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Shogi variants
Chu shōgi
Standard shōgi (9×9, drops)
Small variants
Dōbutsu shōgi (3×4, for children) Micro shōgi (4×5) Minishōgi (5×5) Kyoto shōgi (5×5) Goro goro shōgi (5×6) Janken shōgi (6×6; ja, zh) Judkins shōgi (6×6) Whale shōgi (6×6) Tori shōgi (7×7) Yari shōgi (7×9) EuroShogi (8×8) Heian shōgi (8×8 or 9×8, 12th c.)
Standard-size variants
Sho shōgi (9×9, 16th c.) Hasami shōgi (9×9, 9 or 18 pc.) Tobi shōgi (9×9; zh) Annan shōgi (9×9, neighbors influence movement) Masonic shōgi (9×9, staggered ranks) Hexshōgi (85 hex cells) Kawanakajima shōgi (ja) Trishōgi (9×10, triangular cells)
Large variants
Kyō shōgi (10×10; ja) Okisaki shōgi (10×10) Great whale shōgi (11×11) Oni shōgi (11×11; zh) Wa shōgi (11×11) Chu shōgi (12×12) Heian dai shōgi (13×13) Dai shōgi (15×15) Tenjiku shōgi (16×16) Dai-dai shōgi (17×17) Maka-dai-dai shōgi (19×19) Hishigata shōgi (19×19) Kō shōgi (19×19) Tai shōgi (25×25) Taikyoku shōgi (36×36)
Multiplayer variants
Sannin shōgi (hex board, 7 cells per side, 3-player game) Yonin shōgi (9×9, 4-player game)
3D variants
Space shōgi (9×9×9 variant)
Miscellaneous variants
Gunjin Shōgi (various sizes)
v t e

Taikyoku shōgi (Japanese: 大局将棋, lit. "ultimate shogi") is the largest known variant of shogi (Japanese chess). The game was created around the mid-16th century (presumably by priests) and is based on earlier large board shogi games. Before the rediscovery of taikyoku shogi in 1997, tai shogi was believed to be the largest physically playable chess variant ever. It has not been shown that taikyoku shogi was ever widely played. There are only two sets of restored taikyoku shogi pieces and one of them is held at Osaka University of Commerce. One game may be played over several long sessions and require each player to make over a thousand moves.

Because the game was found only recently after centuries of obscurity, it is difficult to say exactly what all the rules were. Several documents describing the game have been found; however, there are differences between them. It is not too clear how accurate the rules given by modern sources for the game are, because many of the pieces appear in other shogi variants with a consistent move there, but are given different moves in taikyoku shogi. The board, and likewise the pieces, were made much smaller than usual for the other variants, making archeological finds difficult to decipher. Research into this game continues.

Rules of the game

Taikyoku shogi is very different from other large-board shogi variants: tenjiku shogi, dai dai shogi, maka dai dai shogi, and tai shogi. The most notable differences lie with the piece movements and their promotions.

Objective

The objective of the game is to capture the opponent's king(s) and prince(s). When the last of these is captured, the game ends. There are no rules for check or checkmate; however, in practice a player resigns when checkmated. Unlike standard shogi, pieces may not be dropped back into play after being captured.

Game equipment

Two players, Black and White (or 先手 sente and 後手 gote), play on a board ruled into a grid of 36 ranks (rows) by 36 files (columns) with a total of 1,296 squares. The squares are differentiated by marking or color.

Each player has a set of 402 wedge-shaped pieces of 207 types. The players must remember 253 sets of moves. The pieces are of slightly different sizes with the larger pieces near the king and becoming progressively smaller for pieces further from the king, regardless of power. In general, the stronger pieces are nearer to the king.

Several of the English names were chosen to correspond to rough equivalents in Western chess, rather than as translations of the Japanese names.

Each piece has its name in the form of two or three kanji written on its face. On the reverse side of some pieces are two or three other characters, often in a different color (commonly red instead of black); this reverse side is used to indicate that the piece has been promoted during play. The pieces of the two sides do not differ in color, but instead each piece is shaped like a wedge, and faces forward, toward the opposing side. This shows who controls the piece during play.

Listed below are the pieces of the game and, if they promote, which pieces they promote to. Promotions prefaced with a star are not also represented as their own pieces, existing only as promotions.

