Can the general capture pieces in xiangqi?
These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws and is regression-tested against the official 110-diagram repetition casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it against the engine before publishing.
Direct answer
Yes, within limits. The general captures exactly as it moves — one point orthogonally — so it can take any enemy piece standing on an adjacent point inside its own palace. It may not make the capture if doing so would leave it in check, including exposing it to the enemy general.
When it matters
Chiefly in endgames. A soldier that steps into the palace next to the general and is not defended simply gets eaten, which is why attacking soldiers must be supported before they invade.
It is also why a lone attacking piece cannot approach the palace unaided: the general defends nine points, and it defends them properly.
The general as an attacker
Beyond capturing, the general contributes through the flying general rule: it controls the whole file it stands on, from the enemy general's point of view. In a bare endgame that is a free attacker and is often the difference between a mate and a sixty-move draw.
Related questions
Can a general capture outside the palace?
No — it cannot move outside the palace, so it cannot capture there either.
Can a general capture the other general?
No. The two can never be adjacent, and the flying general rule keeps them off a shared open file. See the flying general.
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