1448 lines
55 KiB
Plaintext
1448 lines
55 KiB
Plaintext
Article: 1503 of rec.games.chinese-chess
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Path: rohcs1.uhc.com!news2.mr.net!mr.net!InforMNs.k12.MN.us!news.nde.state.ne.us!news.mid.net!news.mci.net!infoserv.illinois.net!news.cic.net!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!zip.eecs.umich.edu!newshost.marcam.com!hookup!news.duke.edu!godot.cc.duq.edu!hudson.lm.com!news.pop.psu.edu!news.cac.psu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.sprintlink.net!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail
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From: LEARY@ALM.ADMIN.USFCA.EDU
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Newsgroups: rec.games.chinese-chess
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Subject: rec.games.chinese-chess FAQ (part 1 of 2)
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Date: 31 Jan 1995 22:13:26 -0600
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Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
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Lines: 537
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Sender: nobody@cs.utexas.edu
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Message-ID: <950131201449.20224f5b@ALM.ADMIN.USFCA.EDU>
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NNTP-Posting-Host: news.cs.utexas.edu
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This posting is intended to address Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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about the game of Chinese chess (otherwise known as "xiangqi" or
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"elephant game" or "co tuong"). Corrections, additions, suggestions, etc.,
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should be sent to Stephen Leary at al269@yfn.ysu.edu.
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"The FAQ belongs to the readers of rec.games.chinese-chess."
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The FAQ is now divided into two parts. Questions 1-13 are in Part 1;
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Questions 14-20 are in Part 2.
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Posting Frequency: every two weeks
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Last Update: November 27, 1994
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New since last posting:
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7. What Are Some Common Opening Moves?
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14. Is There Any Software Available?
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15. Can I play Opponents By Using My Computer?
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INDEX of Questions:
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1. What is Chinese Chess?
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2. What does the board look like?
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3. What are the pieces & how do they move?
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4. What are the rules of the game?
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5. What are the values of the pieces?
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6. What kind of notation is used?
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7. What are some common opening moves?
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8. Are there any proverbs for this game?
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9. Are there any basic guidelines for handicap play?
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10. Can you recommend a few good books?
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11. Where can I buy books?
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12. Can you recommend some magazines?
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13. Where can I buy sets?
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14. Is there any software available?
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15. Can I play opponents by using my computer?
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16. Are there any clubs where I can find opponents?
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17. Is there a Chinese chess version of the United States Chess Federation?
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18. What are some of the top tournaments?
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19. Who are some of the strongest players around the world?
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20. Are there any variants?
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1. What is Chinese Chess?
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Chinese chess is a chess-like game which is especially popular in the
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Far East: China, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, etc.
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The strongest players and tournaments can be found in these countries.
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As would be expected, most of the materials published on Chinese chess
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are written in the languages of this region: most notably, Chinese and
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Vietnamese. As Asians continue to immigrate to Europe and North
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America, the level of Chinese chess skill on these continents can be
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expected to improve and more materials should become available in
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western languages, such as English, French, and German. Also, more
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westerners should be expected to become interested in the game and
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improve their level of expertise.
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Chinese chess is NOT any of the following games: Shogi, Japanese chess,
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go, wei chi, weiqi, Chinese checkers, western chess, Korean chess,
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Thai chess, Makrook, Malaysian chess, Mah Jong, Sic bo, Pai gow.
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2. What does the board look like?
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It looks like this (along with the starting position of the pieces):
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r---n---m---g---k---g---m---n---r 9
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| | | | \ | / | | | |
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+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+ 8
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| | | | / | \ | | | |
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+---c---+---+---+---+---+---c---+ 7
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| | | | | | | | |
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p---+---p---+---p---+---p---+---p 6
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+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+ 5
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| R I V E R |
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+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+ 4
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| | | | | | | | |
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P---+---P---+---P---+---P---+---P 3
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+---C---+---+---+---+---+---C---+ 2
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| | | | \ | / | | | |
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+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+ 1
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| | | | / | \ | | | |
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R---N---M---G---K---G---M---N---R 0
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A B C D E F G H I
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3. What are the pieces and how do they move?
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Each side has the following pieces:
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2 Rooks (R) (or chariots or carts)
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2 Knights (N) (or horses)
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2 Ministers (M) (or bishops or elephants)
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2 Guards (G) (or assistants or counselors)
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1 King (K) (or generals)
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2 Cannons (C) (or catapults)
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5 Pawns (P) (or soldiers)
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ROOKS
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The rooks move and capture as in chess
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........k........9
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KNIGHTS .................8
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The knights move and capture as in chess, with .................7
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one important difference: they can be blocked. .................6
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Example: if a knight sits on c2 and another piece .................5
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(either your own or the opponent's) sits on c3, . river .
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the knight cannot move to d4 or b4; but it could .................4
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move to b0 or d0 or a1 or e1 or e3. If a knight ....R............3
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sits on c2 and another piece is on d2, then it ....N.c..........2
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cannot move to e1 or e3. ..............C..1
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........K...M....0
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a b c d e f g h i
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MINISTERS
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The ministers can move exactly two diagonal spaces at a time. They cannot
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cross the river (see River below) to the other side of the board. It
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captures on the square to which he is moving. A minister on g0 can move
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to e2 or i2. If an opposing piece sits on e2, he can capture it.
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If his own piece sits on e2, he cannot move there. If he sits on g0 and
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another piece sits on h1, he cannot move to i2 because he is blocked.
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GUARDS
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The guards can move only 1 space diagonally, and cannot leave the
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palace (see Palace below). They capture the same way they move.
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KING
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The king moves as in chess, only he cannot move diagonally, only 1
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square vertically or horizontally. The king must remain in the palace.
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There is no castling as in chess.
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CANNONS
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Cannons move like rooks, as many squares vertically or horizontally as
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they want, as long as there is no other piece in the way. However,
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cannons capture by jumping over a piece to capture another piece.
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Example: a cannon sits on e1; a knight sits on f1 (the piece can belong
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to either side); and an opposing rook sits on h1. The cannon could
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capture the rook by jumping over the knight. It can only capture by
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jumping, and can jump over only one piece. If there were two pieces
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between the cannon and the rook, then the rook could not be captured
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by that cannon. The cannon cannot jump if it isn't going to capture
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something, it must simply move like a rook.
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PAWNS
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Pawns move 1 square forward (never two, as is possible on the first
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move in chess). While the pawn is on its own side of the board, it
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captures by moving 1 square forward and taking an opposing piece that
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may be sitting there (the pawns don't capture diagonally as in chess).
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Once a pawn moves across the river onto the other side of the board,
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it acquires an additional power: it can then move 1 square sideways
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in addition to being able to move 1 square forward. On the other side
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of the board, the pawn could then capture by moving sideways or forward.
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The pawn can never move backward. The pawn does not promote when it
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reaches the back rank of the opponent--it can then just move sideways.
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PALACE
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The king and guards cannot leave the palace (except the guards who leave
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when they are captured :-) ). If we call the king's starting point
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e0, then the palace is defined as these 9 points: d0, e0, f0, d1, e1, f1,
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d2, e2, f2.
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RIVER
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The river is nothing more than an empty space in the middle of the
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board dividing the two sides. A piece cannot move into the river--no one
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can sit in the river because he would drown. It doesn't count as a space.
