Xiangqi Terms

Xiangqi, also known as Chinese Chess, has its own vocabulary for chess pieces, board positions, opening systems, tactical patterns, checkmate ideas, endgames, and game analysis.

Whether you are new to Xiangqi or looking to improve your Chinese Chess skills, understanding these terms will make it easier to follow games, study strategies, read Xiangqi books, and understand professional game commentary.

This Xiangqi glossary explains the most common Chinese Chess terms in clear English, from basic piece names such as General, Advisor, Elephant, Horse, Chariot, Cannon, and Soldier to advanced concepts such as Perpetual Check, Double Attack, Discovered Attack, Horse Leg, Cannon Screen, and Checkmate Patterns.

Xiangqi Basics

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
中国象棋 Xiangqi / Chinese Chess A traditional Chinese board game played between two opposing armies.
象棋 Xiangqi The Chinese name for Chinese Chess.
棋盘 Chessboard The playing board used for Xiangqi.
棋子 Chess Piece Any playing piece used in Xiangqi.
红方 Red Side The player controlling the red pieces.
黑方 Black Side The player controlling the black pieces.
楚河 Chu River The traditional name associated with one side of the river dividing the board.
汉界 Han Border The traditional name associated with the opposite side of the river.
河界 River The horizontal boundary separating the two sides of the Xiangqi board.
九宫 Palace The 3×3 area where the General or King and Advisors operate.
中线 Central File The central vertical file of the Xiangqi board.
开局 Opening The early stage of a Xiangqi game.
中局 Middlegame The stage after the opening when tactical and strategic battles usually develop.
残局 Endgame The later stage of the game when fewer pieces remain.
局面 Position The current arrangement of all pieces on the board.
走法 Move A player's movement of one piece.
回合 Turn A player's opportunity to make a move.

Xiangqi Piece Names

Xiangqi has seven types of pieces, each with different movement rules and strategic functions.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
将 / 帅 General / King The most important piece. The two Generals cannot face each other directly along an open file.
士 Advisor / Guard A defensive piece that moves diagonally within the Palace.
象 / 相 Elephant / Minister A defensive piece that moves two points diagonally and cannot cross the River.
马 Horse / Knight A piece that moves in an L-shaped pattern but can be blocked at its first step.
车 Chariot / Rook A powerful piece that moves horizontally or vertically across open lines.
炮 Cannon A unique Xiangqi piece that moves like a Chariot but captures by jumping over exactly one intervening piece.
兵 / 卒 Soldier / Pawn The basic attacking piece. Before crossing the River it moves forward; after crossing it can also move sideways.

Xiangqi Board Terms

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
交叉点 Intersection Pieces are placed on the intersections of the board lines rather than inside squares.
棋路 File / Rank A line on the Xiangqi board used to describe piece positions and movement.
九宫 Palace The restricted 3×3 area occupied by the General and Advisors.
河界 River The boundary separating the two armies.
中线 Central File The central vertical line, often strategically important in the opening.
底线 Back Rank The player's home-side horizontal line.
边线 Edge File One of the outer files of the board.
过河 Cross the River Moving a piece from its own side of the board to the opponent's side.
占中 Control the Center Establishing control over central board space and important lines.

Xiangqi Movement Terms

General and Palace Movement

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
将帅 General The red or black royal piece.
将帅照面 Facing Generals A position where the two Generals face each other directly along an open file, which is illegal.
九宫 Palace The area restricting the movement of the General and Advisors.
将走九宫 General Moves Within the Palace The General moves one point horizontally or vertically within the Palace.
士走斜线 Advisor Moves Diagonally The Advisor moves one point diagonally within the Palace.

Elephant and Horse Movement

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
马走日 Horse Moves in an L-Shape The Horse moves in an L-shaped pattern corresponding to the Chinese character 日.
马腿 Horse Leg The adjacent point that must be clear for a Horse to complete its move.
蹩马腿 Block the Horse Leg Blocking the Horse's movement by occupying the required adjacent point.
象走田 Elephant Moves Diagonally The Elephant moves two points diagonally, forming the shape of 田.
象眼 Elephant Eye The intermediate point of an Elephant's diagonal movement.
塞象眼 Block the Elephant Eye Blocking the Elephant by occupying its intermediate point.
象不过河 Elephant Cannot Cross the River Elephants must remain on their own side of the River.

