-point beginner to the super-Grandmaster beyond 2600, the Elo rating defines competitive Xiangqi. Here is how it really works, and why your online rating differs from your official one.
Xiangqi Special Rules: Draws, Perpetuals, and the WXF Code
In Xiangqi, draws are rare and perpetuals are strictly forbidden. Discover the threefold repetition rule, the WXF/AXF code, and why stalemate is a loss — not a draw.
Xiangqi in France: History, Clubs, and Community in 2026
Discover the French Xiangqi scene: its history through the Asian diaspora, Parisian and Marseillais clubs, competitions, and how to start playing.
Xiangqi vs Go: two Chinese strategy giants compared
Xiangqi and Go (Weiqi) are the two greatest strategy games to come out of China. One is a war game, the other a territory game. A detailed comparison to help you choose.
Xiangqi and Chinese Culture
More than a game, Xiangqi (象棋) condenses over a thousand years of Chinese military thought, philosophy, and social life. Discover how Chinese chess became a mirror of an entire civilization.
Advisor and Elephant Sacrifices in Xiangqi: Decisive Tactics
Sacrificing an Advisor or Elephant feels counterintuitive, but well-calculated offerings shatter enemy defenses and ignite winning attacks in Chinese Chess.
Xiangqi Chariot vs Horse Endgame: Theory and Technique
The Chariot vs Horse endgame is one of the most instructive in Xiangqi. Learn when to convert a material advantage and when the defense holds.
The Three Step Tiger Opening in Xiangqi
The Three Step Tiger is a Black counter-attacking system: edge cannon, knight and fast chariot in three moves. Learn its plans, traps and how to handle it from both sides.
Mastering the Xiangqi Middlegame: A Complete Strategic Guide
The middlegame is the most complex and decisive phase of Xiangqi. Piece coordination, seizing the initiative, attacking patterns: here's how to dominate this critical zone of the game.
The Palcorner Cannon: The Surprise Xiangqi Opening
Less common than the Central Cannon but formidable in its subtlety, the Palcorner Cannon opening tucks the Cannon next to the Advisor to prepare a flexible attack.
Vietnamese Grandmasters of Cờ Tướng
Vietnam is the world's second Xiangqi nation behind China. Portrait of Cờ Tướng's grandmasters and the Vietnamese school of Chinese Chess.
Wang Tianyi: Portrait of a Modern Xiangqi Prodigy
From Beijing prodigy to World Xiangqi Champion, Wang Tianyi has redefined elite Chinese Chess through raw calculation, theoretical depth and near-mechanical precision.
Hu Ronghua: Portrait of an Absolute Xiangqi Legend
Around ten consecutive national titles across the 1960s–70s, fourteen in total over his career, opening innovations still studied today, and the informal title of King: Hu Ronghua remains the benchmark of modern Xiangqi.
Xiangqi at the Asian Games: A Mind Sport Comes of Age
When Xiangqi joined the Asian Games in 2010, it became more than a cultural pastime — it was officially recognized as a major mind sport.
History of the Xiangqi World Championship
From the inaugural 1990 edition in Singapore to today, the Xiangqi World Championship has shaped international competition. Here is its full story.
The WXF: World Xiangqi Federation Explained
Founded in 1993 in Beijing, the World Xiangqi Federation is the FIDE equivalent for Chinese Chess. It brings together around thirty national federations across four continents.
How AI Changed Xiangqi: From Mastery to Engine Dominance
From primitive 1980s programs to the superhuman Pikafish engine, discover how artificial intelligence transformed the way we play and study Xiangqi.
Famous Xiangqi Players: Legends of Chinese Chess
From Hu Ronghua's record-breaking reign to Wang Tianyi's modern dominance, discover the greatest players in the history of competitive Xiangqi.
How to Improve at Xiangqi: A Training Plan
Stop playing aimlessly and start improving with purpose. This structured training plan takes you from beginner to intermediate with concrete daily practice routines.
Xiangqi for Kids: A Fun Introduction to Chinese Chess
Discover Xiangqi in a fun, kid-friendly way! Learn about the cool pieces, the mysterious river, and why millions of children around the world love this ancient game.
