How is the board set up?
Use the Xiangqi starting formation with two visible generals. Each side's other fifteen pieces are shuffled face down. A covered piece's starting location determines its movement until its first reveal.
How do the pieces move?
Before revelation, a hidden piece follows its starting role. The moves below apply after it is revealed; advisors and elephants have wider freedom than in ordinary Xiangqi.
Reveal a piece
A hidden piece first moves as the role at its starting square. It is revealed after that move and then follows its real role. A captured hidden piece remains secret in the public record.
When does the game end?
Checkmate or having no legal move loses. ChessPlayX draws on the third occurrence of the same public position with the same side to move, or after 120 consecutive individual moves without a capture, soldier move or reveal. Any capture, soldier move or reveal resets that count. Hidden chess uses this convention, not orthodox Xiangqi's WXF chase adjudication.
What should beginners watch for?
Do not assume a covered piece has the identity of its starting square. After revealing it, check its actual movement before planning the next turn.
Rules and references
- ChessPlayX — online rules published on this page
This guide describes play on ChessPlayX. Platform-specific conventions are stated in the relevant sections; tournament administration may differ.