---
title: "Discovered Attacks in Xiangqi · Xiangqi Master"
description: "Moving one piece so another attacks. With cannons it works backwards: adding a piece to a line creates the attack instead of blocking it."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/what-is-a-discovered-attack-in-xiangqi
updated: 2026-09-22
source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com)
license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
---

# What is a discovered attack 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
>
> Moving one piece so that a **different piece behind it** attacks something. With a chariot it works exactly as in chess — clear the line and the attack appears. With a **cannon it inverts**: putting a piece *onto* an empty line creates the attack, and removing the screen destroys one.

## Two directions, both tactics

- **Switch on.** Drop any piece onto an empty line between your cannon and a target. The cannon now attacks through it.
- **Switch off.** Move the screen an enemy cannon is using, and their threat disappears without you touching the cannon.

Neither has a chess equivalent, and the second is the one defenders miss most often.

## Discovered check and double check

The strongest version is where the moving piece uncovers a *check*: the opponent must answer it, so the moving piece can go somewhere it normally could not. **Double check** — both pieces checking at once — cannot be blocked or captured, so the general must move, and it frequently ends the game.

## Related questions

How do I find them?

Look for your chariots and cannons that sit exactly one of your own pieces away from something valuable. Each one is a discovered attack waiting for the front piece to have somewhere to go.

Why are they sharper in xiangqi?

Because cannons can be switched on and off, lines open and close far more often than in chess.

## Related xiangqi resources

Discovered attacks

Sharper here than in chess, because of the cannon

How the cannon moves

Captures only by jumping exactly one screen

Xiangqi tactics

Forks, pins and discovered attacks

## Try it on a real board

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