Xiang Hex

XIANG HEX by L. Lynn Smith

Xiang Hex is Chinese Chess played upon an elongated hexagonal field, consisting of nine files with the outer ones being seven cells and the center being eleven. The "palace" consists of seven cells, the first three cells of the center file and the first two cells which flank. The "river" is denoted by fourth cell of the first and ninth file, the fifth cell of the third and seventh file and the sixth cell of the center file. The player's side of the field consist of the cells before the "river".

To download B&W graphic for printout and play, left click here

Setup

Pieces

SOLDIER(S) step one forward orthogonal before entering the "river". Upon and after entering the "river" step one forward, right forward or left forward orthogonal, or right or left diagonal.

HORSE(H) step one vacant orthogonal then one diagonal in the same direction. Like the corresponding piece from Xiang Qi, it may not pass over an occupied space. In the diagram below, it may not move to d3 or f3, because the Cannon just below it at e5 blocks its movement to these spaces.

CHARIOT(C) slide orthogonal.

CANNON(A) slide orthogonal through vacant cells, may leap any one piece to capture an enemy.

ELEPHANT(E) step two diagonal and never cross the "river". The diagram below covers this piece's full range of movement.

MANDARIN(M) step diagonal and never leave the "palace". The diagram below covers this piece's full range of movement.

GENERAL(G) step orthogonal and never leave the "palace". Not permitted be on an empty file with the opposing GENERAL. In the diagram below, it may not move to the d file, because the opponent's General is on that file with nothing in between. It cannot move to e1, because that is further away than it can move. It cannot move to f2, because it cannot move diagonally.

Rules

The game is won by checkmating the opposing GENERAL. A player loses if stalemate or repetition of position. If both players have no pieces which can cross the "river", the game is drawn.

Notes

Last revised by Fergus Duniho.