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The word "river" is not printed on most sets; usually there are some
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Chinese characters printed on it. The minister and guard are considered
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purely defensive pieces because they cannot cross the river and attack
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the opposing king. Once a piece crosses the river, it becomes more
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important for attack than defense.
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INTERSECTIONS
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The pieces move on the intersections of the board, not in the spaces
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between them, as in chess.
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COLORS
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In chess, the player who moves first has the "white" pieces. In Chinese
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chess, the player who moves first moves red pieces. The second player's
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pieces are usually black or sometimes green or blue.
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4. What are the rules of the game?
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Here are some rules to remember:
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a) the object of the game is to checkmate or stalemate the opponent.
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This is accomplished by:
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1. Placing the opponent in check so that he has no legal move
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to get out of the check.
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2. Stalemating your opponent so that he has no legal move (when you
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stalemate your opponent, you win--it is not a draw as in chess).
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b) Red usually moves first.
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c) You cannot check your opponent indefinitely by moving the same
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piece to the same squares (resulting in perpetual check and a draw
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in chess). You can put the opponent in check 3 times in a row with
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the same piece without either side moving any other piece. Generally
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it's OK to go for 3 back-and-forths, so the total numbof allowed
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checks is six.
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d) Similar to the rule above, you cannot indefinitely "chase" an
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opposing piece from one square to another if your opponent has no
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other way to avoid losing the piece. If you move a rook to e5
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threatening a cannon on e6, and your opponent's only move to avoid
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capture is to move the cannon to f6, then you cannot keep chasing it
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from e6 to f6 by moving from e5 to f5 indefinitely. The idea of
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this rule and the rule above is to avoid perpetual check draws.
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Some of these situations can be complicated but usually the person
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who is initiating the perpetual move loop must break it off.
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e) The two kings cannot face each other on the same file. If red's
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king is on e1 and black's king is on e9 and there are no pieces
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directly between them on the e-file, then that is an illegal
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position. If black's king is the only piece on the f-file, then red's
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king on the e-file cannot move to the f file.
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f) When neither side can checkmate or stalemate the opposing king,
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the game is a draw.
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For Draft copies of the Asian Xiangqi Federation & China Xiangqi
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Federation versions of the rules, ftp to: dec06.cs.monash.edu.au.
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The file "Rules" is in the path: /pub/oyang/Chinese_chess.
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5. What are the values of the pieces?
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Here are some rough values, which of course, can change depending on
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the game situation or how skillful a particular player is in maneuvering
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a particular piece (these values are recognized by Mainland authorities
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& are generally sound for all stages of the game):
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Rook 9
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Cannon 4.5
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Knight 4
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Minister 2
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Guard 2
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Pawn 2 (after crossing river)
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Pawn 1 (before crossing river)
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6. What kind of notation is used?
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It seems every writer or organization uses different notation. We are
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generally following ICCS notation in the FAQ for compatibility:
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the rows are A to I from left to right (from red's viewpoint), and
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the files are number 0-9 from bottom of the board to the top.
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Other notations are AXF, algebraic, and Xiangqi Review.
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7. What are some common opening moves?
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The Central Cannon is the most popular. Red moves Ch2-e2. Black usually
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replies with Ch7-e7 or Nh9-g7 or Nb9-c7.
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The Minister's (or Bishop's) opening was popularized by Hu RongHua.
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The starting move is Mg0-e2.
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Other starting moves are Pc3-c4 or Pg3-g4 or Nh0-g2.
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Here is XiangQi Review's listing of common XiangQi openings:
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------------- -----------------------
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Opening Moves Opening Name in English
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------------- -----------------------
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. C2=5 Central Cannon Opening
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. C2=5 C8=5 Cannon's Defense
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1. C2=5 C2=5 Counter Cannon Defense
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1. C2=5 N8+7 2.... C2=5 Counter Cannon Deferred
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. C2=5 N8+7 2. N2+3 N2+3 Two Knights' Defense [TKD]
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. C2=5 N2+3 2. N2+3 N8+9 One Knight's Defense
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1. C2=5 N2+3 2. N2+3 R9+1 Accelerated One Knight
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1. C2=5 N2+3 2. N2+3 C8=6 Pseudo Two Knight' Defense
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3. R1=2 N8+7
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1. C2=5 N2+3 2. N2+3 P7+1 Paired Canons Defense
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3. R1=2 R9+2
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1. C2=5 N2+3 2. N2+3 R9+1 Right Paired Cannons Defense
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3. R1=2 C8-1
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1. C2=5 N8+7 2. N2+3 R9=8 The Left Piston
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3. R1=2 C8+4
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1. C2=5 N8+7 2. N2+3 R9=8 Tiger Formation
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3. .... C8=9
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1. C2=5 C8+1 Stacked Cannons Defense
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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1. P3+1 or P7+1 Pawn Opening
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1. N2+3 Knight Opening
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1. B3+5 Bishop Opening
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1. C2=6 Long Cannon Opening
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1. C2=4 Short Cannon Opening
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1. C2=3 Short Pawn Cannon Opening
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1. C2=7 Long Pawn Cannon Opening
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1. C2=1 Side Cannon Opening
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1. C2+2 Border Cannon Opening
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1. P9+1 Side Pawn Opening
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1. N8+9 Side Knight Opening
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1. G4+5 Guard Opening
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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Others Irregular Openings
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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8. Are there any proverbs for this game?
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Most Chinese chess proverbs are slight "exaggerations" of the truth:
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* When my opponent's cannon moves to the middle, my knight jumps up
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front. (For the most common opening.)
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* If a rook is not moved within the first 3 moves, it is dead.
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* A pawn is as powerful as a rook after it crosses the river.
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* An old pawn is as good as none ("old" when on opponent's back rank)
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9. Are there any basic guidelines for handicap play?
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Rook Odds
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The side giving odds as red plays without the left rook. There are 3
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"iron" pieces. Red's leftmost pawn, left knight and left cannon can't
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be captured unless they've moved.
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2 Knights Odds
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Red plays without his knights. "Iron" center pawn. Red's center pawn can
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be captured only by check & only by the piece giving check.
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Knight and Move(s) Odds
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The side giving odd plays black and without his left knight; red makes
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1 or more moves before black replies (possible red moves--see Moves Odds).
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1 Knight Odds
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Red plays without his left knight.
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4 Plus Moves Odds
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The side receiving odds plays red & makes 4 or more moves before black
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moves. No pieces except pawns can be moved to the player's own river
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edge for these 4 (or more) moves.
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3 Moves Odds
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The side receiving odds as red makes 3 moves before black replies.
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About equal to 1 knight odds. No pieces are allowed to cross the river
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during these 3 initial moves.
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2 Moves Odds
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Side receiving odds as red makes 2 moves.
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1 Move Odds
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The side receiving odds plays red.
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Less Than 1 Move Odds
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Half-move odds would be playing 2 games as red & 1 as black.
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Agree to the conditions before play begins to avoid disputes.
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Giving cannon odds is rare & much harder than giving knight odds.
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[Handicap info from XiangQi Review.]
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10. Can you recommend a few good books?
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There are really only 3 books in English that are widely available:
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1. Chinese Chess by H.T. Lau.
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Basic rules, opening, middle and endgame play. Many exercises.
