A good old classic game just got digital, and we’re talking about Chinese Chess, which became Chinese Chess Online. The game, commonly known as Xiangqi in Asia, has features quite similar to the medieval chess set but differs in gameplay. It blends strategic thinking with skills, tactics, and preserved cultural heritage to give a refined experience.
In the popular modern Western chess set, a king is tagged along with his queen, pawns, plus other established rights to protect him from being overrun by the enemy. However, playing Chinese Chess online has a different perk and twist. The king is called the general, and rivers, palaces, and district deployment zones mark the board.
In today’s casino news, we will see how Chinese Chess online has evolved through several millennials.
Pawns to Kings: Command Your Empire With Chinese Chess Online
While the origin of games like Casino War can be traced back to the 18th century in Europe, Chinese Chess, or Xiangqi, has a rich history dating back to the 4th century BC, but its origins are shrouded in debate. The term “Xiangqi” popularly denotes an “elephant game” or “figure game.” Its invention can be traced back to the Warring States period after closely examining an ancient text, “Shuo Yuan.” The text described the game as one of the noble interests in the old Kingdom of Qi.
In many debates on its origin, some placed it in the Tang Dynasty around 700 A.D. Others suggested it came about during the South Song Dynasty of 1,200 A.D. Some even propose that it shares a common ancestry with other table games like Western Chess, tracing back to the ancient Indian game of Chaturanga. Furthermore, the Chinese Chess was said to have gained prominence during the Qing Dynasty.
Xiangqi presents unique elements, such as the distinctive movement of the “cannon” piece and a rule prohibiting confrontation between generals. Noteworthy features include the river and palace on the 10×9-point board. Unlike Western Chess, Xiangqi lacks the concept of stalemate; a player who cannot move faces defeat.
In addition, its strategic gameplay, which involves tactics, positioning, and maneuvering, contributed to its widespread popularity and integration into Chinese culture. Over time, regional variations emerged, adapting to societal changes. In the contemporary era, efforts to further popularize the Xiangqi have paid off, particularly evident in the rise of playing Chinese Chess in online casino settings.