Xiangqi Notation Converter

How the notation works

Chinese chess notation names the piece, the file it starts on, the action, and either the destination file or the number of ranks travelled. Files are counted from each player’s own right: Red uses Chinese numerals 一 to 九, Black uses 1 to 9. 平 means a sideways move, so the number is the destination file. 进 and 退 are forward and backward; for the chariot, cannon, soldier and general the number is how many ranks it travels, while for the horse, elephant and advisor it is the destination file.

Tip: when two identical pieces sit on the same file, write 前 or 后 instead of the file number — for example 前炮进二. The converter will refuse an ambiguous move rather than guess.