Chinese Chess, known as "Elephant Chess" or "Xiangqi" (pronounced "Shiang-Chi") in China, is an ancient game nearly 2000 years old, and played by millions of people the world over.

The game board consists of two sides: the "northern territory" (typically using blue pieces) and the "southern territory" (using red), separated by a space called "the river". Each territory contains a "king's palace", and the objective it to capture your opponent's king, while simultaneously protecting your own king. Each side starts with 16 pieces. Red moves first, and each side makes one move at a time.

Although played by Chinese people around the world, until recently it was virtually unknown among westerners. Chinese Chess is a relative of western Chess, but the many differences result in a more wide-open and aggressive contest.

Photo courtesy of Ishi Press International, publisher of First Syllabus on Xiangqi : Chinese Chess 1.

Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Games

Chinese Chess Set   BUY NOW 

This is a nice edition of the centuries-old game of Xiangqi (Chinese Chess). The solid wooden board comes with 36 hard plastic pieces. The board measures 11 1/2" by 12 1/2" by 7/16".

James Palmer, Paperback, 128 Pages, September 2000
This book provides everything that the beginner needs to know about the fascinating game of Chinese Chess. The initial chapters explain the basics of the game. Subsequent chapters show how play is developed and offer advice, as well as giving tips, on strategy and improving your skill. Finally, there is a brief history of the game and additional reference material. This pack contains a detailed play guide and strategic hints and tips for the game, along with a colorful board and the 32 pieces used in play. You can also play Korean Chess using this board and pieces.

H. T. Lau, Paperback, March 1991
This pioneering book explains the fundamental aspects of Chinese Chess - rules, the board, basic moves, piece values - with clear examples and diagrams. After teaching the basics of the game, this book goes a step further, instructing you in tactics, methods for getting out of trouble, and cunning strategies for winning. Also included are 80 mid- and end-game exercises designed to sharpen playing skills.

David H. Li, Paperback, 158 Pages, February 1996
Designed as a textbook for beginners, this cutting-edge guide to Chinese Chess incorporates the latest ideas and examples from enthusiasts and championship play. Chapter summaries and exercises focus on important points. This book reflects the latest thinking among leading Xiangqi players around the world, and incorporates terminology adopted by the World Xiangqi Federation. It provides probability-based evaluation of pieces at the opening, in the midgame, and at the endgame, categorizing moves into attacking, defensive, and tactical.

Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Links

ItsYourTurn.com

Play free online games including Chinese Chess (Xiangqi), Backgammon, Battleboats (Battleship), Chess, Checkers, Othello, Pente, and more - over 40 different games and variations. No Java, no downloads. Tournaments and extensive message boards are part of this active community.

If you're familiar with the Western game of chess, you'll find much that is familiar in Xiangqi, but also much that is strange and new. This web site will help you to sort out the differences.

This portion of the Chess Variants site includes information about Xiangqi, history of the game, rules, links, and much more.

Here you will find the largest database of xiangqi master games available on the Web, which can be viewed online or downloaded for study. The site also has news in both English and Chinese, many links, and a list of worldwide clubs.

XiangQi (Chinese Chess) Home Page, XiangQi game collections, free Java XiangQi viewer, free XiangQi Software.

A Chinese chess teaching ptrogram. The computer challenges your techniques and provides many computer players with different levels. Whoever you are, beginner or expert, you will have fun playing against it. It also learns from your good moves, so be careful! Shareware $15.00.

A computer program that plays Chinese Chess. The program includes multiple skill levels, undo/redo, the ability to edit boards and switch sides, game save/restore, on-screen clocks, and more. Shareware $21.00.

Xiang plays Chinese Chess in your Palm. There are three skill levels. It comes with a graphical chess set and so you can play even you do not read Chinese. Color version is available. Requires PalmPilot. Shareware $12.00.