Piece Kanji Rōmaji Promotes to Kanji Rōmaji King 玉将 gyokushō — Prince 太子 taishi King 玉将 gyokushō Great general 大将 taishō — Gold general 金将 kinshō Rook 飛車 hisha Right general 右将 ushō *Right army 右軍 ugun Left general 左将 sashō *Left army 左軍 sagun Rear standard 後旗 kōki Center standard 中旗 chūki Queen 奔王 honnō Great general 大将 taishō Free dream-eater 奔獏 honbaku Queen 奔王 honnō Wooden dove 鳩槃 kyūhan — Ceramic dove 鳩盤 kyūban — Earth dragon 地龍 chiryū Rain dragon 雨龍 uryū Free demon 奔鬼 honki Queen 奔王 honnō Running horse 走馬 sōma, sōba Free demon 奔鬼 honki Beast cadet 獣曹 jūsō Beast officer 獣吏 jūri Long-nosed goblin 天狗 tengu — Right mountain eagle 右山鷲 usanshū Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū Left mountain eagle 左山鷲 sasanshū Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū Fire demon 火鬼 kaki *Free fire 奔火 honka Whale 鯨鯢 keigei *Great whale 大鯨 daigei Running rabbit 走兎 sōto Treacherous fox 隠狐 inko, onko White tiger 白虎 byakko *Divine tiger 神虎 shinko Turtle-snake 玄武 genbu *Divine turtle 神亀 shinki Lance 香車 kyōsha White horse 白駒 hakku Reverse chariot 反車 hensha Whale 鯨鯢 keigei Fragrant elephant 香象 kōzō *Elephant king 象王 zōō White elephant 白象 hakuzō *Elephant king 象王 zōō Turtle dove 山鳩 sankyū Great dove 大鳩 daikyū Flying swallow 飛燕 hien Rook 飛車 hisha Captive officer 禽吏 kinri *Captive bird 禽鳥 kinchō Rain dragon 雨龍 uryū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū Forest demon 森鬼 shinki *Thunder runner 雷走 raisō Mountain stag 山鹿 sanroku Great stag 大鹿 dairoku Running pup 走狗 sōku *Free leopard 奔豹 honpyō Running serpent 走蛇 sōja *Free serpent 奔蛇 honja Side serpent 横蛇 ōja *Great shark 大鱗 dairin Great dove 大鳩 daikyū Wooden dove 鳩槃 kyūhan Running tiger 走虎 sōko *Free tiger 奔虎 honko Running bear 走熊 sōyū *Free bear 奔熊 hon'yū Yaksha 夜叉 yasha *Heavenly tetrarch 四天 shiten Buddhist devil 羅刹 rasetsu *Heavenly tetrarch 四天 shiten Guardian of the gods 金剛 kongō *Heavenly tetrarch 四天 shiten Wrestler 力士 rikishi *Heavenly tetrarch 四天 shiten Silver general 銀将 ginshō Vertical mover 竪行 shugyō Drunken elephant 酔象 suizō Prince 太子 taishi Neighboring king 近王 kinnō Front standard 前旗 zenki Gold chariot 金車 kinsha *Playful cockatoo 遊䳇 yūmo Side dragon 横龍 ōryū *Running dragon 走龍 sōryū Running stag 走鹿 sōroku *Free stag 奔鹿 honroku Running wolf 走狼 sōrō *Free wolf 奔狼 honrō Bishop general 角将 kakushō *Rain demon 霖鬼 rinki Rook general 飛将 hishō *Flying crocodile 飛鰐 higaku Right tiger 右虎 uko White tiger 白虎 byakko Left tiger 左虎 sako Turtle-snake 玄武 genbu Right dragon 右龍 uryū Blue dragon 青龍 seiryū Left dragon 左龍 saryū Vermillion sparrow 朱雀 suzaku Beast officer 獣吏 jūri *Beast bird 獣鳥 jūchō Wind dragon 風龍 fūryū *Free dragon 奔龍 honryū Free pup 奔狗 honku *Free dog 奔犬 honken Rushing bird 行鳥 gyōchō Free demon 奔鬼 honki Old kite 古鵄 kotetsu Long-nosed goblin 天狗 tengu Peacock 孔雀 kujaku Long-nosed goblin 天狗 tengu Water dragon 水龍 suiryū Phoenix-master 鳳師 hōshi Fire dragon 火龍 karyū Kirin-master 麟師 rinshi Copper general 銅将 dōshō Side mover 横行 ōgyō Phoenix-master 鳳師 hōshi — Kirin-master 麟師 rinshi — Silver chariot 銀車 ginsha *Goose wing 鴻翼 kōyoko Vertical bear 竪熊 shuyū *Free bear 奔熊 hon'yū Knight 桂馬 keima Side soldier 横兵 ōhei Pig general 豚将 tonshō *Free pig 奔豚 honton Chicken general 鶏将 keishō *Free chicken 奔鶏 honkei Pup general 狗将 kushō Free pup 奔狗 honku Horse general 馬将 bashō *Free horse 奔馬 honba Ox general 牛将 gyūshō *Free ox 奔牛 hongyū Center standard 中旗 chūki Front standard 前旗 zenki Side boar 横猪 ōcho *Free boar 奔猪 honcho Silver rabbit 銀兎 ginto Whale 鯨鯢 keigei Golden deer 金鹿 konroku White horse 白駒 hakku Lion 獅子 shishi *Furious fiend 奮迅 funjin Captive cadet 禽曹 kinsō Captive officer 禽吏 kinri Great stag 大鹿 dairoku *Free stag 奔鹿 honroku Violent dragon 猛龍 mōryū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū Woodland demon 林鬼 rinki *Right phoenix 右鵰 ushū Vice general 副将 fukushō Great general 大将 taishō Stone chariot 石車 sekisha *Walking heron 歩䳲 fushin Cloud eagle 雲鷲 unjū *Strong eagle 勁鷲 keijū Bishop 角行 kakugyō Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme Rook 飛車 hisha Dragon king 龍王 ryūō Side wolf 横狼 ōrō *Free wolf 奔狼 honrō Flying cat 飛猫 hibyō Rook 飛車 hisha Mountain falcon 山鷹 san'ō Horned falcon 角鷹 kakuō Vertical tiger 竪虎 shuko *Free tiger 奔虎 honko Soldier 兵士 heishi *Cavalier 騎士 kishi Little standard 小旗 shōki Rear standard 後旗 kōki Cloud dragon 雲龍 unryū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū Copper chariot 銅車 dōsha *Copper elephant 銅象 dōzō Running chariot 走車 sōsha *Burning chariot 炮車 hōsha Ram's-head soldier 羊兵 yōhei *Tiger soldier 虎兵 kohei Violent ox 猛牛 mōgyū Flying ox 飛牛 higyū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū *Ancient dragon 元龍 genryū, ganryū Golden bird 金翅 kinshi *Free bird 奔翅 honshi Dark spirit 無明 mumyō *Buddhist spirit 法性 hōsei Deva 提婆 daiba *Teaching king 教王 kyōō Wood chariot 