FAQ
- How about chinese chess soul 's AI level?
This software win silver medal in 1995 10th olmpic chinese chess software match, and now AI level is improved remarkably. - Can I use this software normally if my computer is not fast enough?
Sure, you can run this software fluently on CPU 400M or above , 256M memory or above. Of course, if computer is faster, this software will be faster. - How to setup AI to reach max AI level?
Firstly, please turn on the background thinking, then setup sorts of time limit mode depending on time limit you use plus time you spend for moving pieces . You can update seconds on status bar and click OK , then it will change to your choice.Hash table size: recommend to 32M to 64M. - How to play game with computer?
To play a game select New from the file menu, click the 'New Game' icon on the toolbar or click on the menu, then you select "Red Computer" button or "Black Computer" button ,that means computer play red side or black side, When it is your turn and you're ready to move, first click on the piece you wish to move and then click on the square you wish to move to.We recommend to use Arena Match model to play chess game with computer, it will be useful for improving your chess level.If computer is red, she will play first, otherwise, she will wait for your move. - Can you tell me the Chinese Chess Game Rules?
Chinese Chess is a game for two people playing in opposition. Both players start with 16 pieces depicting various Chinese characters, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Play is turn-based, with Red starting.
Two piece sets are available, the Traditional Chinese pieces, or a Western version with pictures more familiar to Chess players.
Each player has 5 pawn, 2 Canons (rows C and H), and from outer to inner; 2 Castle/Rook, 2 Knight, 2 Minister/Elephant, 2 Counsellor/Guard, and a King.
The object of the game is to get your opponent's King into Checkmate (I.E.: no legal moves available), whilst defending your own King from a similar predicament.
The board consists of 10 rows and 9 files (columns), divided in two halves separated by the so-called "River". The person playing first is referred to as Red, the second player as Green.
Moves of the Pieces
Promotion
The only pieces that can be promoted in Chinese Chess are the pawns. They get promoted as soon as they cross the "River", which allows them to also move to the left or right.
Check
If an opponent threatens a King with capture, that King is in 'check'. The next move must get the King out of check, either by moving the King to a safe destination square, or by introducing another piece between the King and the opponent piece(s) giving check.
Checkmate
If a player cannot get his or her King out of Check, then it is in Mate or Checkmate and that player loses the game. Please note that if a player is unable to move his or her King, whilst simultaneously having no other legal moves available, it is also Checkmate and a loss for that player. In western Chess, this would be termed stalemate, which leads to a draw.
Drawing
Chinese Chess games resulting in a draw are possible but rare. If the same moves are repeated four times in succession the game is declared a draw.
Pieces and their Moves
Here follows a description of the pieces and the way they move. The pieces appear in order of appearance on the board, moving vertically from the inner to the outer board and horizontally from the outer to the inner.
Pawn
Pawns move and capture one position forwards only. Having been promoted (crossed the river), they can also move left or right.
Cannon
Cannons move in a similar fashion to the Rook in western chess. The only difference is that in order to capture an opponent's piece, they have to jump over a single piece of either colour. They cannot jump over other pieces when there is no capture involved.
Castle/Rook
The Castle/Rook is able to move in straight lines both horizontally and vertically as per the Rook in western Chess.
Knight
Knights move in a similar fashion to those in western Chess. They move one space horizontally or vertically, and one space diagonally with one exception, they cannot jump over other pieces.
Minister/Elephant
Minister/Elephants move two positions diagonally in each of the four possible directions. They are not allowed to cross the "River" thus rendering them defensive.
Counsellor/Guard
The Guard's job is to protect its King. It is only allowed to move in the King's restricted area and only one position diagonally at a time.
King
The King moves horizontally or vertically within his restricted area. The opposing King is not allowed to be on the same column unless there is at least one piece in between them.