Xiangqi·
First: what counts as winning?
Checkmate wins: the opposing general is attacked with no legal escape. Having no legal move also loses in xiangqi even without check (stalemate), unlike chess.
Capturing a rook or cannon, or giving one check, does not itself win. Check whether the opponent can move the general, block or capture the attacker.
Guided practice teaches the assigned moves. Decide whether the final position is mate by checking legal replies, not by the completion of a progress bar.
Start from zero—no terminology assumed
Read lesson one's equipment, vocabulary and sequence, then try the hands-on practice on the same page. Revisit the text and restart examples freely. Explain what you did, why, and what changed before moving on to advanced lessons.
Start lesson one →Xiangqi Lesson 1: Pieces, Moves and Winning
One consolidated introduction: learn each basic rule once, inspect horse-leg, elephant-eye, cannon-screen and river examples, then play an opening sequence.
First steps · 9 steps · 45 min
Lesson 2: Read Moves and Develop Your Pieces
The old introduction has been merged into Lesson 1. Learn notation, development, clear chariot routes and the purpose of an opening sequence.
Next steps · 4 steps · 25 min
Lesson 3: Captures, Protection and Exchanges
Learn protection, recapture and exchange through a complete move sequence and a pre-move checklist.
Next steps · 4 steps · 25 min
Lesson 4: Respond to Check and Review a Game
Practise moving the general, capturing the attacker and blocking a chariot, then learn to recognize mate and review mistakes.
Next steps · 4 steps · 30 min