Cannon Terms

The Cannon is one of the most distinctive Xiangqi pieces because it captures by jumping over exactly one piece.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
炮架 Cannon Screen The piece used by a Cannon as the required jumping screen when capturing.
炮台 Cannon Platform A piece or positional setup that provides support for Cannon tactics.
中炮 Central Cannon A Cannon developed toward the central file.
当头炮 Central Cannon Opening A common opening setup in which a Cannon occupies the central file.
过宫炮 Palace-Crossing Cannon An opening or maneuver in which the Cannon crosses toward the opposite side of the Palace.
士角炮 Advisor-Corner Cannon A Cannon development associated with the Advisor's corner area.
巡河炮 Riverbank Cannon A Cannon placed along the River line.
重炮 Double Cannons Two Cannons cooperating to create a powerful attacking formation.
天地炮 Heaven-and-Earth Cannons A tactical formation involving two Cannons operating on different lines.

Chariot Terms

The Chariot is generally one of the most powerful and mobile Xiangqi pieces.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
出车 Develop the Chariot Bringing a Chariot into active play during the opening.
直车 Straight Chariot A Chariot developed along a vertical file.
横车 Horizontal Chariot A Chariot maneuvered horizontally across the board.
车过河 Chariot Crosses the River Moving a Chariot across the River to attack the opponent's position.
车巡河 Riverbank Chariot A Chariot positioned along the River line.
双车 Two Chariots Having both Chariots actively participating in the position.
双车错 Double Chariot Maneuver A tactical formation involving coordinated Chariot activity.

Soldier and Pawn Terms

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
兵 Red Soldier The Red side's pawn-like piece.
卒 Black Soldier The Black side's pawn-like piece.
过河兵 River-Crossed Soldier A Soldier that has crossed the River.
过河卒 River-Crossed Pawn A Black Soldier that has crossed the River.
中兵 Central Soldier A Soldier positioned on or advancing through the central file.
边兵 Wing Soldier A Soldier located on a flank.
挺兵 Advance the Soldier Advancing a Soldier to improve space or create tactical opportunities.
兵卒过河 Soldier Crosses the River A Soldier enters the opponent's half of the board.

Xiangqi Check and Checkmate Terms

Understanding check-related terminology is essential for studying Xiangqi tactics.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
将军 Check An attack on the opposing General.
被将军 In Check A General is currently under attack.
应将 Respond to Check Making a legal move to answer a check.
解将 Resolve the Check Removing the threat against the General.
将死 Checkmate The General is in check and has no legal way to escape.
将杀 Checkmate A move or sequence that checkmates the opposing General.
双将 Double Check Two pieces simultaneously give check to the opposing General.
连将 Consecutive Checks A sequence of continuous checking moves.
长将 Perpetual Check Repeated checks that prevent the opponent from escaping the checking sequence.
叫杀 Threat of Checkmate A move that creates an immediate or serious threat of checkmate.
绝杀 Forced Checkmate A tactical sequence in which checkmate cannot be avoided.
困毙 Stalemate A position in which the player has no legal move but is not in check, subject to Xiangqi rules.
长捉 Perpetual Chase Repeatedly attacking an opposing piece so that it cannot escape the threat.

Common Xiangqi Opening Terms

The opening stage of Xiangqi is called 开局. Players develop their pieces, establish formations, compete for the center, and prepare tactical plans.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
布局 Opening Formation The strategic setup used during the opening.
出子 Piece Development Bringing pieces from their starting positions into active play.
起马 Horse Development Developing a Horse early in the opening.
飞相局 Flying Elephant Opening An opening system beginning with an Elephant move.
仙人指路 Immortal Points the Way A traditional opening involving an early flank Soldier advance.
中炮 Central Cannon An opening strategy featuring an early central Cannon.
当头炮 Central Cannon Opening A Cannon is placed directly on the central file.
屏风马 Screen Horse A common defensive setup in which the Horses form a protective structure.
反宫马 Reverse Palace Horse An opening formation involving a specific Horse arrangement around the Palace.
顺炮 Same-Direction Cannons An opening family in which both sides develop their Cannons in corresponding directions.
列炮 Opposite Cannons An opening system featuring opposing Cannon formations.
过宫炮 Palace-Crossing Cannon A Cannon maneuver or opening system involving movement across the Palace area.
士角炮 Advisor-Corner Cannon A Cannon formation developed near the Advisor's corner.

