How does the general move 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
One point orthogonally — up, down, left or right — and never outside the nine points of its palace. It has no diagonal move despite the diagonals drawn in the palace, which belong to the advisor. It captures exactly as it moves.
It is also an attacking piece
Under the flying general rule the two generals may never face each other on a clear file, which means your general controls the entire file it stands on from the enemy general's point of view. It costs nothing and it is often what makes a basic mate work.
In a bare endgame, walking your general up the board is frequently the winning move.
And a liability
Nine points is not many. Your own advisors and elephants can occupy the points the general needs, and several standard mates exist only because the defender's own pieces were in the way. Before a quiet advisor move, check which point it takes away.
Related questions
Can the general move diagonally?
No. The palace diagonals are the advisor's moves.
Can the general capture?
Yes, any adjacent enemy piece inside the palace, provided it does not leave itself in check.
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