| 3D Xiang Qi utilizes a 5x10x5 playing field. On each level there is a gap called the "River" between the fifth and sixth rank of points. Occupying the second, third and fourth level of each players' side of the field is a 3x3x3 cube of points called the "Imperial Palace".
The SOLDIER steps one forward orthogonal. After crossing the "River", it may also step one orthogonal left, right, down or up orthogonal, or step one diagonal left or right.
The HORSE steps one vacant orthogonal then one diagonal.
The ELEPHANT steps two diagonal. It may not jump over pieces or cross the "River".
The CHARIOT slides orthogonal.
The CANNON slides orthogonal through vacant points. By jumping the first piece encountered, it captures the next.
The MANDARIN steps diagonal within the "Imperial Palace".
The GENERAL steps orthogonal within the "Imperial Palace". The General may not be directly across from the opponent General with no other intervening pieces. Nor may the Generals be in the same up-to-3-cell wide plane, either right-left or up-down, defined by the positions of the opposing GENERALS and having no other pieces occupying the same. The last rule was added to enable effective endgames in 3D, this slight increase in the power of the General allows greater influence within the larger opposing "Imperial Palace".
The game is won by either checkmate of the opponent General or stalemate of the opponent. A player may lose by three-time repetition of position. The game is drawn if both players have no pieces which cross the "River".
The variant introduces a new piece:
The UNICORN slides triagonal. On the opposite side of the "River", it may also step one
diagonal, but not back across the "River". |