Xiangqi Tactical Terms

Tactics are short-term sequences designed to win material, create threats, or force a favorable position.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
战术 Tactics Short-term combinations used to achieve a concrete advantage.
先手 Initiative The ability to make threats and force the opponent to respond.
后手 Losing the Initiative Having to respond to the opponent's threats.
抢先 Gain the Initiative Obtaining the ability to make forcing moves.
反先 Regain the Initiative Taking back the initiative after previously responding to the opponent.
失先 Lose the Initiative Losing the ability to dictate the course of play.
双攻 Double Attack One move or formation creates threats against two targets.
抽将 Discovered Check A check revealed when another piece moves away from the line of attack.
闪击 Discovered Attack Moving one piece to reveal an attack from another piece.
牵制 Pin / Restriction Restricting a piece because moving it would expose another important target.
弃子 Sacrifice Giving up a piece to obtain a tactical, positional, or attacking advantage.
兑子 Exchange Trading one piece for another.
简化 Simplification Exchanging pieces to reach a simpler position, often an endgame.
诱着 Decoy Move A move designed to lure an opposing piece into an unfavorable position.
引离 Deflection Forcing a defending piece away from an important square or line.
阻塞 Blockade Restricting movement by occupying or controlling important squares or lines.
强制手 Forcing Move A move that gives the opponent limited or highly constrained responses.
杀着 Killing Move A tactical move that creates a decisive threat of checkmate or material loss.

Xiangqi Checkmate Patterns

Many traditional Xiangqi tactics have distinctive Chinese names. Their English translations are often descriptive rather than standardized.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
马后炮 Horse-Behind-Cannon Checkmate A classic mating pattern in which a Horse and Cannon cooperate to trap the General.
卧槽马 Horse in the Opponent's Palace Corner A Horse positioned near the opponent's Palace to create strong attacking threats.
钓鱼马 Fishing Horse A Horse positioned to restrict the General and support a mating attack.
八角马 Eight-Corner Horse A Horse positioned to control key escape points around the opposing Palace.
重炮 Double-Cannon Checkmate Two Cannons cooperate to create a powerful mating attack.
铁门栓 Iron Gate Pin A tactical pattern that restricts the General's escape using coordinated pieces.
海底捞月 Moon from the Bottom of the Sea A traditional tactical pattern, often involving a surprising attack from a low or deep position.

Note: Many traditional Xiangqi tactical names do not have one universally accepted English translation. For English-language content, it is useful to keep the original Chinese term and provide a clear descriptive explanation.

Xiangqi Strategy and Positional Terms

Tactics often decide individual sequences, while strategy concerns the overall direction of the game.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
战略 Strategy Long-term planning based on the overall position.
主动权 Initiative The ability to create threats and dictate the opponent's responses.
进攻 Attack Creating threats against the opponent's position.
防守 Defense Protecting the General, pieces, and important positions.
反击 Counterattack Responding to an opponent's attack with active threats of your own.
对攻 Mutual Attack Both sides launch active attacks against each other's positions.
围攻 Encirclement Attack Concentrating pieces around a target to create attacking pressure.
封锁 Blockade Restricting the movement or activity of opposing pieces.
控制中心 Control the Center Controlling central files and strategically important points.
占线 Control a File Occupying or controlling an important file.
开线 Open a File Clearing pieces to create an open attacking line.
封线 Close a File Preventing an opponent from effectively using a line.
子力 Piece Activity / Material The strength and effectiveness of the pieces in a position.
子力优势 Material Advantage Having a favorable amount or combination of useful pieces.
多子 Extra Material Having more material than the opponent.
少子 Material Deficit Having less material than the opponent.
子力协调 Piece Coordination How effectively the pieces work together.
活跃 Active A piece or position with useful mobility and attacking potential.
被动 Passive A piece or position with limited activity.
优势 Advantage A position judged to offer better practical or objective prospects.
劣势 Disadvantage A position with significant strategic, tactical, or material problems.
均势 Equality A position in which neither side has a clear advantage.
形势 Position Evaluation The overall assessment of the current position.
形势判断 Positional Evaluation Evaluating material, activity, king safety, initiative, and other factors.
局面转换 Transition Moving from one type of position or strategic phase to another.