木車 mokusha *Wind snapping turtle 風鼈 fūbetsu White horse 白駒 hakku *Great horse 大駒 daiku Howling dog (left and right) 𠵇犬 kiken *Left dog, *Right dog 左犬, 右犬 saken, uken Side mover 横行 ōgyō *Free boar 奔猪 honcho Prancing stag 踊鹿 yōroku Square-mover 方行 hōgyō Water buffalo 水牛 suigyū *Great dream-eater 大獏 daibaku Ferocious leopard 猛豹 mōhyō Bishop 角行 kakugyō Fierce eagle 猛鷲 mōjū Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū Flying dragon 飛龍 hiryū Dragon king 龍王 ryūō Poisonous snake 毒蛇 dokuja Hook-mover 鉤行 kōgyō Flying goose 鳫飛 ganhi Swallow's wings 燕羽 en'u Strutting crow 烏行 ukō *Flying falcon 飛鷹 hiyō Blind dog 盲犬 mōken Violent stag 猛鹿 mōroku Water general 水将 suishō Vice general 副将 fukushō Fire general 火将 kashō Great general 大将 taishō Phoenix 鳳凰 hōō Golden bird 金翅 kinshi Kirin 麒麟 kirin Golden bird 金翅 kinshi Hook-mover 鉤行 kōgyō — Little turtle 小亀 shōki *Treasure turtle 宝亀 hōki Great turtle 大亀 daiki *Spirit turtle 霊亀 reiki Capricorn 摩羯 makatsu Hook-mover 鉤行 kōgyō Tile chariot 瓦車 gasha *Running tile 走瓦 sōga Vertical wolf 竪狼 shurō Running wolf 走狼 sōrō Side ox 横牛 ōgyū Flying ox 飛牛 higyū Donkey 驢馬 roba Ceramic dove 鳩盤 kyūban Flying horse 馬麟 barin Queen 奔王 honnō Violent bear 猛熊 mōyū *Great bear 大熊 daiyū Angry boar 嗔猪 shincho *Free boar 奔猪 honcho Evil wolf 悪狼 akurō *Venomous wolf 毒狼 dokurō Liberated horse 風馬 fūma *Heavenly horse 天馬 temma Flying cock 鶏飛 keihi *Raiding falcon 延鷹 en'yō Old monkey 古猿 koen *Mountain witch 山母 sanbo Chinese cock 淮鶏 waikei *Wizard stork 仙 senkaku Northern barbarian 北狄 hokuteki Wooden dove 鳩槃 kyūhan Southern barbarian 南蛮 nanban Golden bird 金翅 kinshi Western barbarian 西戎 seijū Lion dog 狛犬 komainu Eastern barbarian 東夷 tōi Lion 獅子 shishi Violent stag 猛鹿 mōroku *Rushing boar 行猪 gyōcho Violent wolf 猛狼 mōrō *Bear's eyes 熊眼 yūgan Treacherous fox 隠狐 inko, onko *Mountain crane 山鶻 sankotsu Center master 中師 chūshi — Roc-master 鵬師 hōshi — Earth chariot 土車 dosha *Young bird 𦬨鳥 shakuchō Vermillion sparrow 朱雀 suzaku *Divine sparrow 神雀 shinjaku Blue dragon 青龍 seiryū *Divine dragon 神龍 shinryū Enchanted badger 変狸 henri Ceramic dove 鳩盤 kyūban Horseman 騎兵 kihei *Cavalier 騎士 kishi Swooping owl 鴟行 shigyō Cloud eagle 雲鷲 unjū Climbing monkey 登猿 tōen Violent stag 猛鹿 mōroku Cat sword 猫刄 myōjin Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme Swallow's wings 燕羽 en'u *Gliding swallow 燕行 engyō Blind monkey 盲猿 mōen *Flying stag 飛鹿 hiroku Blind tiger 盲虎 mōko *Flying stag 飛鹿 hiroku Oxcart 牛車 gissha *Plodding ox 歬牛 sengyū Side-flyer 横飛 ōhi Side dragon 横龍 ōryū Blind bear 盲熊 mōyū *Flying stag 飛鹿 hiroku Old rat 老鼠 rōso *Bird of paradise or jichō Square-mover 方行 hōgyō *Strong chariot 強車 kyōsha Coiled serpent 蟠蛇 banja *Coiled dragon 蟠龍 banryū Reclining dragon 臥龍 garyū Great dragon 大龍 dairyū Free eagle 奔鷲 honjū — Lion hawk 獅鷹 shiō — Chariot soldier 車兵 shahei *Heavenly tetrarch king 四天王 shitennō Side soldier 横兵 ōhei Water buffalo 水牛 suigyū Vertical soldier 竪兵 shuhei Chariot soldier 車兵 shahei Wind general 風将 fūshō *Violent wind 暴風 bōfū River general 川将 senshō *Chinese river 淮川 waisen Mountain general 山将 sanshō *Peaceful mountain 泰山 taizan Front standard 前旗 zenki Great standard 大旗 daiki Horse soldier 馬兵 bahei Running horse 走馬 sōma, sōba Wood general 木将 mokushō White elephant 白象 hakuzō Ox soldier 牛兵 gyūhei *Running ox 走牛 sōgyū Earth general 土将 doshō White elephant 白象 hakuzō Boar soldier 猪兵 chohei *Running boar 走猪 sōcho Stone general 石将 sekishō White elephant 白象 hakuzō Leopard soldier 豹兵 hyōhei *Running leopard 走豹 sōhyō Tile general 瓦将 gashō White elephant 白象 hakuzō Bear soldier 熊兵 yūhei *Strong bear 強熊 kyōyū Iron general 鉄将 tesshō White elephant 白象 hakuzō Great standard 大旗 daiki — Great master 大師 daishi — Right chariot 右車 usha *Right iron chariot 右鉄車 utessha Left chariot 左車 sasha *Left iron chariot 左鉄車 satessha Side monkey 横猿 ōen Side soldier 横兵 ōhei Vertical mover 竪行 shugyō Flying ox 飛牛 higyū Flying ox 飛牛 higyū *Fire ox 火牛 kagyū Longbow soldier 弩兵 dohei *Longbow general 弩将 doshō Vertical pup 竪狗 shuku *Leopard king 豹王 hyōō Vertical horse 竪馬 shuba Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme Burning soldier 炮兵 hōhei *Burning general 炮将 hōshō Dragon horse 龍馬 ryūme Horned falcon 角鷹 kakuō Dragon king 龍王 ryūō Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū Sword soldier 刀兵 tōhei *Sword general 刀将 tōshō Horned falcon 角鷹 kakuō *Great falcon 大鷹 daiō Soaring eagle 飛鷲 hijū *Great eagle 大鷲 daijū Spear soldier 鎗兵 sōhei *Spear general 鎗将 sōshō Vertical leopard 竪豹 shuhyō *Great leopard 大豹 daihyō Savage tiger 猛虎 mōko *Great tiger 大虎 daiko Crossbow soldier 弓兵 kyūhei *Crossbow general 弓将 kyūshō Roaring dog 吼犬 kōken Lion dog 狛犬 komainu Lion dog 狛犬 komainu *Great elephant 大象 taizō Dog 犬 inu *Multi-general 雜将 suishō Go between 仲人 chūnin Drunken elephant 酔象 suizō Pawn 歩兵 fuhyō Gold general 金将 kinshō

