Application Description

A chess game that masterfully blends the iconic theme of the Three Kingdoms with diverse gameplay modes offers players an immersive experience. This unique game allows players to conquer all levels, challenge legendary heroes, and swiftly master the intricacies of chess endgames. Xiangqi, a traditional form of chess originating from China, is a two-player strategy game that boasts a rich history. Its simple yet engaging design has made Xiangqi a beloved pastime for many.

Chess Pieces

Xiangqi features 32 chess pieces, evenly split into red and black groups, each comprising 16 pieces divided into seven types. The specific pieces and their quantities are as follows:

• Red chess pieces: one "Handsome," two each of "Rook," "Horse," "Cannon," "Phase," and "Shi," and five "Soldiers."
• Black chess pieces: one "General," two "Horses," two "Cannons," two "Elephants," and five "Pawns."

Movement of Pieces

Handsome/General: The red side's leader is the "Handsome," while the black side's is the "General." Both can only move within the "nine palaces," moving one square at a time either vertically or horizontally. Importantly, the Handsome and General cannot face each other directly along the same line, as this results in an immediate loss for the player who moved.

Shi/Taxi: The "Shi" for the red side and "Taxi" for the black side are also confined to the nine palaces, moving diagonally one square at a time.

Phase/Elephant: The red "Phase" and black "Elephant" move diagonally two squares at a time, known as "flying the field." Their movement is restricted to their own side of the "river," and they cannot cross it. Additionally, if another piece blocks their path mid-way, they cannot move, referred to as "blocking the elephant's eye."

Rook/Car: The "Rook" or "Car" is the most powerful piece, able to move any number of squares along a straight line, horizontally or vertically, as long as no piece blocks its path. This piece can control up to seventeen points, earning it the nickname "one car and ten children."

Cannon: When not capturing, the "Cannon" moves identically to the Rook. However, to capture, it must jump over exactly one piece, whether friendly or enemy, a move known as "shelling the partition" or "over the mountain."

Horse: The "Horse" moves in an "L" shape: one square in any direction, then one square diagonally. This allows it to reach eight points around its position, known as "eight sides of majesty." If another piece blocks the first part of its move, the Horse cannot move, termed "tripping the horse's legs."

Soldiers/Pawns: The red "Soldiers" and black "Pawns" can only move forward one square at a time and cannot retreat. Before crossing the river, they cannot move sideways. After crossing, they gain the ability to move left or right one square, significantly increasing their power, leading to the saying "small pawns crossing the river top the cart."

Gameplay

Players take turns moving their pieces, embodying the strategic principles from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," such as "subduing the enemy without fighting." The objective is to "checkmate" or "trap" the opponent's General or Handsome. The game begins with the red side moving first, and play continues until a win, loss, or draw is determined. Engaging in Xiangqi battles enhances players' strategic thinking, as they navigate the complexities of attack and defense, feints, and overall battlefield dynamics.

Board