Xiangqi Analysis Terms

These terms are commonly used when studying games, reviewing positions, or analyzing professional matches.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
算棋 Calculate Variations Calculating possible moves and responses before making a move.
变例 Variation An alternative sequence of moves arising from a position.
主变 Main Line The principal variation considered in analysis.
复盘 Game Analysis / Review Reviewing a completed game to understand key decisions and mistakes.
棋谱 Game Record A recorded sequence of moves from a Xiangqi game.
棋谱库 Game Database A collection of recorded Xiangqi games.
开局库 Opening Database A database of established opening moves and variations.
妙手 Brilliant Move A particularly strong or unexpected move.
好棋 Good Move A move considered strong or accurate.
恶手 Bad Move A move that significantly weakens the position.
败着 Losing Move A move that leads to a decisive disadvantage or loss.
疑问手 Questionable Move A move whose accuracy or strategic value is doubtful.
随手棋 Casual Move A move played without sufficient calculation or consideration.
漏着 Oversight A move or missed opportunity caused by overlooking an important detail.
误算 Miscalculation Incorrectly calculating a sequence or variation.

Xiangqi Endgame Terms

The endgame begins when the number of pieces has been significantly reduced and precise calculation becomes increasingly important.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
车残局 Chariot Endgame An endgame dominated by Chariot(s).
马残局 Horse Endgame An endgame in which Horse(s) play the main role.
炮残局 Cannon Endgame An endgame where Cannon(s) are the main attacking or defensive pieces.
车马残局 Chariot and Horse Endgame An endgame involving Chariots and Horses.
车炮残局 Chariot and Cannon Endgame An endgame involving Chariots and Cannons.
车兵残局 Chariot and Soldier Endgame An endgame in which Chariot and Soldier combinations are important.
兵残局 Soldier Endgame An endgame dominated by Soldiers.
士象全 Full Advisors and Elephants A defensive setup retaining both Advisors and both Elephants.
单士 Single Advisor Only one Advisor remains.
单象 Single Elephant Only one Elephant remains.
缺士 Missing Advisor One or both Advisors are absent.
缺象 Missing Elephant One or both Elephants are absent.

Xiangqi Tournament Terms

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
棋力 Playing Strength A player's overall strength in Xiangqi.
棋风 Playing Style A player's characteristic approach to games.
棋感 Positional Feel A player's intuitive understanding of positions and tactical opportunities.
棋理 Chess Principles General strategic and positional principles of Xiangqi.
棋手 Xiangqi Player A person who plays Xiangqi competitively or recreationally.
特级大师 Grandmaster A high-level Xiangqi title used in professional competition.
大师 Master A recognized competitive Xiangqi title or level.
等级分 Rating A numerical rating used to compare competitive playing strength.
比赛 Tournament / Match An organized Xiangqi competition.
轮次 Round One stage of a tournament.
循环赛 Round-Robin Tournament A tournament format in which participants play against multiple or all other participants.
淘汰赛 Knockout Tournament A tournament format in which players are eliminated after losing designated matches.
冠军 Champion The winner of a competition.
亚军 Runner-Up The second-place finisher.
积分 Points The points accumulated during a tournament.
用时 Time Used The amount of time a player has spent during a game.
超时 Time Forfeit Losing because the player's allotted time has expired.
读秒 Byoyomi / Countdown A time-control mechanism involving a countdown or fixed period for moves.

Xiangqi Notation Terms

Xiangqi games can be recorded using different notation systems. Understanding notation makes it easier to study historical games and professional game records.

Chinese Term English Term English Meaning
棋谱 Game Notation A written or digital record of a Xiangqi game.
着法 Move Notation The notation used to describe an individual move.
回合 Move / Turn A player's individual turn within the game sequence.
变例 Variation An alternative move sequence from the main game or analysis.
主变 Main Variation The principal line selected during analysis.
棋谱库 Game Database A searchable collection of Xiangqi game records.
开局库 Opening Book / Database A collection of established opening lines and positions.

FAQ About Xiangqi Terms

What is Xiangqi called in English?

Xiangqi is commonly called Chinese Chess in English. The Chinese name is 象棋 (Xiàngqí), while “Xiangqi” is the commonly used romanized name.

What are the seven pieces in Xiangqi?