(Sometimes the queen is called the "free king", a direct translation of its Japanese name. The kirin's name is sometimes anglicised as kylin.)

Setup

Below is a diagram showing the setup of one player's pieces. The way one player sees their own pieces is the same way the opposing player will see their pieces.

Legend

AB – Angry boar

B – Bishop

BA – Running Bear

BB – Blind Bear

BC – Beast Cadet

BD – Buddhist Devil

BE – Bear Soldier

BG – Bishop General

BI – Blind Dog

BL – Blue Dragon

BM – Blind Monkey

BN – Burning Soldier

BO – Beast Officer

BS – Boar Soldier

BT – Blind Tiger

C – Copper General

CA – Capricorn

CC – Chinese Cock

CD – Ceramic Dove

CE – Cloud Eagle

CG – Chicken General

CH – Chariot Soldier

CI – Stone Chariot

CK – Flying Cock

CL – Cloud Dragon

CM – Climbing Monkey

CN – Center Standard

CO – Captive Officer

CP – Prince

CR – Copper Chariot

CS – Cat Sword

CT – Captive Cadet

D – Dog

DE – Drunken Elephant

DG – Roaring Dog

DH – Dragon Horse

DK – Dragon King

DO – Donkey

DM – Fire Demon

DS – Dark Spirit

DV – Deva

EA – Earth General

EB – Enchanted Badger

EC – Earth Chariot

ED – Earth Dragon

EG – Fierce Eagle

EL – Soaring Eagle

ES – Eastern Barbarian

EW – Evil Wolf

F – Fire General

FC – Flying Cat

FD – Flying Dragon

FE – Free Eagle

FG – Fragrant Elephant

FH – Flying Horse

FI – Fire Dragon

FL – Ferocious Leopard

FO – Forest Demon

FP – Free Pup

FR – Free Demon

FS – Flying Swallow

FT – Free Dream-Eater

FY – Flying Goose

G – Gold General

GB – Go Between

GC – Gold Chariot

GD – Great Dragon

GE – Great Standard

GG – Great General

GL – Golden Deer

GM – Great Master

GN – Wood General

GO – Golden Bird

GR – Great Dove

GS – Great Stag

GT – Great Turtle

GU – Guardian of the Gods

H – Horse General

HD – Howling Dog

HE – Ram's-Head Soldier

HF – Horned Falcon

HM – Hook-Mover

HO – Horseman

HR – Running Horse

HS – Horse Soldier

I – Iron General

K – King

KM – Kirin-Master

KR – Kirin

L – Lance

LB – Longbow Soldier

LC – Left Chariot

LD – Lion Dog

LE – Left Dragon

LG – Left General

LH – Liberated Horse

LI – Lion Hawk

LL – Little Turtle

LN – Lion

LO – Long-Nosed Goblin

LP – Leopard Soldier

LS – Little Standard

LT – Left Tiger

M – Mountain General

MF – Mountain Falcon

MK – Side Monkey

ML – Left Mountain Eagle

MR – Right Mountain Eagle

MS – Mountain Stag

MT – Center Master

N – Knight

NB – Northern Barbarian

NK – Neighboring King

NT – Violent wolf

O – Ox General

OC – Oxcart

OK – Old Kite

OM – Old Monkey

OR – Old Rat

OS – Ox Soldier

OW – Swooping Owl

OX – Flying Ox

P – Pawn

PC – Peacock

PG – Pup General

PH – Phoenix

PI – Pig General

PM – Phoenix-Master

PR – Prancing Stag

PS – Poisonous Snake

Q – Queen

R – Rook

RA – Rain Dragon

RB – Rushing Bird

RC – Right Chariot

RD – Reclining Dragon

RE – River General

RG – Right General

RH – Running Chariot

RI – Right Dragon

RM – Roc-Master

RN – Running Stag

RO – Rook General

RP – Running Pup

RR – Running Rabbit

RS – Rear Standard

RT – Running Tiger

RU – Running Serpent

RV – Reverse Chariot

RW – Running Wolf

S – Silver General

SA – Side Boar

SC – Crossbow Soldier

SD – Front Standard

SE – Sword Soldier

SF – Side-Flyer

SG – Stone General

SI – Side Dragon

SL – Side Soldier

SM – Side Mover

SN – Coiled Serpent

SO – Soldier

SP – Spear Soldier

SQ – Square-Mover

SR – Silver Rabbit

SS – Side Serpent

ST – Strutting Crow

SU – Southern Barbarian

SV – Silver Chariot

SW – Swallow's Wings

SX – Side Ox

T – Tile General

TC – Tile Chariot

TD – Turtle Dove

TF – Treacherous Fox

TG – Savage Tiger

TS – Turtle-snake

TT – Right Tiger

VB – Violent Bear

VD – Violent Dragon

VE – Vertical Bear

VG – Vice General

VH – Vertical Horse

VI – Vermillion Sparrow

VL – Vertical Leopard

VM – Vertical Mover

VO – Violent Ox

VP – Vertical Pup

VR – Vertical Soldier

VS – Violent Stag

VT – Vertical Tiger

VW – Vertical Wolf

W – Whale

WA – Water Dragon

WB – Water Buffalo

WC – Wood Chariot

WD – Wind Dragon

WE – White Elephant

WF – Side Wolf

WG – Water General

WH – White Horse

WL – Woodland Demon

WN – Wind General

WO – Wooden Dove

WR – Wrestler

WS – Western Barbarian

WT – White Tiger

YA – Yaksha