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Material needed to win or draw various endings. Descriptions of
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popular opening variations.
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2. Chinese Chess for Beginners by Sam Sloan.
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English-speaking Chinese chess fans needed a book like this;
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unfortunately, Sloan wrote it. Filled with exaggerations & misleading
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statements. An alleged "entertaining" writing style that some might
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call juvenile. Still, some useful information. The revised edition
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contains some new things & not many corrections.
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3. Let's Play Chinese Chess by B. Constantino. 1988. From Hong Kong.
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Other books in English you might find in a library or old book store:
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3. Hsiang Ch'i: The Chinese Game of Chess by Terence Donnelly.
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4. A Manual of Chinese Chess by Charles Wilkes.
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5. The Chess of China by Dennis Leventhal. (A good read, if you find it.)
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6. Shang Chi--The Chinese Chess by Chen-Chih Sun.
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Other books which have chapters on Chinese chess:
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The Board Game Book. Bell, R.C. 0-85685-447-6. p24-25. 2 page spread
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including board. Paper/card pieces with the book.
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Board and Table Games of Many Civilisations. Bell, R.C. 0-486-23855-5.
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p66-68.
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Games Ancient and Oriental and How to Play Them (Dover reprint of
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19th C book). Falkener, Edward. 0-486-20739-0. p 143-145. Scholarship
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of this book is suspect.
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Chess Variations: Ancient, Regional & Modern. Gollon, John. Tuttle,
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1985. Describes Chinese chess, Korean chess, and 3-way Chinese chess.
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Oriental Board Games. Pritchard, David.
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11. Where can I buy books?
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Chinese Chess & Let's Play Chinese Chess are both available from:
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Yutopian Enterprises
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4964 Adagio Ct
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Fremont, CA 94538
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(510) 659-0138
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FAX: (510) 770-8913
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Chinese Chess for Beginners is published by:
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Ishi Press International
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76 Bonaventura Dr
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San Jose, CA 95134
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(408) 944-9900
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Ishi Press International
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20 Bruges Place
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London NW1 0TE United Kingdom
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Chinese Chess by H.T. Lau is available from:
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Charles E. Tuttle Co.
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PO Box 410
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28 S. Main St.
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Rutland, VT 05702
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800/526-2778
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The Chinese Chess Institute sells some books written in Chinese. A
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translation guide is provided. Some new titles: 7th Asian Cup--
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Complete Game Records (in English, $15 for subscribers); Xiangqi Opening
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Highlights (in Chinese), $12. They are also working on some things
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in English for beginners. See address for XiangQi Review above.
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David Wurman has written two well-regarded books in German:
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1. Chinesisches Schach/Koreanisches Schach. 1991. 350 pages.
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|
Price: DM 48 (about $32)
|
|
2. Chinesisches Schach Leicht Gemacht! Regeln. Tricks und Taktik.
|
|
1993. 192 pages. Price: DM 14.90 (about $9.25)
|
|
|
|
These books may be ordered from Wurman at this address:
|
|
|
|
David Wurman
|
|
c/o Haya Wurman
|
|
3.A Keller St
|
|
Hacarmel, Haifa 34483
|
|
Israel
|
|
|
|
|
|
12. Can you recommend some magazines?
|
|
|
|
1. XiangQi Review is the best English language publication. It is
|
|
published 6 times a year, usually 20 pages. $10/year in US, or
|
|
$15/year overseas. Address is:
|
|
Chinese Chess Institute
|
|
PO Box 5305
|
|
Hercules, CA 94547-5305
|
|
|
|
2. Chinese Chess Newsletter. Published from England, so focuses on
|
|
Europe. The "usual" subscription rate is 10 pounds a year. Not much
|
|
on production quality but contains useful news. Recent information
|
|
suggests this newsletter is only published sporadically at this time.
|
|
C.K. Lai
|
|
12 Lagan House
|
|
Sumner Rd
|
|
London SE15 5RB England
|
|
|
|
3. Chinese Chess News/Korean Chess. The copy I have is one 8 1/2 by 11
|
|
sheet of paper, typewritten on both sides. Some news and addresses
|
|
for Chinese chess and information on Korean chess.
|
|
David Rockwell
|
|
8514 Trumbull Ave
|
|
Skokie, IL 60076-2440
|
|
|
|
Or, if writing from Europe:
|
|
Malcolm Horne
|
|
10B Windsor Square
|
|
Exmouth, Devon
|
|
EX8 1JU England
|
|
|
|
4. Xiangqi Mi Tong Bao. In Italian. Recent information suggests
|
|
this magazine may have suspended publication at this time.
|
|
Agostino Guberti
|
|
Via Don Gnocchi 20/D
|
|
20075 Lodi (Milano), Italy
|
|
|
|
5. Variant Chess: The Magazine to Expand Your Chess Horizons
|
|
Peter Wood
|
|
39 Linton Rd, Hastings,
|
|
East Sussex, TN34 1TW
|
|
England 4 issues per year
|
|
1-year subscription: 7 pounds (UK), 8 pd (surface), 9.5 pd (air)
|
|
This newsletter includes a column on Chinese chess, as well as
|
|
information on shogi and chess variants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
13. Where can I buy Sets?
|
|
|
|
From Yutopian Enterprises or Ishi Press or at your nearest Chinatown
|
|
if you live near a large city, or from Chinese or Vietnamese grocery
|
|
& gift shops in smaller cities.
|
|
|
|
Yutopian Enterprises sells a selection of sets & books. Either
|
|
write to the address given above, or contact them on the Internet.
|
|
Their address is: yutopian@netcom.com.
|
|
|
|
(End of FAQ Part 1. Continued in FAQ Part 2.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Article: 1504 of rec.games.chinese-chess
|
|
Path: rohcs1.uhc.com!news2.mr.net!mr.net!InforMNs.k12.MN.us!news.nde.state.ne.us!news.mid.net!news.mci.net!infoserv.illinois.net!news.cic.net!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!zip.eecs.umich.edu!newshost.marcam.com!hookup!news.duke.edu!godot.cc.duq.edu!hudson.lm.com!news.pop.psu.edu!news.cac.psu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail
|
|
From: LEARY@ALM.ADMIN.USFCA.EDU
|
|
Newsgroups: rec.games.chinese-chess
|
|
Subject: rec.games.chinese-chess FAQ (Part 2 of 2)
|
|
Date: 31 Jan 1995 22:14:04 -0600
|
|
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
|
|
Lines: 882
|
|
Sender: nobody@cs.utexas.edu
|
|
Message-ID: <950131201527.20224f5b@ALM.ADMIN.USFCA.EDU>
|
|
NNTP-Posting-Host: news.cs.utexas.edu
|
|
|
|
rec.games.chinese-chess FAQ (Part 2 of 2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14. Is there any software available?
|
|
|
|
There are 5 commercial programs for DOS: Chinese Chess Master III,
|
|
Uncle Wang, XIAN, and Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess, and
|
|
"World Chess Series One: Chinese Chess."
|
|
|
|
Chinese Chess Master III (DOS version) $44.00
|
|
Supports Sound Blaster. 70% English screen. Easy to use. VGA display.
|
|
Good for advanced players. Beautiful graphics and 36 opponents to choose
|
|
from. Very strong. Beginners new to Chinese chess may want to select
|
|
a different program. The easiest opponent of Chinese Chess Master III
|
|
is very difficult to defeat, and you cannot change the strength level.
