What are linked horses (連環馬) in xiangqi?
These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws for movement, checkmate and both repetition rulings: a side that forces a repetition by perpetual check or perpetual chase loses rather than drawing. The chase half has not been validated against the official casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it before publishing.
Direct answer
連環馬, linked horses, are two horses placed so that each one protects the other: each stands on a point the other could move to. Neither can then be taken without a recapture, which makes the pair a sturdy defensive and supporting unit. The weakness is the horse's leg: block one leg and the link breaks.
How the link works
A horse protects the points it could move to. If horse A can reach horse B's point and horse B can reach horse A's point, they defend each other. Because the horse's move is symmetrical, if A's route to B is clear then B's route to A is often clear too, but not always: the two routes pass through different leg points, so check both.
Why players aim for it
In many openings both horses come out early, and linking them gives each a guard without tying down a chariot or cannon. Linked horses also cover a good number of central points between them, which slows enemy soldiers and denies landing squares to an enemy horse. See Screen Horses for a setup where the horses work as a pair.
How the link is broken
Any piece of either colour dropped on a leg point cuts that horse's protection. An attacker can also pin one horse, or drive it away with a soldier, and then the other horse is left hanging. When your horses are linked, look at the leg points after every enemy move. When you face linked horses, look for the one move that blocks a leg with tempo. The pin is the usual tool.
Related questions
Can other pieces be linked the same way?
Yes. Players also speak of linked elephants and linked advisors when the pair protect each other, and two chariots on the same open line protect each other too.
Are linked horses always good?
No. If the link keeps both horses on passive points, it can cost you activity. It is a tool, not a goal.
.