The Howling Dog pieces (HD) are placed on the left and right depending on their promotions; the Howling dog that promotes to a Left Dog on the left, and the Howling Dog that promotes to a Right Dog on the right.

The queen could also be abbreviated FK (for free king) and the kirin as Ky (for kylin).

Game play

The players alternate making a move, with Black moving first. (The traditional terms 'black' and 'white' are used to differentiate the sides during discussion of the game, but are no longer literally descriptive.) A move consists of moving a single piece on the board and potentially promoting that piece or displacing (capturing) an opposing piece.

Movement and capture

Most pieces in the game move in a unique manner. An opposing piece is captured by displacement: That is, if a piece moves to a square occupied by an opposing piece, the opposing piece is displaced and removed from the board. A piece cannot move to a square occupied by a friendly piece (meaning another piece controlled by the moving player).

Each piece on the game moves in a characteristic pattern. Pieces move either orthogonally (that is, forward, backward, left, or right, in the direction of one of the arms of a plus sign, +), or diagonally (in the direction of one of the arms of a multiplication sign, ×). The lion, lion hawk and knight are exceptions at the beginning of the game, in that they do not move, or are not required to move, in a straight line. (The Buddhist spirit, teaching king, heavenly horse and furious fiend are similar, but they only appear as pieces promote.)

Categories of movement

Many pieces are capable of several kinds of movement, with the type of movement most often depending on the direction in which they move. The movement categories are:

Step movers

Some pieces move only one square at a time. (If a friendly piece occupies an adjacent square, the moving piece may not move in that direction; if an opposing piece is there, it may be displaced and captured.)

The step movers are the prince, generals (except: bishop, rook, pig, vice, great and wood), wolves, earth dragon, running horse, running rabbit, turtle snake, turtle dove, flying swallow, rain dragon, mountain stag, running pup, running serpent, side serpent, yaksha, Buddhist devil, violent stag, drunken elephant, neighboring king, chariots (except: reverse, running and copper), right tiger, left tiger, wind dragon, free pup, rushing bird, old kite, bears (except running), side boar, cloud eagle, flying cat, little standard, cloud dragon, soldiers (except soldier and chariot), violent ox, dark spirit, deva, howling dog, side mover, prancing stag, ferocious leopard, fierce eagle, poisonous snake, flying goose, strutting crow, blind dog, Chinese cock, phoenix, kirin, side ox, angry boar, liberated horse, flying cock, monkeys, barbarians, vermillion sparrow, swooping owl, old rat, cat sword, swallow's wings, blind tiger, side flyer, coiled serpent, reclining dragon, go between, dog, vertical mover, vertical pup, vertical horse, dragon horse, dragon king and pawn.

Limited ranging pieces

Some pieces can move along a limited number (2 to 7) of free (empty) squares along a straight line in certain directions. Other than the limited distance, they move like ranging pieces (see below).

The limited ranging pieces are the king, standards, free dream-eater, wooden dove, dragons (except: rain, side, wind, cloud, flying and reclining), demons, beast cadet, mountain eagle, white tiger, ceramic dove, turtle dove, captive officer, mountain stag, side serpent, great dove, running tiger, running bear, yaksha, Buddhist devil, guardian of the Gods, wrestler, gold chariot, running stag, beast officer, free pup, rushing bird, old kite, peacock, phoenix master, kirin master, silver chariot, vertical bear, pig general, chicken general, horse general, ox general, silver rabbit, golden deer, captive cadet, great stag, stone chariot, cloud eagle, mountain falcon, vertical tiger, copper chariot, golden bird, prancing stag, water buffalo, fierce eagle, water general, mountain general, fire general, turtles, vertical wolf, donkey, enchanted badger, flying horse, angry boar, violent bear, liberated horse, barbarians, center master, roc master, horseman, soldiers (except: rook, ram's-head, spear and sword), wing general, wind general, wood general, great master and roaring dog.

