No plays can be made in the river. Pieces must cross it to make a play. On each side of the playing board, there is an Imperial Palace. The general and guard pieces are not allowed to leave it.
On the row nearest you, place your pieces on the points from left to right: the chariot, horse, elephant, guard, king, guard, elephant, knight, and chariot. On the third row, place your two cannons on the intersection that is one space from the edge of the right and left side of the board. On the fourth row, place your soldier pieces on every other intersection, beginning with the first intersection on the edge of the board.
The general can move 1 space back or forward, right or left but cannot make a move diagonally. This piece is also not allowed to leave the Imperial Palace area. [12] X Research source The general piece may capture any enemy piece which strays into the Imperial Palace area unless that piece is protected by another piece. Generals on the opposite sides of the board cannot be across from each other without another piece between them. A chariot or rook piece can move any number of spaces in a straight line horizontally or vertically through the rows of the board. [13] X Research source The horse piece is equivalent to the knight in international chess rules, in that it can move 1 point any direction and 1 point diagonally (aka 2 points in one direction and 1 point perpendicular to it). However, the horse cannot jump another piece (e. g. If there is a piece in front of the horse blocking its path of 2 points forward). [14] X Research source Cannon move rules are the same as the chariot/rook with one difference. In order to capture, the cannon has to jump over only 1 piece but it can be of either color. [15] X Research source Guards can move only 1 point diagonally in either direction but, they cannot leave the Imperial Palace. The elephant can move 2 points diagonally, as a bishop can in international chess. However an elephant cannot cross the river on the board. [16] X Research source If there is a piece on the point which the elephant has to jump over in order to get to the second point then the elephant can’t get to the second point. [17] X Research source Soldiers can only move and capture 1 point forward (not diagonally) until they cross the river. Once they cross the river, soldiers can move 1 point in any direction except backward. [18] X Research source Unlike international chess, a soldier cannot promote if it reaches the end of the board.
To “capture” is to take over the point that the opposing team occupies. It’s the same strategic move that’s used in international chess. You put your opponent’s general in “check” if your next move will capture the piece. Your opponent’s next move has to be to protect the general from capture.
A “checkmate” occurs when the general cannot escape capture. You can also win if you force your opponent into a “stalemate,” in which your opponent cannot make a legal move to protect his general. The game is a draw when neither player can force a stalemate or checkmate.
