Xiangqi

Xiangqi (; Chinese: 象棋; pinyin: xiàngqí), commonly known in English as Chinese chess and in Vietnamese as cờ tướng (literally 'General's chess'), is a strategy board game for two players. Originating in China, it is widely played in both China and Vietnam, as well as in communities of Chinese and Vietnamese descent worldwide. Xiangqi belongs to the same family of games as shogi, janggi, Western chess, chaturanga, and Indian chess. In Vietnam, Western chess is known as cờ vua, literally 'King's chess'. The game represents a battle between two armies, with the primary object being to checkmate the enemy's general (king). Distinctive features of xiangqi include the cannon (pao), which must jump to capture; a rule prohibiting the generals from facing each other directly; areas on the board called the river and palace, which restrict the movement of some pieces but enhance that of others; and the placement of the pieces on the intersections of the board lines, rather than within the squares.

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