|
|
Not many features, just a really tough game. Ordering information:
|
|
|
|
No returns! Be sure that you know what you want before buying.
|
|
Foreign orders please add $20.00, otherwise send a Post Office US$
|
|
money-order to eliminate the extra $20.00 charge. Send a letter with
|
|
the product name, ship to address, phone number, check, the product
|
|
name to: (Foreign shipping (S/H) charge might vary)
|
|
|
|
DATA STATION
|
|
P.O. BOX 91654
|
|
City of Industry, CA 91715-1654
|
|
(213) 344-8595
|
|
E-Mail bamboo@delphi.com
|
|
|
|
(California residents please add 8.25% sales tax.)
|
|
(Make check payable to Data Station)
|
|
|
|
Uncle Wang
|
|
Imperial Dragon Software
|
|
PO Box 4446
|
|
Tumwater, WA 98501
|
|
Price: $28
|
|
Features: 8 skill levels, position setup, save games, take back
|
|
moves, change sides.
|
|
|
|
XIAN
|
|
Leong Jacobs, Inc.
|
|
2729 Lury Lane
|
|
Annapolis, MD 21401
|
|
$29.95 + $2 shipping
|
|
Features: 9 skill levels, position setup, save positions, take back
|
|
moves, change sides.
|
|
|
|
World Chess Series One: Chinese Chess (DOS)
|
|
Pachyderm Software
|
|
2124 Broadway, Ste 202
|
|
New York, NY 10023
|
|
(212) 875-1397
|
|
$39 (plus $4 shipping) NY residents add sales tax. Check or money order.
|
|
Notes: A new program. Features: multiple time & depth settings; position
|
|
setup; suggest moves; handicap play; modify piece values. Mouse support.
|
|
|
|
Battle Chess II: Chinese Chess (the weakest commercial program)
|
|
InterPlay Productions
|
|
3710 S. Susan, Ste. 100
|
|
Santa Ana, CA 92704
|
|
(714) 545-9001
|
|
$49.95
|
|
(Exciting graphics)
|
|
|
|
All commercial programs mentioned above are available from:
|
|
Yutopian Enterprises
|
|
4964 Adagio Ct
|
|
Fremont, CA 94538
|
|
(510) 659-0138
|
|
Fax: (510) 770-8913
|
|
Internet: yutopian@netcom.com
|
|
(Yutopian also carries Chinese chess books & sets)
|
|
|
|
For the Macintosh, there is a shareware program written by Tie Zeng
|
|
available on the Internet. Ftp to: mac.archive.umich.edu.
|
|
The program is in the path: /mac/game/board and is called
|
|
chinesechesspro1.01.cpt.hqx.
|
|
|
|
There are a few shareware DOS Chinese chess program available on the
|
|
Internet. Two are available via anonymous ftp at caissa.onenet.net.
|
|
The stronger program is currently in the path:
|
|
/pub/chess/DOS/OLD-STUFF/cch.zip. Type "play" to start. Unfortunately,
|
|
this program seems to freeze the computer after exiting from the
|
|
program. The other, weaker, program is in the path:
|
|
/pub/chess/DOS/OLD-STUFF/chinechs.exe.
|
|
|
|
For information on Korean chess, and a couple Chinese chess
|
|
programs, as well as related items, get the file chichess.zip
|
|
from caissa.onenet.net in the path: /pub/chess/DOS/chichess.zip.
|
|
|
|
CCHVIEW is a popular database for viewing games from ICCS, games
|
|
posted to rec.games.chinese-chess, etc., or your own games.
|
|
Available via anonymous ftp at dec06.cs.monash.edu.au in the path
|
|
/pub/oyang/Chinese_Chess/cchview.zip.
|
|
|
|
Opening analysis related to the "Wind Screen Horse" is available via ftp
|
|
at ftp.netcom.com in the path: /pub/damish/ws_horse.zip.
|
|
|
|
|
|
15. Can I play opponents by using my computer?
|
|
|
|
You can play real time games on the Internet Chinese Chess Server (ICCS).
|
|
Telnet to: coolidge.harvard.edu 5555 or 128.103.28.15 5555
|
|
Login with a name & choose a password. Type "help"
|
|
or "help intro" if you're new. To register your name after you
|
|
login, type "register [your e-mail address]." Chinese GM
|
|
Liu DaHua recently played on ICCS, along with Chinese Master
|
|
Cai FuRu.
|
|
|
|
|
|
<>===========================================================<>
|
|
International Chinese Chess Server Top 40 Players
|
|
Last edit : 1994-11-27
|
|
Total registered players: 1937
|
|
Total number of games played (approximately): 43441
|
|
<>===========================================================<>
|
|
Rank Name Rating Wins Losses Draws
|
|
<>===========================================================<>
|
|
1 lhh 2004 103 12 8
|
|
2 Alligator 1959 212 72 10
|
|
3 jeff 1951 124 53 7
|
|
4 mg 1951 186 40 13
|
|
5 NewYork 1918 88 23 12
|
|
6 wyabc 1907 172 99 11
|
|
7 elton 1903 36 11 9
|
|
8 haha 1898 132 71 6
|
|
9 ppfast 1891 93 59 21
|
|
10 BufuBuxin! 1880 92 11 0
|
|
11 greedy 1878 143 73 14
|
|
12 GODFATHER 1870 286 607 2
|
|
13 Frank 1853 51 5 8
|
|
14 weijie 1831 37 18 4
|
|
15 alibaba 1824 45 23 2
|
|
16 shark 1817 73 31 10
|
|
17 Communist 1816 52 8 1
|
|
18 pc386-25 1812 57 40 3
|
|
19 bell 1811 87 46 17
|
|
20 HJH 1807 162 45 0
|
|
21 AAA 1804 67 15 1
|
|
22 diana 1803 58 24 2
|
|
23 fcf 1776 27 8 1
|
|
24 got 1776 65 32 20
|
|
25 shu 1775 25 4 2
|
|
26 khuang 1772 540 224 52
|
|
27 Octpus 1768 187 108 39
|
|
28 naka 1765 81 48 4
|
|
29 birds-hunter 1757 69 35 6
|
|
30 Moir 1753 44 27 5
|
|
31 piranha 1751 36 14 2
|
|
32 Smith 1750 67 25 10
|
|
33 cell 1750 52 17 5
|
|
34 dij 1750 103 37 10
|
|
35 ilh 1744 221 226 18
|
|
36 xixi 1743 58 31 10
|
|
37 BB 1731 37 10 4
|
|
38 roma 1731 33 6 3
|
|
39 vp 1730 66 48 6
|
|
40 sho 1728 55 24 7
|
|
<>===========================================================<>
|
|
|
|
|
|
There is a European server in Sweden. Address is:
|
|
hippolytos.cd.chalmers.se 5555 or 129.16.79.39 5555
|
|
|
|
There is a Chinese chess server in Taiwan.
|
|
Address: 140.112.50.162 port=5555
|
|
|
|
A PC client, ZUVGA, is available at caissa.onenet.net.
|
|
It is in the path: /pub/chess/uploads/DOS/zuvga060.zip.
|
|
|
|
An MS Windows client is available at dec06.cs.monash.edu.au.
|
|
It is in the path: /pub/oyang/Chinese_chess/iccsterm.zip.
|
|
|
|
An X Windows client is available at dec06.cs.monash.edu.au.
|
|
It is in the path: /pub/oyang/Chinese_chess/xiccc*.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You may also play real time Chinese chess on the Internet Go Server at
|
|
hellspark.wharton.upenn.edu 6969. You will probably have to use the
|
|
"shout" command to find players since most will be playing go. Do not
|
|
expect to play Chinese chess without difficulty here for the time being.