Jumping pieces

Several pieces can jump, that is, they can pass over any intervening piece, whether friend or foe, with no effect on either.

The jumping pieces are the wooden dove, running horse, mountain eagle, phoenix master, kirin master, knight, lion, great stag, vice general, flying cat, mountain falcon, golden bird, flying dragon, phoenix, kirin, turtles, treacherous fox, center master, roc master, free eagle, lion hawk, great master, horned falcon, soaring eagle, roaring dog and lion dog.

Ranging pieces

Many pieces can move any number of empty squares along a straight line, limited only by the edge of the board. If an opposing piece intervenes, it may be captured by moving to that square and removing it from the board. A ranging piece must stop where it captures, and cannot bypass a piece that is in its way. If a friendly piece intervenes, the moving piece is limited to a distance that stops short of the intervening piece; if the friendly piece is adjacent, it cannot move in that direction at all.

The ranging pieces are the standards, queen, free dream-eater, wooden dove, dragons (except: violent, flying and reclining), demons, running horse, mountain eagle, whale, running rabbit, tigers (except blind), turtle snake, ceramic dove, lance, oxcart, chariots, flying swallow, running pup, running serpent, great dove, running bear, running stag, running wolf, free pup, phoenix master, kirin master, vertical bear, side boar, silver rabbit, golden deer, great stag, cloud eagle, bishop, rook, side wolf, mountain falcon, soldiers (except: sword, burning and crossbow), violent ox, golden bird, white horse, howling dog, side mover, water buffalo, turtles, vertical wolf, side ox, liberated horse, treacherous fox, roc master, vermillion sparrow, horseman, swallow's wings, side flyer, great master, side monkey, vertical mover, flying ox, vertical pup, vertical horse, dragon horse, dragon king, horned falcon, soaring eagle, roaring dog and lion dog.

Hook moves (changing tack)

The hook-mover, long-nosed goblin, capricorn, and peacock can move any number of squares along a straight line, as a normal ranging piece, but may also abruptly change tack left or right by 90° at any one place along the route, and then continue as a ranging piece. Turning a corner like this is optional.

The range covered by a hook move is the equivalent of two moves by a rook, or two moves by a bishop, depending on the piece. However, a hook move is functionally a single move: The piece cannot capture twice in one move, nor may it capture and then move on. It must stop before an intervening piece (unless it first changes direction to avoid it), and must stop when it captures, just like any other ranging piece. It can only change direction once per move.

Area movers

The lion and lion hawk may take multiple (2) steps in a single turn. These do not have to be in a line, so these pieces can potentially reach every square within two or three steps of the starting square, not just squares along one of the diagonals or orthogonals. Such moves are also useful to get around obstructions. An area mover must stop where it captures.

Limited range jumping pieces

The golden bird and several promoted pieces have the option of jumping a limited number of squares, and then continuing on in the same direction as a ranging piece.

Range jumping (flying) pieces

The ancient dragon may jump over any number of pieces, friend or foe, along a straight line, but only when making a capture. Otherwise it moves as a ranging piece.

Range capturing pieces

The great general, vice general, rook general, bishop general, violent dragon and flying crocodile may jump over any number of pieces, friend or foe, along a diagonal or orthogonal. They capture all pieces they jump.

However, they may only jump pieces of lower rank, whether friend or foe. The relevant ranking is:

1. King, prince
2. Great general
3. Vice general
4. Rook general, bishop general, violent dragon, flying crocodile

Individual pieces

Pawn (歩兵)

• Step: The pawn can move one square orthogonally forward.
• Betza Notation: fW

Earth general (土将) and go between (仲人)

• Step: The earth general and go between can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: vW
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Stone general (石将)

• Step: The stone general can move one square diagonally forward.
• Notation: fF

Because it cannot move orthogonally or backward, a stone general can only reach less than half the squares on the board.

Iron general (鉄将) and dog (犬)

• Step: The iron general and dog can move one square forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
• Notation: fWfF
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Swooping owl (鴟行), old rat (老鼠) and Strutting crow (烏行)

• Step: The swooping owl, old rat and strutting crow can move one square orthogonally forward or diagonally backward.
• Notation: fWbF
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Tile general (瓦将) and sword soldier (刀兵)

• Step: The tile general and sword soldier can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
• Notation: bWfF
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Copper general (銅将), flying goose (鳫飛) and climbing monkey (登猿)

• Step: The copper general can move one square orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
• Notation: vWfF
• They have the same range of movement but each promotes differently (see above).

Reclining dragon (臥龍)

• Step: The reclining dragon can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
• Notation: W

Coiled serpent (蟠蛇)

• Step: The coiled serpent can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally backward.
• Notation: vWbF

Flying cock (鶏飛)

• Step: The flying cock can move one square orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
• Notation: sWfF

Cat sword (猫刄)

• Step: The cat sword can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: F

Because it cannot move orthogonally, a cat sword can only reach half the squares on the board.

