Play Chinese Chess Online

How to start a game

Select “Start a Chinese Chess game,” then choose a difficulty, side, and move order. Red normally opens; if you play second, the AI makes the first move.

Selecting a piece highlights its legal destinations. The rules engine rejects self-check, exposed generals, and other illegal moves.

• Start with Novice or Easy while learning.
• Local play does not require an account.
• Review the move record after the game.

AI difficulty

Choose one of six difficulty levels in a single AI match setup.

If the service is unavailable, backup AI completes the match at potentially reduced difficulty. Start a new match to retry.

Who it is for

Beginners can learn with legal-move highlights and hints. Experienced players can raise the level, play second, and compare alternatives in review mode.

Three move restrictions beginners often miss

A piece next to the horse can block both L-shaped destinations in that direction. A cannon needs exactly one intervening piece to capture; the color of that screen does not matter.

Before moving a piece between the generals, check whether it exposes them on the same file. A valuable capture is still illegal if it leaves your own general attacked.

Practice safe captures in a first game

Start at Novice and look for the opponent’s recapture before taking a piece. When in check, compare moving the general, capturing the attacker, and blocking the attack.

Use a hint to compare one candidate, then explain the move yourself. Undo is limited by the game settings; hints are practice aids rather than a guarantee of a uniquely best move.

Practice at Novice level · Practice safe captures in a first game →

Two players

Find an opponent and start playing when matched.

Invite a friend on another device.

Enter the code your friend shared.

Two players →