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. Are there any clubs where I can find opponents?
|
|
|
|
USA
|
|
|
|
Los Angeles Chinese Chess Association
|
|
625 College St #203
|
|
Los Angeles, CA 90012
|
|
FAX: 1 818 308-3539
|
|
Phone: 1 213 628-0688
|
|
|
|
Chinese Community Cultural Service Center
|
|
1074 Stockton St
|
|
San Francisco, CA 94108
|
|
Phone: 1 415 788-8948
|
|
|
|
Xiangqi Association of America
|
|
153-A Waverly Pl
|
|
San Francisco, CA 94108
|
|
Phone: 1 415 391-1236
|
|
(According to XiangQi Review, this is a gambling joint.
|
|
Try the CCCSC above.)
|
|
|
|
New York Chinese Chess Association
|
|
21 Division St
|
|
New York, NY 10002
|
|
FAX: 1 212 966-7360
|
|
Phone: 1 212 219-8858
|
|
|
|
United East Athletic Association, Xiangqi Club
|
|
70 Mulberry St, Room 201
|
|
New York, NY 10003
|
|
Phone: 1 718 273-4915
|
|
|
|
|
|
CANADA
|
|
|
|
Calgary Chinese Chess Association
|
|
107A Ng Tower Center
|
|
115 - 2nd Ave SW
|
|
Calgary, Alberta, CANADA T2P 3C6
|
|
FAX: 1 403 288-1897
|
|
Phone: 1 403 247-4808
|
|
|
|
Edmonton Chinese Chess Association
|
|
9645 - 101A Ave
|
|
Edmonton, Alberta, CANADA T5H 0Y1
|
|
FAX: 1 403 429-3383
|
|
Phone: 1 403 424-2850
|
|
|
|
Montreal Chinese Chess Association
|
|
8655 Forbin Janson
|
|
Montreal, Quebec, CANADA H1K 2J8
|
|
FAX: 1 514 861-6223
|
|
Phone: 1 514 352-0288
|
|
|
|
Toronto Xiangqi Association
|
|
4790 Creditview Rd
|
|
Mississauga, Ontario, CANADA L5M 5M4
|
|
(416) 492-7581
|
|
FAX: 1 905 821-9947
|
|
Phone: 1 905 819-8263
|
|
|
|
Vancouver Chinese Chess Association
|
|
2/F, 21 E, Pender St
|
|
Vancouver, B.C., CANADA V6A 1S9
|
|
FAX: 1 403 646-7243
|
|
Phone: 1 604 682-2999
|
|
|
|
Winnipeg Xiangqi Association
|
|
33 Surfside Crescent
|
|
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA R3X 1P2
|
|
FAX: 1 204 256-3892
|
|
Phone: 1 204 253-5325
|
|
|
|
EUROPE
|
|
|
|
United Kingdom Chinese Chess Association
|
|
12 Lagan House, Sumner Rd
|
|
London SE15 5RB ENGLAND
|
|
Phone: 44 81 693-4779
|
|
|
|
German Xiangqi Association
|
|
Buttstrasse 50,
|
|
D-22767 Hamburg 50, GERMANY
|
|
FAX: 49 40 385-337
|
|
|
|
Holland Chinese Chess Association
|
|
Oltmanstraat 20,
|
|
NL-3842 ZX Harderwijk, HOLLAND
|
|
FAX: 31 3410 20221
|
|
Phone: 31 3410 18909
|
|
|
|
Italian Xiangqi Association
|
|
Via Don Gnocchi
|
|
20D, 20075 Lodi (Milano) ITALY
|
|
FAX: 39 371 420-451
|
|
Phone: 39 371 430-282
|
|
|
|
Association de Xiangqi en France
|
|
52 bd Serrurier
|
|
75019 Paris, FRANCE
|
|
FAX: 33 1 458-41005
|
|
Phone: 33 1 458-21005
|
|
|
|
ASIA
|
|
|
|
Australia Xiangqi Association
|
|
Dept of Medicine, Level 5, Block 5
|
|
Monash Medical Centre
|
|
Clayton Rd
|
|
Clayton, VIC 3168 AUSTRALIA
|
|
FAX: 61 3 563-2578
|
|
Phone: 61 3 364-9972
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chinese Xiangqi Association
|
|
No. 80 Tian Tan Dong Rd
|
|
Beijing 100061 CHINA
|
|
FAX: 86 1 701-5176
|
|
Phone: 86 1 701-1614
|
|
|
|
Taipei Chinese Chess Association
|
|
2/F, 248 Yin Pin Bei Rd, 2nd Lane
|
|
Taipei TAIWAN
|
|
FAX: 886 2 557-4364
|
|
Phone: 886 2 553-3741
|
|
|
|
Hong Kong Chinese Chess Association
|
|
Flat E/F, 4/F Wang Cheung Commercial Bldg
|
|
249-253 Reclamation St
|
|
Kowloon, HONG KONG
|
|
FAX: 852 770-8072
|
|
Phone: 852 771-3751
|
|
|
|
Singapore Xiangqi General Association
|
|
79-B, Lorong 8
|
|
Geylang Singapore 1439 SINGAPORE
|
|
FAX: 65 345-4247
|
|
Phone: 65 340-5136
|
|
|
|
Thailand Xiangqi Association
|
|
78 Soipantachit 2 Lanes, Mytricht Rd
|
|
Bangkok, THAILAND 10100
|
|
FAX: 66 2 226-5732
|
|
Phone: 66 2 221-6204
|
|
|
|
Viet-Nam Hochiminh City Dist. 5 Chess Assn
|
|
100/6B Hung-Vuong F.9.Q.5
|
|
Hochiminh City VIETNAM
|
|
FAX: 84 8 325-236
|
|
Phone: 84 8 350-003
|
|
|
|
Indonesia Chinese Chess Association
|
|
Jl. Per Agalan I No. 35
|
|
Jakarta INDONESIA
|
|
FAX: 62 21 354-235
|
|
Phone: 62 21 808-2443
|
|
|
|
Malaysia Chinese Chess Association
|
|
11, Jalan Sultan, 5000
|
|
Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA
|
|
FAX: 60 3 238-9045
|
|
Phone: 60 3 238-1113
|
|
|
|
Sabah Chess Association Union
|
|
PO Box 792
|
|
90008 Sandakan
|
|
Sabah, EAST MALAYSIA
|
|
FAX: 60 89 272-282
|
|
Phone: 60 89 272-277
|
|
|
|
Japan Xiangqi Association
|
|
4-1-15 Shimoigusa, Suginamiku
|
|
Tokyo 167 JAPAN
|
|
FAX: 81 3 371-67169
|
|
Phone: 81 3 390-44368
|
|
|
|
Philippines Federal Chess Enthusiast Assn
|
|
Room 219, 945 Gandara St
|
|
Manila, PHILIPPINES
|
|
FAX: 63 2 530-1170
|
|
Phone: 63 2 486-218
|
|
|
|
Associacao De Xadrez Chines De Macau
|
|
Av. Do Almt. Lacerda 89A EDF.