Evil wolf (悪狼)

• Step: The evil wolf can move one square orthogonally sideways or forward; or diagonally forward.
• Notation: fFfsW

Silver general (銀将) and violent stag (猛鹿)

• Step: The silver general and violent stag can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or one square orthogonally forward.
• Notation: FfW
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Blind dog (盲犬) and Chinese cock (淮鶏)

• Step: The blind dog and Chinese cock can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways or one square diagonally forward.
• Notation: fFbsW
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Old monkey (古猿)

• Step: The old monkey can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally backward.
• Notation: FbW

Gold general (金将) and violent wolf (猛狼)

• Step: The gold general and violent wolf can step one square in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally forward, giving them six possibilities.
• They cannot move diagonally backward.
• Notation: WfF
• The pieces have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Ferocious leopard (猛豹)

• Step: The ferocious leopard can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: vK

Blind monkey (盲猿) and blind bear (盲熊)

• Step: The blind monkey and blind bear can move one square in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.
• Notation: sK

Drunken elephant (醉象), neighboring king (近王) and Rushing boar (行猪)

• Step: The drunken elephant, neighboring king and rushing boar can move one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally backward.
• Notation: fsK
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Deva (提婆)

• Step: The Deva can move one square in any direction orthogonally or diagonally, except diagonally forward to the right.
• Notation: WflFbF

Dark spirit (無明)

• Step: The dark spirit can move one square in any direction orthogonally or diagonally, except diagonally forward to the left.
• Notation: WfrFbF

Blind tiger (盲虎)

• Step: The blind tiger can move one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally forward.
• Notation: bsK

Prince (太子), left general (左将), right general (右将), bear's eyes (熊眼) and venomous wolf (毒狼)

• Step: The prince, left and right generals, bear's eyes and venomous wolf can step one square in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
• Notation: K
• A prince may move into check (not recommended).
• The pieces have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Wood general (木将)

• Limited range: The wood general can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
• Notation: fB2

Donkey (驢馬) and enchanted badger (変狸)

• Limited range: The donkey and enchanted badger can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
• Notation: R2
• Their range of movement and promotions are the same.

Flying horse (馬麟)

• Limited range: The flying horse can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: B2

Beast cadet (獣曹)

• Limited range: The beast cadet can move one or two squares orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: B2fsR2

King (玉将), fragrant elephant (香象) and white elephant (白象)

• Limited range: The king, fragrant elephant and white elephant can move one or two squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
• Notation: Q2
• The king may move into check (not recommended).
• The elephants have the same promotion.

Rushing bird (行鳥)

• Step: The rushing bird can move one square orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
• Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
• Notation: FfsWfnD

Angry boar (嗔猪)

• Step: The angry boar can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways; or
• Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
• Notation: fB2fsW

Violent bear (猛熊)

• Limited range: The violent bear can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
• Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.
• Step: One version of the game has the violent bear moving one square orthogonally forward; another version has it moving one square diagonally backward.
• Notation: fB2fsW (or FsWfnA in the other version)

Eastern barbarian (東夷) and western barbarian (西戎)

• Limited range: The eastern barbarian and western barbarian can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
• Step: They can move one square orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
• Notation: WfFvnD
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Northern barbarian (北狄), southern barbarian (南蛮) and prancing stag (踊鹿)

• Limited range: The northern barbarian, southern barbarian and prancing stag can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
• Step: They can move one square orthogonally forward or backward or diagonally forward.
• Notation: WfFsnD
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Poisonous snake (毒蛇)

• Step: The poisonous snake can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
• Limited range: It can moves one or two squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
• Notation: WfFfsnD

Old kite (古鵄)

Kite here refers to the bird of prey.

• Limited range: The old kite can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions; or
• Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways.
• Notation: B2sW

Fierce eagle (猛鷲)

• Limited range: The fierce eagle can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
• Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways.
• Notation: B2fsW

Guardian of the gods (金剛)

• Limited range: The guardian of the gods can move one to three squares in the four orthogonal directions.
• Notation: R3

Wrestler (力士)

• Limited range: The wrestler can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: B3

Captive cadet (禽曹)

• Limited range: The captive cadet can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or sideways, or in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: B3fsR3

When it promotes to a captive officer (see above), it demotes (moving only two squares orthogonally instead of three).

Horse general (馬将), ox general (牛将), wind general (風将) and river general (川将)

• Step: The horse general, the ox general, the wind general and the river general can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
• Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
• Notation: fFbWfR3
• These pieces and their promotions have the same range of motion.

Fire general (火将)

• Step: The fire general can move one square diagonally forward.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: fFvR3

Water general (水将) and mountain general (山将)

• Step: The water general and mountain general can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
• Limited range: They can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
• Notation: fB3vW
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Buddhist devil (羅刹)

• Limited range: The Buddhist devil can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
• Step: It can move one square orthogonally sideways or backward.
• Notation: fR3bsW

Yaksha (夜叉)

• Step: The yaksha can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
• Notation: fFbWsR3

Sword general (刀将)

• Step: The sword general can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
• Notation: bWfQ3

Captive officer (禽吏)

• Limited range: The captive officer can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or sideways; or
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions
• Notation: B3fsR2

Beast officer (獣吏)

• Limited range: The beast officer can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: B3fsR2fnH

Heavenly tetrarch (四天)

• Limited range: The heavenly tetrarch can move one to four squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
• Notation: Q4

Chicken general (鶏将) and pup general (狗将)

• Step: The chicken general and pup general can move one square diagonally backward.
• Limited range: They can move one to four squares orthogonally forward.
• Notation: bFfR4
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Pig general (豚将)

• Limited range: The pig general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward; or
• Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally forward.
• Notation: bR2fB4

Mountain stag (山鹿)

• Step: The mountain stag can move one square orthogonally forward.
• Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
• Limited range: It can move one to four squares orthogonally backward.
• Notation: fB2fWsR2bR4

Leopard king (豹王)

• Limited range: The leopard king can move one to five squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
• Notation: Q5

Turtle dove (山鳩)

• Step: The turtle dove can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
• Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
• Notation: fB5bsW

Crossbow soldier (弓兵)

• Step: The crossbow soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
• Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally forward.
• Notation: fB3bWsR3fR5

Burning soldier (炮兵)

• Step: The burning soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
• Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
• Limited range: It can move one to seven squares orthogonally forward.
• Notation: fR5bWsR3fR7

Lance (香車), oxcart (牛車), and savage tiger (猛虎)

• Ranging: The lance, oxcart and savage tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: fR
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).

