---
title: "Windmill Tactics in Xiangqi: Repeated Discovered Checks · Xiangqi Master"
description: "A repeating discovered check where the front piece captures on each swing, forcing the general back and forth while material disappears from the board."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/what-is-a-windmill-with-a-discovered-check
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 windmill tactic 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
>
> **A repeating discovered check where the checking piece captures something new on every swing.** One piece moves to give a discovered check, capturing a defender as it goes, the general is forced to respond, and the same piece swings back to check again, often picking up another piece on the return trip. It can strip a defence bare in a handful of moves.

## Why it works so well in xiangqi

Because the confined palace gives the general so few places to run, a discovered check often has only one legal answer, which is exactly what makes the pattern repeatable. Chariots swinging along a rank while a cannon or horse behind them delivers the discovered check are the usual engine of the tactic.

## Calculating when to stop

The pattern ends the moment there is nothing useful left to capture, or the general finally has an escape that breaks the cycle. Count what each swing wins before starting one; a windmill that only wins soldiers may not be worth the tempo compared with a direct attack.

## Related questions

Does this need a specific piece?

Any piece can be the discovered checker; chariots and cannons produce the most damaging versions because of their range.

Is a windmill always forced?

Only as long as the general has no other legal reply. Check this at every swing, not just the first one.

## Related xiangqi resources

Discovered attacks

Sharper here than in chess, because of the cannon

Checkmate patterns

The named mates worth knowing

Check and checkmate

Including why stalemate is a loss

## Try it on a real board

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