Quick answer
Decode a move on the board
Scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Symbol | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| = | Traverse a file | C2=5: Cannon from file 2 to file 5 |
| + | Advance | P7+1: Pawn advances one step |
| - | Retreat | R2-3: Chariot retreats three intersections |
| H, E, A with + or - | Final file, not distance | H2+4 ends on file 4 |
| +R / -R | Front / rear Chariot on one file | +R+2 advances the front Chariot two steps |
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Work in both directions
- Find the side to move and count its files from the right.
- Identify the piece; use front/rear notation when two identical pieces share a file.
- Read the direction. For an orthogonally moving piece, advance/retreat uses distance; Horse, Elephant and Advisor use the destination file.
- Check legality before accepting the record. A syntactically readable move can still be impossible on this board.
Several identical pieces
Article 7 also covers more than two Pawns on one file: the printed examples include 16=5, 26=5, 36=5. Their leading numbers distinguish the Pawns from front to rear. Consult Figure B when reconstructing such a position.
FAQ
Does + always mean the piece gives check?
No. In WXF move notation, + means advancing. Whether that move checks the King depends on the resulting position.
Related topics
Source and scope
According to World XiangQi Rules · World Xiangqi Federation · 2018. Article 7.
These guides explain the WXF 2018 rules. They do not replace the official rules or the regulations of your event.