ZhamengQi
ZhamengQi is a XiangQi variant that features Grasshopper.
Like in XiangQi, there are palaces which are the 2 zones centred at the 1st to 3rd and eighth to tenth ranks of the board, each 3 points by 3 points.
Dividing the 2 opposing sides, between the 5th and 6th ranks, is the "river".
Setup
First rank
- a1, i1 Rook
- b1, h1 Mao
- c1, g1 Minister
- d1, f1 Advisor
- e1 General
Second rank
- a2, c2, g2, i2 Grasshopper
Third rank
- b3, h3 Cannon
Fourth rank
- a4, c4, e4, g4, i4 Soldier
Pieces
Rook
The ROOOK moves exactly the same as the Rook in Chess. It moves in a straight line horizontally or vertically across any number of empty spaces, stopping either on an empty space or the first space it comes to that is occupied by one of the opponent's pieces. It may not pass over occupied spaces.
Mao
The Mao is a Knight restricted to making its move in two steps, the first orthogonal {0,1} the second diagonal {1,1}.
Minister
The Minister moves two spaces in the same diagonal direction. Like the Mao, it may not leap over occupied spaces. So if the first step of its move is over an occupied space, it is blocked and may not make that move. Additionally, Ministers are confined to their own side of the river.
Advisor
The Advisor moves one space diagonally. It may never leave the palace.
General
The General moves one space orthogonally within the confines of the palace. The Generals can capture the opposing General that's a Rook move away. You win if you capture the opposing General.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper moves queenwise over one piece to the first cell beyond, capturing any enemy piece on that cell.
Cannon
The Cannon travels as rook, captures as rion.
Soldier
The Soldier moves one space vertically forward. Upon crossing the river, it gains the additional ability to move one space sideways.
Notes
Pieces estimated value:
Rook: 5 soldier
Advisor: 1 soldier
Grasshopper: 2 soldier
Cannon: 3 soldier
Minister: 1 soldier
Mao: 2,5 soldier
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By HaruN Y.
Web page created: 2023-07-29. Web page last updated: 2023-10-22