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Xiangqi guides, openings, endgames and strategy

How to play, the openings worth learning, the endings worth knowing, and the history and people behind the game — the Chinese chess library, free.

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How Every Xiangqi Piece Moves: General, Chariot, Cannon, Horse and More

A clear guide to how xiangqi pieces move: General, Advisor, Elephant, Horse, Chariot, Cannon, and Soldier, plus the blocking tricks beginners miss.

Coach Aisha Rahman Jun 24, 2026 8 min read
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Every article in the library, sorted into the topic it belongs to.

Guides66 articles

Xiangqi guides

Rules, piece guides, board setup and the beginner mistakes worth skipping.

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Openings46 articles

Xiangqi openings

The Central Cannon, the Screen Horse and every major system, with the ideas behind the moves.

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Strategy51 articles

Xiangqi strategy and tactics

Middlegame plans, tactics and calculation: attacking the palace and defending it.

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Endgames26 articles

Xiangqi endgames

Book endings, fortresses, and the technique that converts a won game.

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History6 articles

History of Xiangqi

Two thousand years of the game, from its origins to the professional era.

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Players16 articles

Xiangqi players

The champions and characters of Chinese chess, past and present.

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Culture24 articles

Xiangqi culture

The game in parks, teahouses and daily life across China, Vietnam and the diaspora.

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Tournaments1 article

Xiangqi tournaments

Reports and standings from the events that matter.

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Interviews1 article

Xiangqi interviews

Conversations with players, coaches and organisers.

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Product2 articles

Product updates

What's new on XiangqiPlay.

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Latest

Recent articles

239 articles across 14 pages, newest first.

Guides

Xiangqi Board Setup: Starting Position and the River Explained

Learn the correct Xiangqi (象棋 / Chinese Chess) board setup: the 9×10 grid, the river, the palace, and exactly where every piece starts so you can set up a game with confidence.

Mei LinJun 22, 2026 7m
Product

Introducing Deep Analysis 2.0 — explain any move instantly

Our rebuilt engine now annotates entire games in seconds, surfaces the critical turning point, and translates evaluations into plain-language coaching you can actually learn from.

XiangqiPlay TeamJun 20, 2026 5m
Guides

5 Checkmate Patterns Every Xiangqi Beginner Should Know

Five essential Xiangqi (象棋 / Chinese Chess) checkmate patterns for beginners, from the Chariot back-rank mate to the deadly flying general finish, with clear explanations of how each one works.

Mr. Tan WeiJun 19, 2026 9m
Interviews

Inside the mind of Zheng Weitong

The world number two on his ruthless cannon play, his pre-game rituals, and why he believes the next generation will rewrite Xiangqi opening theory entirely.

Daniel OkaforJun 17, 2026 8m
Guides

How to Read Xiangqi Notation: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Xiangqi (象棋 / Chinese Chess) notation looks cryptic but follows simple rules. Learn how to read files, piece names, and the forward, backward, and sideways move symbols so you can study games with ease.

Daniel OkaforJun 16, 2026 7m
Guides

Xiangqi vs Western Chess: 8 Key Differences Every Player Should Know

Xiangqi vs chess, from someone who plays both: what actually changes when you switch — the river, the palace, the leaping cannon, and the feel of the fight.

FM Elena PetrovaJun 13, 2026 9m
Openings

The Central Cannon, Played the Modern Way

The oldest first move in Xiangqi is still the most common one at every level. How strong players handle the Central Cannon today: what the cannon is really for, when to open the chariot file, and the tempting captures that lose the initiative.

Mei LinJun 12, 2026 7m
Guides

10 Common Xiangqi Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)

Avoid the 10 most common Xiangqi (象棋 / Chinese Chess) beginner mistakes — from neglecting development to exposing your General — with practical fixes that will instantly raise your level of play.

Coach Aisha RahmanJun 10, 2026 9m
Tournaments

Rising Stars U2000: five names to watch this season

The under-2000 arena produced some of the most fearless Xiangqi of the year. Here are the breakout talents who turned heads — and the games that made them.

Mei LinJun 8, 2026 5m
Guides

The Flying General Rule in Xiangqi, Explained with Examples

The flying general rule is one of Xiangqi's most important and misunderstood rules. Learn exactly why the two Generals can never face each other, with clear examples and how to use it to win games.

Mr. Tan WeiJun 7, 2026 7m
Endgames

Endgame Technique: Converting Chariot vs Horse and Advisors

Chariot against horse and two advisors is a book win, and one of the most misplayed endings at club level. The winning method, the full-guard fortress to avoid, and the drills that lock it into memory.

Mr. Tan WeiJun 3, 2026 9m
Openings

The Central Cannon Opening: A Complete Guide for Xiangqi Players

The Central Cannon (中炮) is the most aggressive and popular first move in Xiangqi. This complete guide explains its plans, typical formations, and how to launch a coordinated attack down the central file.

FM Elena PetrovaMay 30, 2026 9m
Product

The native XiangqiPlay app is now in open beta

Offline puzzles, buttery-smooth board animations, and the same accounts you already love — now on iOS and Android. Here's how to get in early and what's coming next.

XiangqiPlay TeamMay 29, 2026 4m
Openings

The Screen Horse Defense: How to Answer the Central Cannon

The Screen Horse defense (屏风马) is the classic, rock-solid answer to the Central Cannon. Learn how two horses shield your center, absorb the attack, and set up counterplay against aggressive Xiangqi opponents.

GM Lê MinhMay 27, 2026 9m
Openings

Same-Direction Cannon: The Sharp Opening Taking Over Master Play

The Same-Direction Cannon (顺炮) answers a Central Cannon by mirroring it on the same side, creating razor-sharp, symmetrical battles. Discover why this fighting opening is a favorite in modern master Xiangqi play.

FM Elena PetrovaMay 24, 2026 8m
Openings

The 5 Best Xiangqi Openings for Beginners

The best xiangqi openings for beginners aren't complex: the Central Cannon, Screen Horse, and Elephant opening teach safe kings, clear plans, and attacking ideas.

Coach Aisha RahmanMay 21, 2026 8m
Openings

7 Xiangqi Opening Principles That Instantly Improve Your Play

Master seven timeless Xiangqi (象棋) opening principles that instantly sharpen your play. From fast development to General safety and central control, these fundamentals matter more than memorizing lines in Cờ Tướng.

Mr. Tan WeiMay 18, 2026 8m
Openings

Cannon Openings vs Horse Openings: Which Style Suits You?

Should you build your Xiangqi (象棋) game around cannons or horses? This guide compares the aggressive cannon openings with the flexible horse openings, helping you choose the style that fits your temperament in Cờ Tướng.

Zhang WeiMay 15, 2026 8m

Popular topics

How to play XiangqiCentral CannonCờ TướngScreen HorseEndgamesWang TianyiHu RonghuaXiangqi vs ChessOpeningsPuzzles
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