|
|
Luenfung No. 1 A MACAU
|
|
FAX: 853 210-110
|
|
Phone: 853 210-110
|
|
|
|
Brunei Chinese Chess
|
|
Blk C, #3 Abd Razak Complex Gadong 3180
|
|
PO Box 946 Bandar Seri Begawan 1909
|
|
BRUNEI Darussalam
|
|
FAX: 673 2 426-191
|
|
Phone: 673 2 424-307
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. Is there a Chinese chess version of the United States Chess Federation?
|
|
|
|
No. Organization of Chinese chess in the United States lags behind
|
|
most other countries, including those in Europe. Also, Europe seems
|
|
to enjoy a great deal of cooperation between Asian "experts" and
|
|
western "novices," unlike the situation in the US. Chinese chess
|
|
"organization" in the US is basically confined to Chinatown clubs,
|
|
which are not usually as accessible as the tourist shops. A suggestion
|
|
for future development would be to organize Chinese chess activities at
|
|
regular chess or go clubs & then try to branch out on your own after a
|
|
regular clientele has been established. Perhaps try to find a local
|
|
Chinese chess expert who would agree to give a simul or lecture to
|
|
drum up interest.
|
|
|
|
18. What are some of the top tournaments?
|
|
|
|
Here are most of the top Asian events, and the organization
|
|
each is affiliated with:
|
|
|
|
A. China Xiangqi Association
|
|
|
|
1. 5 Ram Cup
|
|
Held in Guangzhou in December or January; entrance is
|
|
limited to Chinese National Champions.
|
|
Current champion: Xu YinChuan
|
|
|
|
2. YinLi Cup
|
|
Held in Guilin.
|
|
Current champion: Xu TianHong
|
|
|
|
3. Chinese National Team Championship
|
|
Held first half of each year (usually April to June);
|
|
most recently held in Nanjing.
|
|
Current champion--men: Shanghai
|
|
women: Jiangsu
|
|
|
|
4. Chinese National Championship
|
|
Held second half of each year (usually August to December);
|
|
Current champion: Tao HanMing
|
|
|
|
B. Asian Xiangqi Federation
|
|
|
|
1. Asian Cup [Team]
|
|
Held every even-numbered year since 1980 (October to
|
|
November usually). China has won the men's and women's
|
|
trophies every time.
|
|
Current champion--men: China
|
|
women: China
|
|
|
|
2. Asian Cities Individual Championship
|
|
Held odd-numbered years, timing varies; most recently held
|
|
in Bangkok, 1993.
|
|
Current champion: Hu RongHua
|
|
|
|
C. World Xiangqi Federation
|
|
|
|
1. The World Cup
|
|
The 4th World Cup will be held in 1995 in Singapore. Cycle
|
|
frequency has not been established.
|
|
Current champion--men: Xu TianHong
|
|
women: Hu Ming
|
|
team: China
|
|
non-Chinese: Mei QingMing (Vietnam)
|
|
|
|
All of the above listed tournaments are essentially "closed" events,
|
|
meaning that unless you are invited, you cannot participate. CXA events
|
|
are for mainland Chinese only. AXF events are for their 12 Asian
|
|
member nations. The only tournament above that is open to "foreigners"
|
|
is the World Cup, which is still by invitation only.
|
|
|
|
Other Tournaments:
|
|
|
|
JiaBo Cup [Team] (CXA)
|
|
Match between Shanghai and Guangdong.
|
|
Current champion--men: Guangdong
|
|
women: tie
|
|
|
|
QiWang Title (CXA)
|
|
Current champion: Lu Qin
|
|
|
|
Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Triangular Match [Team] (AXF?)
|
|
12 matches of this annual event (since 1979) have been played (except
|
|
for 3-year interruption due to Tiananmen incident). Guangdong has won
|
|
every match.
|
|
Current champion: Guangdong
|
|
|
|
European Championship
|
|
Current champion: C.K. Lai (England)
|
|
|
|
French Championship
|
|
Current Champion: Dang Tran Chung
|
|
|
|
|
|
AXF 12 Members:
|
|
|
|
China
|
|
Hong Kong
|
|
Taiwan
|
|
Thailand
|
|
West Malaysia
|
|
East Malaysia
|
|
Macao
|
|
Philippines
|
|
Singapore
|
|
Indonesia
|
|
Brunei
|
|
Japan
|
|
|
|
|
|
19. Who are some of the strongest players around the world?
|
|
|
|
Most of the strongest players live in China. Here are the Chinese
|
|
National Ratings for the first half of 1994:
|
|
MEN:
|
|
|
|
Lu Qin 2571 (Recently defeated Li LaiQun for QiWang title)
|
|
Xu YinChuan 2521 (Current 5-Ram Cup Champ)
|
|
Zhao GuoRong 2520 (Two-time CN Champion--1990 & 1992)
|
|
Hu RongHua 2500 (Greatest player in Chinese chess history?)
|
|
Liu DaHua 2485 (Won Chinese National title in 1980 & 1981)
|
|
Li LaiQun 2485 (Tough times, lost QiWang & last in 5-Ram Cup)
|
|
Xu TianHong 2479 (Won Third World Cup & current YinLi Cup Champ)
|
|
Liu DianZhong 2440 (Breaks through to the top ten)
|
|
Liu Xing 2437 (Also new to the top ten)
|
|
Lin HongMin 2435 (Strong Shanghai player)
|
|
Zhang Qiang 2431
|
|
Zhuang YuTeng 2429
|
|
Bu FengBo 2417
|
|
Yan WenQing 2417
|
|
Yu YouHua 2412 (Drops out of the top ten)
|
|
Jiang QuanSheng2401
|
|
Wan ChunLin 2400
|
|
Tao HanMing 2399 (Just won 1994 Chinese National Championship)
|
|
Zhang Gang 2396
|
|
Xu Bo 2394
|
|
Huang ShiQing 2394
|
|
|
|
|
|
WOMEN:
|
|
|
|
Hu Ming 2334 (On top now; Xie SiMing is inactive)
|
|
Huang YuYing 2285
|
|
Shan XiaLi 2267 (Dropped a lot of points; still third)
|
|
Lin Ye 2260
|
|
OuYang QiLin 2257
|
|
Gao Hua 2245
|
|
Wu Qun 2245
|
|
Chen ShuLan 2242
|
|
Liu BiJun 2228
|
|
Guo LiPing 2203
|
|
|
|
|
|
OTHER COUNTRIES
|
|
|
|
Taiwan
|
|
|
|
Wu KuiLin
|
|
Liang JinYi
|
|
|
|
Hong Kong
|
|
|
|
Chiu YuKuen
|
|
|
|
Vietnam
|
|
|
|
Mei QingMing
|
|
|
|
Japan
|
|
|
|
Shen Hao (formerly of Shanghai)
|
|
|
|
Singapore
|
|
|
|
Lee KhengSoi
|
|
Teo SimHua
|
|
|
|
Thailand
|
|
|
|
Ma WuLian
|
|
|
|
Malaysia
|
|
|
|
Li JiaQing
|
|
Chieng KuokWu
|
|
Chen JieYu
|
|
|
|
Indonesia
|
|
|
|
Ifan ChungMing
|
|
|
|
Germany
|
|
|
|
Huebner Robert (GM of chess)
