How is the board set up?
Each side has sixteen pieces. The general starts in the centre of its palace. Han chooses the horse/elephant arrangement first; Cho then chooses. There is no river, so elephants can cross the whole board.
How do the pieces move?
General & guards
The general and guards move one step along marked lines inside their own palace, including diagonals.
Chariot
Move in straight lines, including marked palace diagonals.
Cannon
The cannon must jump exactly one non-cannon piece, even without capturing. It cannot capture another cannon.
Horse
One orthogonal step then one diagonal; the first step can be blocked.
Elephant
One orthogonal step then two diagonal steps, if the path is clear.
Soldier
The soldier moves one point forward or sideways, never backward. In the enemy palace it may also move diagonally forward along marked lines.
Palace lines and cannons
Generals and guards follow palace lines. Chariots can use palace diagonals. Horses and elephants have blocking points. Cannons need a non-cannon screen even for a quiet move, and cannot capture another cannon.
Pass, bikjang and points
Pass is forbidden while in check. Facing generals creates bikjang; break the face-off or accept it with pass. The online points profile resolves accepted bikjang, two passes and neutral repetitions using material points, with Han receiving 1.5 extra.
What should beginners watch for?
Check palace diagonals and cannon screens before moving. A clear line is enough for a chariot, but never enough by itself for a cannon move.
Rules and references
This guide describes play on ChessPlayX. Platform-specific conventions are stated in the relevant sections; tournament administration may differ.