The Screen Horse Defense: How to Counter the Central Cannon
The Screen Horse Defense is the most common response to the Central Cannon. Learn how to set up this rock-solid formation and navigate the resulting middlegame.
Piece Values in Xiangqi: How Much Is Each Piece Worth?
Knowing what each piece is worth helps you decide when to trade, sacrifice, or hold. Learn the relative piece values that guide every Xiangqi decision.
The Soldier: Small Piece, Big Impact in Xiangqi
The Soldier may be the smallest piece in Xiangqi, but after crossing the river it gains lateral movement and becomes a serious attacking threat.
How We Balance Bot Difficulty on Xiangqi One
When a user pointed out that our bots were far stronger than their labels suggested, we ran tens of thousands of bot-vs-bot games to measure true strength and retuned every single profile.
Advisors and Elephants: Defending the Palace in Xiangqi
The Advisor and Elephant form the backbone of your defense in Xiangqi. Learn how to use them to build an impenetrable fortress around your General.
Is Xiangqi Harder Than Chess? An Honest Comparison
Xiangqi vs Chess: which is harder? An objective comparison of complexity, strategic depth, and learning difficulty.
Xiangqi Endgame Basics: Essential Checkmate Patterns
Xiangqi endgames are where games are won and lost. Learn the most important checkmate patterns and essential endgame technique.
10 Common Mistakes Beginners Make in Xiangqi
Losing games without knowing why? These 10 beginner mistakes are probably the cause. Learn to avoid them and level up.
The Central Cannon Opening: Xiangqi's Most Popular Start
The Central Cannon is Xiangqi's most popular opening. Learn its principles, variations, and how to play it with both sides.
Chess Player's Guide to Xiangqi: Everything You Need to Know
Already play chess and want to learn Xiangqi? Your experience gives you a huge head start. Discover the key differences and start playing today.
The Chariot: Xiangqi's Most Powerful Piece
The Chariot is Xiangqi's most valuable piece. Learn to develop it quickly, control open files, and execute devastating tactics.
Mastering the Horse in Xiangqi: Movement, Tactics & Traps
The Xiangqi Horse moves in an L-shape like its chess counterpart, but it can be blocked. Learn to master it in every phase of the game.
The Cannon: Complete Guide to Xiangqi's Most Unique Piece
The Cannon is Xiangqi's most distinctive piece. Discover how it moves, captures by jumping over screens, and dominates every phase of the game.
Xiangqi vs Shogi vs Chess: Which Is Right for You?
Compare the three greatest chess variants in the world: Xiangqi, Shogi, and Western Chess. Discover their unique rules, strategic differences, and which game suits your style.
Play Xiangqi Online in 2026: Best Platforms & Apps
Where to play Xiangqi online in 2026: compare top platforms, mobile apps, game modes, and find the perfect place to improve your Chinese Chess skills.
Xiangqi Pieces: Complete Guide to Roles, Moves & Value
A detailed breakdown of every Xiangqi piece: General, Advisor, Elephant, Horse, Chariot, Cannon, and Soldier. Learn their moves, values, and how to use them to win.
The History of Xiangqi
Xiangqi has a history spanning over a thousand years. Explore the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of Chinese Chess through the ages.
Xiangqi Openings Guide: The 5 Most Popular Systems
Learn the 5 most popular Xiangqi opening systems. Understand the key ideas, typical plans, and common responses for each opening to build a solid repertoire.
Xiangqi Strategy for Beginners: 10 Essential Tips
Improve your Xiangqi game with these 10 beginner strategy tips. From piece development to endgame technique, learn the fundamentals that separate beginners from intermediate players.
Xiangqi vs Chess: 10 Key Differences
What makes Xiangqi different from Western Chess? Compare the board, pieces, special rules, and strategies of both games in this detailed side-by-side guide.
Xiangqi Notation Explained
A practical guide to the three Xiangqi notation systems: WXF, Chinese, and Coordinate. Learn how each one works and when to use them.
How to Play Xiangqi
Everything you need to start playing Xiangqi: board setup, piece movements, special rules, and how to win. A beginner-friendly guide to Chinese Chess.