|
|
Siewert Hans-Joachim
|
|
|
|
Italy
|
|
|
|
Yu JianGuo
|
|
Hu YunXi
|
|
Nastasio Davide
|
|
Guberti Agostino
|
|
|
|
USA
|
|
|
|
Lee Michael
|
|
Gong Fan
|
|
Chien Chi
|
|
Yan TatSun
|
|
Ng Hak Lok
|
|
|
|
Canada
|
|
|
|
Der Lawrence
|
|
Yu Chou Jen
|
|
Li Chung
|
|
|
|
|
|
20. Are there any variants of Chinese chess?
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Game of the Three Kingdoms
|
|
|
|
This game is supposed to illustrate the war of the Three Kingdoms:
|
|
Wei (blue), Shu (red) and Wu (green), A.D. 221-64. The lines of the
|
|
board are not straight throughout, and each army faces the other
|
|
two. The pieces consist of the regular 16, but also a different piece
|
|
(2 of them for each army). This piece in red's army is designated as (F)
|
|
for "fire." Blue's is called (B) for "banner" and green's is called (W)
|
|
for "wind." Their move is an extended knight's move: 2 steps vertically
|
|
or horizontally and then 1 step diagonally. In the initial position,
|
|
they each sit 2 spaces directly above the guards of each army.
|
|
|
|
When one of the Generals (who are named Wei, Shu, and Wu) is mated,
|
|
the player who has mated him removes the king from the board and
|
|
adds the remainder of his army to his own.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The board has 6 sides. 3 of the sides have 9 spaces across (where the
|
|
3 armies start). The other 3 sides have 10 spaces across, each.
|
|
The board is really 3 half regular boards, plus 12
|
|
squares (3 X 4 squares, each dividing each army's half board from
|
|
the others) & 1 triangle space (in the very center of the board).
|
|
|
|
A diagram of the board is given in H.R. Murray's book, "A History
|
|
of Chess."
|
|
|
|
R = Rook K = King F = Fire
|
|
H = Horse C = Cannon B = Banner
|
|
E = Elephant P = Pawn W = Wind
|
|
G = Guard
|
|
|
|
Here's my diagram of the board. Pretty good, huh? :-)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Blue Army (R)-+----+---(P)-|----|-(P)---+----+-(R) Green Army
|
|
(H)---+---(C)------|----|------(C)---+---(H)
|
|
(E)-----+-------(P)\ | | /(P)-------+-----(E)
|
|
(G) -----(B)---- \ \|----|/ \ / ---(W)------(G)
|
|
(K) + \ | | /\ + (K)
|
|
(G) \ \ | | / \ / (G)
|
|
(E) \ (P) \|----|/ (P) / (E)
|
|
(H) + (B) \ | | / \ (W) + (H)
|
|
(R) \ \ \ \|----|/ / / / (R)
|
|
+ (C) (P) \ / \ / \ / (P) (C) +
|
|
+ \ \ \ / \/ \ / / \/ +
|
|
(P) \ \ / \ /|\ / \ / / \(P)
|
|
\ / \ \ / | \ / / \ / /
|
|
+ \ \ / \ | / \ / / \ +
|
|
\ \ / \ \ | / / \ / /
|
|
+ \ \ \ | / / / +
|
|
\ \ \ \ | / / / /
|
|
(P)---+---(P)---+---(P)---+---(P)---+---(P)
|
|
+--(C)--+---(F)---+---(F)---+--(C)--+
|
|
+----+---+---+---+---+---+---+----+
|
|
(R)-(H)-(E)-(G)-(K)-(G)-(E)-(H)-(R)
|
|
|
|
Red Army
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. Half-Board Variant
|
|
|
|
Here is another Xiangqi variant, as given in Xiangqi Review
|
|
(Volume II, Number 5). You only use half the board, but all
|
|
32 pieces.
|
|
|
|
Turn over all 32 pieces, so you can't see what they are, and mix
|
|
them all well. Then put them all face-down on the *squares* of
|
|
a half-board--not on the intersections, on the squares, like in
|
|
western chess.
|
|
|
|
After deciding who goes first, the first player chooses a piece
|
|
to turn over, which constitutes one move. Then the second player
|
|
turns over a piece. The players then alternate, either turning
|
|
over another piece or making a move with a piece already turned up.
|
|
|
|
All the pieces move the same way--one square up, down, right, or
|
|
left, but not diagonally. You can move a piece onto any adjacent
|
|
empty square, or onto an adjacent square occupied by another
|
|
piece by capturing that piece, if legal. The captured piece is
|
|
then removed from the board. Moving is compulsory, capturing not.
|
|
|
|
The men rank in this order:
|
|
|
|
king -> Rook -> Horse -> Cannon -> Bishop -> Guard -> Pawn -->> King
|
|
|
|
Each piece can take any piece that's equal or lower in rank. The
|
|
exception is that a pawn *can* take a king!
|
|
|
|
A game is won when you have captured all men from your opponent, or
|
|
when he resigns. Checkmating the king doesn't end the game, draws
|
|
are rare.
|
|
|
|
Material gain is the highest objective. Be careful when capturing
|
|
that your piece isn't trapped or lost to another higher piece.
|
|
|
|
There is no checking or hitting violations, no repetition prohibitions.
|
|
Force your opponent to take risks by having to turn over unknown
|
|
pieces next to his. In some positions, the rook may even be worth
|
|
more than the king.
|
|
|
|
|
|
C. Seven Warring States Variant
|
|
|
|
Name of Game: Qiguo Xiangxi (7 Warring States Chess)
|
|
|
|
There are a total of 120 pieces used in this variant symbolizing the
|
|
seven Warring States (403-221 B.C.) period. This variant was created
|
|
by Guang Si-ma.
|
|
|
|
The Zhou (kingdom) has 1 piece (at the center point of the board).
|
|
Each of the 7 Warring States has 17 pieces.
|
|
The Zhou piece is yellow (central space)
|
|
Qin is white (starts in west position)
|
|
Chu is red (south position)
|
|
Qi is indigo (dark blue) (east position)
|
|
Yan is black (north position)
|
|
Han is cinnabar (orange-red) (south position)
|
|
Wei is green (east position)
|
|
Zhao is purple (north position)
|
|
|
|
Pieces:
|
|
|
|
General (Jiang)
|
|
Each of 7 states has 1 General. He moves vertically,
|
|
horizontally, or diagonally with no limit on distance
|
|
(like the queen in western chess).
|
|
|
|
Deputy General (Pian1)
|
|
Each army has 1 Deputy General. He moves vertically or
|
|
horizontally with no limit on distance (like the rook).
|
|
|
|
Officer (Bi4)
|
|
Each army has 1 Officer. He moves diagonally
|
|
without limit (like the bishop in western chess).
|
|
|
|
The Generals, Deputy Generals, and Officers are viewed
|
|
as being mounted on chariots (elephants were not used in China,
|
|
though the Xiang character is used in the game's name).
