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Welcome to Xiangqipedia

The encyclopedia of xiangqi—its play, history, people, and culture.

• Introduction to xiangqi
• Rules of play
• Glossary
• A–Z index
• Random article

Rules & Essentials

Learn the basics of xiangqi and how it is played.

• Xiangqi
• The board
• Piece movements
• Check and checkmate
• Draw rules

Openings

Explore opening theory and established systems.

• Opening principles
• Central Cannon
• Screen Horses
• Elephant Opening
• Opening classification

Tactics & Checkmates

Study tactical ideas and mating patterns.

• Tactical motifs
• Pins
• Forks
• Sacrifices
• Checkmate patterns

Strategy & Middlegames

Develop your understanding of positional play.

• Initiative
• Piece activity
• Exchanges
• Positional play
• Attacking the general

Endgames & Compositions

Learn key endgames and composed works.

• Fundamental endgames
• Chariot endgames
• Horse and cannon endgames
• Fortresses
• Composed problems

Games & Competitions

Discover famous games and major events.

• Famous games
• Annotated games
• World Championship
• National championships
• Tournament formats

Players & Biographies

Read about great players past and present.

• Grandmasters
• Champions
• Historical players
• Women in xiangqi
• Authors

History & Culture

Explore the rich history and cultural context.

• History of xiangqi
• Origins and development
• Proverbs and sayings
• Xiangqi in art
• Regional traditions

Books & Media

Find books, media and other resources.

• Classical manuals
• Modern books
• Magazines
• Video series
• Bibliographies

Variants & Related Games

Learn about xiangqi's variants and related games.

• Jieqi
• Banqi
• Janggi
• Regional variants
• Rule comparisons

Computer Xiangqi

Explore computer xiangqi and AI research.

• Engines
• Analysis software
• Endgame tablebases
• Opening databases
• Computer competitions

Terminology & Notation

Look up terms, notation and translated names.

• Glossary
• Chinese notation
• Algebraic notation
• Piece names
• Translation notes

Featured from the encyclopedia

Loading xiangqi example…

Elbow horse

The elbow horse (卧槽马) is an attacking horse placement just outside the enemy palace, where it can check the general on the back rank and work with other pieces to win material or deliver mate.

Read the full article →

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