The seven Xiangqi pieces are:

  • General (将 / 帅)
  • Advisor (士)
  • Elephant (象 / 相)
  • Horse (马)
  • Chariot (车)
  • Cannon (炮)
  • Soldier (兵 / 卒)

What is the Cannon called in Chinese Chess?

The Cannon is called 炮 (pào) in Chinese. It is one of the defining pieces of Xiangqi because it captures by jumping over exactly one intervening piece.

What is check called in Xiangqi?

Check is called 将军 (jiāng jūn) in Chinese. It means that the opposing General is under direct attack.

What is checkmate called in Chinese Chess?

Checkmate is commonly described as 将死 (jiāng sǐ) or 将杀 (jiāng shā). It means the General is in check and there is no legal way to escape.

What does “马走日” mean?

马走日 literally means “the Horse moves like the Chinese character 日.” It describes the Horse's characteristic L-shaped movement.

What is “蹩马腿” in Xiangqi?

蹩马腿 means blocking the Horse's leg. If the required adjacent point is occupied, the Horse cannot complete that particular move.

What is “象走田”?

象走田 describes the Elephant's diagonal movement. The Elephant moves two points diagonally, following the shape of the Chinese character 田.

What is the River in Xiangqi?

The River (河界) divides the Xiangqi board into two sides. Several pieces have special movement rules related to crossing the River. For example, the Elephant cannot cross it, while the Soldier gains additional sideways movement after crossing.

What is a “Horse Leg” in Xiangqi?

The Horse Leg (马腿) is the intermediate point that must remain clear when a Horse makes its L-shaped move. Blocking this point prevents the Horse from moving in that direction.

What is “Perpetual Check” in Xiangqi?

Perpetual Check (长将) refers to a repeated sequence of checks that continuously forces the opposing General to respond.

What is “Double Check” in Xiangqi?

Double Check (双将) occurs when two pieces simultaneously give check to the opposing General.

What is “马后炮”?

马后炮 (Horse-Behind-Cannon) is a famous Xiangqi mating pattern in which a Horse and Cannon coordinate to restrict the opposing General and deliver checkmate.

Xiangqi Terms by Category

For easier learning, Xiangqi terminology can be divided into several major groups:

Category Key Topics
Basic Terms Xiangqi, Chessboard, River, Palace, Red Side, Black Side
Pieces General, Advisor, Elephant, Horse, Chariot, Cannon, Soldier
Movement Horse Leg, Elephant Eye, Crossing the River
Openings Central Cannon, Screen Horse, Flying Elephant, Immortal Points the Way
Tactics Double Attack, Pin, Sacrifice, Exchange, Deflection
Check & Checkmate Check, Checkmate, Double Check, Perpetual Check
Mating Patterns Horse-Behind-Cannon, Fishing Horse, Eight-Corner Horse
Strategy Initiative, Attack, Defense, Piece Coordination, Center Control
Endgames Chariot Endgame, Cannon Endgame, Horse Endgame, Soldier Endgame
Analysis Variation, Main Line, Game Review, Miscalculation
Competition Rating, Tournament, Round, Time Control

How to Learn Xiangqi Terminology

If you are new to Chinese Chess, you do not need to memorize every term at once. A practical learning sequence is:

  1. Learn the seven Xiangqi pieces and their movement rules.
  2. Understand the River and Palace, including the special movement restrictions.
  3. Learn basic tactical terms such as Check, Checkmate, Horse Leg, Cannon Screen, and Double Attack.
  4. Study common opening terms such as Central Cannon, Screen Horse, and Immortal Points the Way.
  5. Learn basic strategy concepts such as Initiative, Piece Coordination, Center Control, and Material Advantage.
  6. Move on to endgame terminology and traditional checkmate patterns.
  7. Review real Xiangqi games and use the terminology to understand the key moves and tactical ideas.

Continue learning Xiangqi with these related guides:

Conclusion

Xiangqi has a rich vocabulary developed around its unique board, pieces, tactics, opening systems, and traditional playing culture.

Learning terms such as Horse Leg (马腿), Cannon Screen (炮架), Central Cannon (中炮), Screen Horse (屏风马), Perpetual Check (长将), Double Check (双将), and Horse-Behind-Cannon (马后炮) can make Xiangqi games much easier to understand and analyze.

Use this glossary as a reference while learning the rules, studying openings, reviewing games, or exploring advanced Xiangqi strategy.