RULE GUIDE · ELEPHANT

How the Elephant Moves in Chinese Chess

Two points diagonally, never across the river

The elephant moves exactly two points diagonally and never crosses the river. Any piece on the middle point, the elephant eye, blocks movement and capture in that direction.

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Figure 1
Figure 1: the black soldier at D3 blocks the eye between the elephant at C2 and the black chariot at E4.
Figure 2
Figure 2: removing D3 clears the route to E4, marked ○. Check the general’s safety before capturing.

Can the elephant at C2 capture E4 while a black soldier occupies the eye at D3?

These are local movement diagrams. A real move must also keep your own general safe.

Can the elephant at C2 capture E4 while a black soldier occupies the eye at D3?

Show answer and explanation

Answer: No, either colour blocks the eye. No. The occupied D3 eye blocks the capture regardless of colour. Removing the blocker restores only the movement condition.

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A clear eye does not allow crossing the river

The river restriction is separate from the blocked-eye rule. Red elephants must remain on the red half of the board; Black elephants stay on theirs.

Figure 1
Near the river: the red elephant at C5 can reach E3 (○), but cannot cross to E7 (×), even with a clear eye. Coordinates belong to this diagram.

How elephants defend the general

Elephants and advisors protect the general. Before moving, check the eye, river boundary, destination and your general’s safety.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can an elephant cross the river?

No. Both elephants stay on their own half of the board; the river is an absolute boundary.

Can an enemy piece block the eye?

Yes. Any piece on the centre point blocks the elephant, regardless of colour.

Can an elephant move one point diagonally?

No. That is the advisor’s move; the elephant always moves two points diagonally.

What does “full elephants and advisors” mean?

It means both advisors and both elephants are still on the board, which is the standard solid defensive structure in xiangqi endgames.

All games

How the Chariot Moves in Chinese Chess Any distance along a rank or file, with a clear path How the Horse Moves in Chinese Chess An L-shaped move that a single piece can block How the Cannon Moves and Captures A rook that needs exactly one screen to capture How the Advisor Moves in Chinese Chess One point diagonally, always inside the palace

Chinese Chess rules overview

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