---
title: "Is Double Check Possible in Xiangqi? · Xiangqi Master"
description: "Yes. A discovered attack can leave the general checked by two pieces at once, and the only legal reply is to move the general."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/is-double-check-possible-in-xiangqi
updated: 2026-09-22
source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com)
license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
---

# Is double check possible 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.** A discovered check happens when moving one piece uncovers an attack from a second piece behind it, and if the moved piece itself also attacks the general, both are checking at once. Against a double check you cannot capture one attacker or block one line and call it answered, because the other is still there. The general must move.

## How it usually arises

Most commonly a horse moves and, in doing so, clears the line for a cannon or chariot that was resting behind it. If the horse's own new square also attacks the general, that is double check in a single move, and it is one of the most forcing tactics in the game.

## Why it is so dangerous

A single check gives three possible replies: capture, block, or move. A double check gives exactly one, because capturing or blocking can only ever deal with one of the two attackers. If the general has no safe point, it is mate on the spot, which is why any position where [check](https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/what-does-check-mean-in-xiangqi) is on the board is worth a second look for a hidden second attacker.

## Related questions

Can you block a double check?

No. Blocking one line still leaves the other attacker checking, so the general has to move.

Is double check always mate?

No, only when the general has nowhere safe to go. It is often mate, but not automatically.

## Related xiangqi resources

Discovered attacks

Sharper here than in chess, because of the cannon

Check and checkmate

Including why stalemate is a loss

Checkmate patterns

The named mates worth knowing

## Try it on a real board

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