u/Wrong-Mix-4982

If you're learning Xiangqi openings, this note is a useful place to start:

https://play.xiangqi.com/note/view/LzQjgq

You can learn the Central Cannon (中炮) opening here, along with many other opening setups and variations.

It’s useful if you want to understand not just the opening moves, but also different ways the position can develop afterward.

Hope this helps anyone looking to improve their Xiangqi opening knowledge! 🐘♟️

Are you able to spot the brilliant move?

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/puzzle/LbXeWo/P

This can be a tricky checkmate puzzle.

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/puzzle/q8kkWo/P

This is an advance checkmate technique, can you spot the checkmate for red?

Reference: https://dev.xiangqi.com/puzzle/R2KzJo/P

Can you spot the checkmate in this puzzle?

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/puzzle/q5kXmR/P

We’ve noticed that there are not many English-language resources available for learning Xiangqi, so we plan to create and share more learning materials for English-speaking players.

Today’s beginner lesson is:

A Chess Player’s Guide to Xiangqi | How to Play Chinese Chess

This lesson introduces the basic rules and concepts of Xiangqi, especially for players who are already familiar with Western chess.

Reference video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vklqOLf6mtU

This is an advance checkmate method, can you spot the checkmate?

(Both Cannon controls the advisors and elephants)

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/lessons/play/XRZ6NR

[Black First] Checkmate puzzles don't always require consecutive checks.

This is a typical checkmate format for red. Red cannon controls black's advisor and elephant.

What will be the checkmate move for red?

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/lessons/play/XLl5DR

Can you spot the checkmate in few moves?

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/puzzle/R2zpmR/P

Can you spot the checkmate in one move?

Reference: https://play.xiangqi.com/puzzle/qBaWQo/C

When beginners start learning Xiangqi openings, one of the first questions is usually:

“What should I play on the first move?”

But I think a more useful question is:

“What kind of position do I want to create?”

Different first moves can lead to very different types of games. Some create immediate central pressure, while others focus more on flexible development, structure, or slower positional play.

For beginners, understanding the purpose behind the first move is probably more useful than immediately memorizing long opening variations.

We put together a English video explaining how to choose a first move based on the type of game and playing style you prefer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6uytduQ2BE

A simple way to practise this would be:

1. Choose one first move that feels natural to you.
2. Play it consistently for several games.
3. Review whether you understood the positions that followed.
4. Only then begin studying the deeper variations.

What do you normally play as Red on the first move, and why?