ZhamengQi

ZhamengQi is a XiangQi variant that features Grasshopper.

Like in XiangQi, there are palaces which are the 2 zones centred at the 1st to 3rd and 8th to 10th ranks of the board, each 3 points by 3 points.

Dividing the 2 opposing sides, between the 5th and 6th ranks, is the "river".

Setup

First rank

a1, i1 Rook
b1, h1 Mao
c1, g1 Minister
d1, f1 Advisor
e1 General

Second rank

a2, c2, g2, i2 Grasshopper

Third rank

b3, h3 Cannon

Fourth rank

a4, c4, e4, g4, i4 Soldier

Pieces

Rook

Red Rook Black Rook

The ROOOK moves exactly the same as the Rook in Chess. It moves in a straight line horizontally or vertically across any number of empty spaces, stopping either on an empty space or the first space it comes to that is occupied by one of the opponent's pieces. It may not pass over occupied spaces.

Mao

Red Knight Black Knight

The Mao is a Knight restricted to making its move in 2 steps, the 1st orthogonal {0,1} the 2nd diagonal {1,1}.

Minister

Red Elephant Black Elephant

The Minister moves 2 spaces in the same diagonal direction. Like the Mao, it may not leap over occupied spaces. So if the 1st step of its move is over an occupied space, it is blocked and may not make that move. Additionally, Ministers are confined to their own side of the river.

Advisor

Red Guard Black Guard

The Advisor moves 1 space diagonally. It may never leave the palace.

General

Red King Black King

The General moves 1 space orthogonally within the confines of the palace. The Generals can capture the opposing General that's a Rook move away. You win if you capture the opposing General.

Grasshopper

The Grasshopper moves queenwise over a piece to the 1st cell beyond, capturing any enemy piece on that cell.

Cannon

Red Cannon Black Cannon

The Cannon travels as rook, captures by hops along rook lines over a piece, from any distance before to any distance beyond.

Soldier

Red Pawn Black Pawn

The Soldier moves 1 space vertically forward. Upon crossing the river, it gains the additional ability to move 1 space horizontally.

Notes

Pieces estimated value:
Rook: 5 soldier
Advisor: 1 soldier
Grasshopper: 2 soldier
Cannon: 3 soldier
Minister: 1 soldier
Mao: 2,5 soldier

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