Reverse chariot (反車)

• Ranging: The reverse chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: vR

Side dragon (横龍)

• Ranging: The side dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or sideways.
• Notation: fsR

Mountain witch (山母)

• Range: The mountain witch can move any number of free squares in a straight line backward, orthogonally or diagonally.
• Notation: bQ
• When it reaches the first rank, it must stay there until captured.

White horse (白駒), bird of paradise (⿰古寺·⿱時鳥) and multi-general (雜将)

• Ranging: The white horse, bird of paradise and multi general can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
• Notation: vRfF

Rook (飛車), soldier (兵士), running chariot (走車), square-mover (方行) and gliding swallow (燕行)

• Ranging: The rook, soldier, running chariot, square-mover and gliding swallow can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
• They have the same range of motion but promote differently (see above).
• Notation: R

Free serpent (奔蛇), coiled dragon (蟠龍) and whale (鯨鯢)

• Range: The free serpent, the coiled dragon and the whale can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward, or diagonally backward.
• Notation: vRbB

Bishop (角行)

• Ranging: A bishop can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
• Notation: B

Because it cannot move orthogonally, a bishop can only reach half the squares on the board.

Free wolf (奔狼) and running leopard (走豹)

• Range: The free wolf and running leopard can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.
• Notation: fBfsR

Wizard stork (仙·⿱而鷦)

• Range: The wizard stork can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, backward or diagonally forward.
• Notation: fBsbR

Flying ox (飛牛), free bear (奔熊), free leopard (奔豹) and great whale (大鯨)

• Ranging: The flying ox, the free bear, the free leopard and the great whale can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: BvR

Treacherous fox (隠狐)

• Ranging: The treacherous fox can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
• Jump: One version of the game allows it to jump to the second or third square in those directions then move, another does not.
• Notation: BvR. In the version that allows the jumping to the second or third squares and continuing, the notation can be represented as BAGvRvDvH(mAmG-B)(mvDmvH-B)

Cavalier (騎士) and strong chariot (強車)

• Range: The cavalier and strong chariot can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
• Notation: RfB

Free dragon (奔龍) and free tiger (奔虎)

• Range: The free dragon and free tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal, except orthogonally forward.
• Notation: BbsR

Queen (奔王), free stag (奔鹿) and strong eagle (勁鷲)

• Ranging: The queen, the free stag and the strong eagle can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal.
• Notation: Q

Howling dog (left and right) (𠵇犬)

• Step: The howling dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: bWfR
• The left and right howling dogs have the same range of motion but promote differently (see above).

Vertical horse (竪馬)

• Step: The vertical horse can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: fFbWfR

Spear soldier (鎗兵)

• Step: The spear soldier can move one square orthogonally backward or sideways.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: WfR

Vertical pup (竪狗)

• Step: The vertical pup can move one square backward, orthogonally or diagonally.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: bFbWfR

Raiding falcon (延鷹)

• Step: The raiding falcon can move one square diagonally forward.
• Step: The raiding falcon can move one square orthogonally sideways.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: fFsWfR

Right iron chariot (右鉄車)

• Step: The right iron chariot can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the left.
• Notation: WblB

Left iron chariot (左鉄車)

• Step: The left iron chariot can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward to the right.
• Notation: WbrB

Vertical leopard (竪豹)

• Step: The vertical leopard can move one square orthogonally backward, sideways or diagonally forward.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
• Notation: WfFfR

Right dog (右犬)

• Step: The right dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or diagonally backward to the left.
• Notation: bWfRblB

Left dog (左犬)

• Step: The left dog can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or diagonally backward to the right.
• Notation: bWfRbrB

Ram's-head soldier (羊兵) and Flying swallow (飛燕)

• Ranging: The ram's-head soldier and the flying swallow can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
• Step: It can move one square orthogonally backward.
• Notation: bWfB

Wood chariot (木車)

• Step: The wood chariot can move one square diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: flFbrFvR

Tile chariot (瓦車)

• Step: The tile chariot can move one square diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: frFblFvR

Running boar (走猪), Running pup (走狗), running serpent (走蛇), Earth chariot (土車) and Vertical-mover (竪行).

• Step: The running boar, running pup, running serpent, earth chariot and vertical-mover can move one square orthogonally sideways.
• Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).
• Notation: WvR

Violent ox (猛牛)

• Step: The violent ox can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
• Notation: vWfB

Side wolf (横狼)

• Step: The side wolf can move one square diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
• Notation: flFbrFsR

Side ox (横牛)

• Step: The side ox can move one square diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
• Ranging: It can move any number of squares orthogonally sideways.
• Notation: frFblFsR

Side-mover (横行)

• Ranging: The side-mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
• Step: It can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: WsR

Side monkey (横猿)

• Step: The side monkey can move one square diagonally forward or orthogonally backward.
• Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
• Notation: bWfFsR

Divine sparrow (神雀)

• Step: The divine sparrow can move one square diagonally forward to the left or in the four orthogonal directions.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward or forward to the left.
• Notation: WlB. If the description is interpreted as the second diagram, the notation can be represented as WflBbB

Note : This description is ambiguous and can be interpreted two ways.

Plodding ox (歬牛)

• Step: The plodding ox can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
• Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
• Notation: FvR