Xiangqi, also known as Chinese Chess, is a strategic duel played on a 9‑by‑10 grid board where pieces occupy intersections rather than squares. The board is divided by a central river and each side has a 3×3 palace where the General (or Marshal) resides. The goal is to capture the opponent’s General, but each piece follows strict movement rules: the General moves one point within the palace and cannot look directly at the enemy General along a file; Advisors move diagonally within the palace; Chariots move any distance orthogonally; Cannons move like Chariots but capture only by leaping over exactly one intervening piece; Horses move in an L‑shape (one orthogonal then one diagonal); Elephants move two points diagonally and cannot cross the river; and Soldiers advance one point forward, gaining lateral movement after crossing the river. No piece jumps except the Cannon. Games typically last about 60 minutes per player, demanding careful planning and foresight. Sets range from cheap plastic or low‑grade wood to high‑quality jade or premium wood, with paper or wooden boards. Xiangqi has digital versions on platforms like Board Game Arena, Tabletopia, and others, as well as mobile apps. If you enjoy war games, pure strategy, and logical battles, Xiangqi offers a classic blend of tradition and mental challenge that captivates players of all ages.