Korean Chess
How to Play Janggi (Korean Chess)
Janggi (장기) is a traditional Korean strategy board game for two players. It is played on the intersections of a 9×10 board, and each side has a palace (a 3×3 area marked with diagonal lines) that its General may never leave.
The objective is to checkmate the opponent's General (將/楚漢). A General is in checkmate when it is under attack and cannot escape.
The Pieces
- 漢楚
General (將/楚漢) — Moves one step horizontally, vertically, or diagonally within the palace.
- 車
Chariot (車) — Moves any number of spaces horizontally or vertically. Can also move along palace diagonal lines.
- 包
Cannon (包) — Moves like a chariot but MUST jump over exactly one piece. Cannot jump over or capture other cannons.
- 馬
Horse (馬) — Moves one step orthogonally, then one step diagonally. Can be blocked if the orthogonal path is occupied.
- 象
Elephant (象) — Moves one step orthogonally, then two steps diagonally. Can be blocked at intermediate positions.
- 士
Advisor (士) — Moves one step diagonally or orthogonally within the palace.
- 兵卒
Soldier (卒/兵) — Moves one step forward or sideways. Can move diagonally forward within the opponent's palace.
Initial Setup
Before the game begins, each player chooses their elephant/horse formation. There are 4 options for arranging the horses and elephants on the back rank.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Janggi and Chess?
Janggi is played on a 9×10 board (intersections, not squares). It has no bishop but has cannons and elephants. Generals are confined to the palace. There is no castling or en passant.
What is the difference between Janggi and Xiangqi?
While similar, Janggi elephants can cross the river, cannons cannot capture without jumping, and the pieces start in slightly different positions. Janggi also allows players to choose their elephant/horse formation.
Can the General leave the palace?
No. The General must always stay within the 3×3 palace area.