A Brief Guide On Xiangqi

Do you like playing strategy games for the better functioning of your mind? If yes, then you are likely to be aware of the popular game Xiangqi or Chinese chess played throughout the world. It is true that Xiangqi is not different from modern chess but players of Xiangqi need to follow certain rules when playing the game with a partner or online. This article helps you know more about Xiangqi or Chinese chess.

Xiangqi is a two-player game and belongs to the same family as western chess, chaturanga, and Indian chess. Although Xiangqi players have to follow some of the similar rules and principles as modern chess but there are many specific rules that are not found in modern chess or Chaturanga. Studies have indicated that the history of Xiangqi can be dated back to the 9th century, thus giving it a rich history. Additionally, the board used in Xiangqi is different compared to the board used to play modern chess. This is because; in a Xiangqi board, the centre is separated with a river; the Pawns are promoted after crossing the river whereas the Elephants do not have the permission to move across the river, thus making it slightly more difficult for the players.

Xiangqi or Chinese chess is also referred as the war game or a battle between two armies with each one of them trying to capture the general’s piece at the earliest. This popular game has some of the distinctive features, which includes the moving of the cannon or the pao, the movement of this piece is crucial, as it prevents the general from facing each other directly. The other important feature is the river and the palace board; these pieces also help in restricting the movement of certain pieces. This -Elephant Game-, is not only popular in China and some of the Chinese communities but also in Vietnam. Make sure to be thoroughly aware of the rules before playing Xiangqi.

Xiangqi can be played both online and with a partner offline. For those interested in playing the game with a challenger should have a Xiangqi board, which has 9 wide lines and 10 long lines. The pieces used to play the game are placed on the intersecting lines also known as points. It is good to know that the vertical and horizontal lines are referred as files and ranks. The main objective behind Xiangqi or Chinese chess is to checkmate your challenger’s general. Xiangqi being a mind engaging game, the players have to play with complete understanding of the game. According to many experts, children who play Xiangqi regularly, have a developed thinking power and problem solving abilities.

These days, many people choose to play Xiangqi online, as it can be enjoyed free and one does not have to look for a competitor. Moreover, if you are a beginner you can choose the level of the game to suit your age and play accordingly. Whatever may be your medium to enjoy the game; Xiangqi players should always have a thorough understanding and complete information of the game to enjoy it completely. Moreover, Xiangqi being a popular game played throughout the world, there are many gaming websites offering the game, make sure the website you have chosen is reputed and reliable.

A Quick Way To Learn Chinese

The Chinese language might seem complicated, but it is not. Like any other language, if you intend to learn Chinese you must just work hard at it, as nothing comes easy in this life. Learn Chinese more easily by using a few tips listed in this article.

Become One With Chinese Culture

Trying to learn Chinese without a background understanding of Chinese culture and history is like trying to learn how to ride a horse when you do not know how to handle it properly. People who battle with learning new languages do not realize this until it is too late, normally when they have simply given up on grasping the language itself. Before trying to learn any new language you must give yourself a bit of time to know and understand the culture and history of the country whose language you are interested in learning.

Get A Chinese Teacher

The next step in your learning process will involve looking for a Chinese tutor. Getting a tutor is not difficult at all since you can carry out a localized search on Google specific to your town or city. Another way to do this is to post an advertisement in the classifieds section of your local newspaper specifying that you are seeking to employ the services of an experienced Chinese linguist.

The true benefits of getting a tutor will only manifest themselves at a later stage when you begin to notice how easy it is to learn with the help of an instructor. Instructors, unlike ordinary bi-lingual Chinese speakers, know the common difficulties experienced by first time speakers and how to address them.

Befriend A Native Chinese

Learning how to speak a new language without practicing it is like buying a pair of crutches after an operation and never using them. Practice is best achieved through finding a Chinese person to befriend. Chinese people are all over the world, which is why you should not have a problem in finding a friend to help you practice. However, when you start practicing you must always avoid speaking in your native language as doing so will only slow down the learning process. Always strive to speak his or her language no matter how awkward it might seem. This will help you become fluent a lot quicker.

Travel to China

The last, and perhaps most difficult, step of all will place a heavy burden on your finances. Travelling to China for a short holiday is the only way to cement everything you have learned thus far. When you do get the opportunity to do so you will be so overwhelmed by the experience that everything you have learned and read about the language will stick with you a lot better. If travelling is out of your financial reach you could simply spend more time in a predominantly Chinese neighborhood.