|
|
|
|
Diplomat or Liaison Officer (Xing2ren2)
|
|
Each army has 1 Diplomat. He moves vertically,
|
|
horizontally, or diagonally without limit (like the queen
|
|
in western chess). But he may not engage in combat, and
|
|
may not be killed.
|
|
|
|
Cannon (Pao)
|
|
Each army has 1 cannon. It moves vertically or
|
|
horizontally without limit. There must be an intervening
|
|
piece for it to attack another piece (it moves just like
|
|
modern-day cannon).
|
|
|
|
Archers (Gong1)
|
|
Each army has 1 (unit of) Archers. The unit moves
|
|
4 spaces (on each move) vertically, horizontally, or
|
|
diagonally.
|
|
|
|
Crossbowmen (Nu3)
|
|
Each army has 1 (unit of) Crossbowmen. The unit moves
|
|
5 spaces vertically, horizontally, or diagonally.
|
|
|
|
Swordsmen (Dao1)
|
|
Each army has 2 units of Swordsmen. Each unit moves
|
|
1 space diagonally.
|
|
|
|
Broadswordsmen (Qian?)
|
|
Each army has 4 units of Broadswordsmen. Each unit moves
|
|
1 space vertically or horizontally.
|
|
|
|
Cavalry (Qi2)
|
|
Each army has 4 units of Cavalry. Each unit moves
|
|
4 spaces and moves similar to a knight--1 space in a
|
|
straight line and then 3 spaces diagonally.
|
|
|
|
If 7 people play the game, each takes 1 warring state. If 6 people play,
|
|
1 player takes both Qin and 1 other state in alliance with it. If 5
|
|
people play, then in addition to the Qin alliance, Chu is allied with
|
|
1 other state. If 4 people play, then in addition to the Qin and Chu
|
|
alliances, Qi is allied to another state.
|
|
|
|
When each player takes possession of 1 state, those states with which
|
|
they are allied are chosen by the players themselves. Both of the allied
|
|
states are directed by the choosing players, who must first take an oath
|
|
saying, "If either of the states under my command is lost, it will be
|
|
through my own carelessness." If 1 player orders an ally to attack a very
|
|
strongly defended state, he must first penalize himself by downing a glass
|
|
of liquor (or beer).
|
|
|
|
The order of play is: Qin, Chu, Han, Qi, Wei, Zhao, and Yan
|
|
(this order is counterclockwise beginning with the state in the west
|
|
in the initial position, which is Qin).
|
|
|
|
If a poor move is played, it may not be taken back (except if penalty is
|
|
agreed by players beforehand--glass of beer, lose next turn, etc.).
|
|
If anyone moves a piece incorrectly, he is penalized (either a lost move
|
|
or a shot of liquor, exact penalties at discretion of players themselves).
|
|
If a player attacks his own ally, then the entire army of that ally is
|
|
lost and removed from the board. Whenever a player is placed in check,
|
|
he may be penalized according to previously agreed upon penalty :-)
|
|
|
|
A player wins over another state by capturing that enemy's General. But
|
|
even if the General is not taken, a player can win by capturing more
|
|
than 10 other pieces of the opposing state. If an enemy has not yet lost
|
|
10 pieces and a player's own army loses more than 10, then that player's
|
|
own army is lost and removed.
|
|
|
|
At the end of the game, the player who has captured the most pieces is
|
|
the winner of the game. First the winner takes a victory drink (a special
|
|
drink that is not used for other purposes associated with this game),
|
|
then the losers take a drink.
|
|
|
|
Should 1 player have captured 2 Generals, or take a total of 30 lesser
|
|
pieces, he is declared Dictator, or Tyrant, or just Bully (Ba4). Once a
|
|
player has become Dictator, all the other states avow their submission
|
|
to him, and everyone drinks another round.
|
|
|
|
Relative value of pieces in their initial positions:
|
|
1 Cavalry unit is equal to any 2 units of Archers, Crossbowmen,
|
|
Swordsmen, or Broadswordsmen. A Cannon is equal to 3 units of same.
|
|
An Officer is equal to 4. A Deputy General is equal to 5.
|
|
|
|
The Zhou king is yellow and sits in the center to show respect for the
|
|
Son of Heaven. He has no army, does not engage in battle. Each of the
|
|
7 states has a particular color to reflect its directional position.
|
|
The Diplomats represent persuasive politicians who try to create
|
|
alliances among the states.
|
|
|
|
The Yi Zheng Retired Scholar Pei Zi-xi obtained a copy of the text of
|
|
this game's rules and had it engraved on wooden blocks so that it would
|
|
be widely transmitted. It was then printed on the day of the Lantern
|
|
Festival in the second year of the Kai-xi reign period (24 February 1206).
|
|
|
|
|
|
Game Board with Initial Position
|
|
|
|
G General
|
|
D Deputy General
|
|
O Officer
|
|
L Liaison Officer (Diplomat)
|
|
P Pao (Cannon)
|
|
A Archers
|
|
C Crossbowmen
|
|
S Swordsmen
|
|
B Broadswordsmen
|
|
H Horsemen (Cavalry)
|
|
Z Zhou King
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yan Zhao
|
|
+---+--(H)-(B)-(O)-(G)-(D)-(B)-(H)--+--(H)-(B)-(O)-(G)-(D)-(B)-(H)--+---+
|
|
+---+---+--(H)-(B)-(P)-(B)-(H)--+---+---+--(H)-(B)-(P)-(B)-(H)--+---+---+
|
|
+---+---+---+--(S)-(C)-(S)--+---+---+---+---+--(S)-(C)-(S)--+---+---+--(H)
|
|
+---+---+---+---+--(A)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(A)--+---+---+--(H)-(B)
|
|
+---+---+---+---+--(L)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(L)--+---+--(S)-(B)-(O)W
|
|
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(L)-(A)-(C)-(P)-(G)e
|
|
(H)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(S)-(B)-(D)i
|
|
(B)-(H)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(H)-(B)
|
|
Q(D)-(B)-(S)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(H)
|
|
i(G)-(P)-(C)-(A)-(L)--+---+---+---+--(Z)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+
|
|
n(O)-(B)-(S)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(H)
|
|
(B)-(H)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(H)-(B)
|
|
(H)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(S)-(B)-(O)Q
|
|
+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(L)-(A)-(C)-(P)-(G)i
|
|
+---+---+---+---+--(L)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(L)--+---+--(S)-(B)-(D)
|
|
+---+---+---+---+--(A)--+---+---+---+---+---+---+--(A)--+---+---+--(H)-(B)
|
|
+---+---+---+--(S)-(C)-(S)--+---+---+---+---+--(S)-(C)-(S)--+---+---+--(H)
|
|
+---+---+--(H)-(B)-(P)-(B)-(H)--+---+---+--(H)-(B)-(P)-(B)-(H)--+---+---+
|
|
+---+--(H)-(B)-(D)-(G)-(O)-(B)-(H)--+--(H)-(B)-(D)-(G)-(O)-(B)-(H)--+---+
|
|
Chu Han
|
|
|
|
|
|
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
Contributors to the FAQ (if I missed someone, let me know):
|
|
Michael J. Donohue, R.J. Hare, Timothy J. Lee, Roleigh Martin, Tero Sand,
|
|
Kawai Tam, Jeroen Tiggelman, David Woo, Jim Z. Yu, Elton Yuen
|
|
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|