Objective of the Game
The objective of Janggi is to checkmate the opponent's king (Janggun). Similar to chess, players must strategically plan to threaten the opponent's king inevitably.
Players and Material
Janggi is played by two players. The board consists of 9x10 grids without colored squares, unlike chess. There is no individual color field for the pieces, allowing for free movement flow. Each player has their pieces on one of the two opposite sides of the board.
The pieces include: - 1 Janggun (King) - 2 Sang (Elephants) - 2 Ma (Horses) - 2 Po (Cannons) - 2 Sa (Advisors) - 5 Byeong (Soldiers) - 2 Cha (Chariots)
Starting Setup
The pieces are placed in a specific starting setup. While the exact rules may vary, a typical arrangement is: Soldiers standing at the front, chariots on the corners, and the king with the advisors in a 3x3 area in the center, called "Palace."
Movements of the Pieces
- King (Janggun): Moves one space straight or diagonally within the palace.
- Advisor (Sa): Moves one space diagonally within the palace.
- Elephant (Sang): Moves exactly four spaces in an 'L' pattern. Obstacles block them.
- Horse (Ma): Moves three spaces in an 'L' pattern. An obstacle can block one step.
- Cannon (Po): Moves in straight lines but captures by jumping exactly over one piece.
- Chariot (Cha): Moves like rooks in chess across any number of squares on the board.
- Soldiers (Byeong): Move one space straight or sideways. In the opponent's palace, they may move backward.
Rules and Special Features
- Checkmate: The game ends when a Janggun (King) is checkmated.
- Stalemate and Draws: If no legal moves remain, the game is drawn.
- Turn Requirement: Unlike chess, there is no move rights; players alternate turns.
- Center Control: The area between palaces is crucial as controlling key positions can greatly influence the game's outcome.
Strategic Considerations: - Utilizing cannons is crucial, as depending on the opponent’s piece positioning, they offer both offense and defense. - Position your soldiers strategically as they become more flexible in the opponent's palace.
Conclusion
Janggi is a tactical game with deep strategic potential. It requires players to be patient and plan ahead to defeat the opponent's king.
