“The game represents a battle between two armies, with the object of capturing the enemy's general (king),” offers a quick explanation on Wikipedia. “Distinctive features of Xiangqi include the cannon (pao), which must jump to capture; a rule prohibiting the generals from facing each other directly; areas on the board called the river and palace, which restrict the movement of some pieces (but enhance that of others); and placement of the pieces on the intersections of the board lines, rather than within the squares.” The game is an ancient one, “often thought to have spread to th...