# Taikyoku shogi

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 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.
Board layout :
| | | | | | D | | | | | GB | | | | D | | | | | | | D | | | | GB | | | | | D | | | | | |
| P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P | P |
| LC | MK | VM | OX | LB | VP | VH | BN | DH | DK | SE | HF | EL | SP | VL | TG | SC | LD | DG | SC | TG | VL | SP | EL | HF | SE | DK | DH | BN | VH | VP | LB | OX | VM | MK | RC |
| CH | SL | VR | WN | RE | M | SD | HS | GN | OS | EA | BS | SG | LP | T | BE | I | GM | GE | I | BE | T | LP | SG | BS | EA | OS | GN | HS | SD | M | RE | WN | VR | SL | CH |
| EC | BL | EB | HO | OW | CM | CS | SW | BM | BT | OC | SF | BB | OR | SQ | SN | RD | LI | FE | RD | SN | SQ | OR | BB | SF | OC | BT | BM | SW | CS | CM | OW | HO | EB | VI | EC |
| TC | VW | SX | DO | FH | VB | AB | EW | LH | CK | OM | CC | WS | ES | VS | NT | TF | RM | MT | TF | NT | VS | SU | NB | CC | OM | CK | LH | EW | AB | VB | FH | DO | SX | VW | TC |
| WC | WH | HD | SM | PR | WB | FL | EG | FD | PS | FY | ST | BI | WG | F | KR | CA | GT | LL | HM | PH | F | WG | BI | ST | FY | PS | FD | EG | FL | WB | PR | SM | HD | WH | WC |
| CI | CE | B | R | WF | FC | MF | VT | SO | LS | CL | CR | RH | HE | VO | GD | GO | DV | DS | GO | GD | VO | HE | RH | CR | CL | LS | SO | VT | MF | FC | WF | R | B | CE | CI |
| SV | VE | N | PI | CG | PG | H | O | CN | SA | SR | GL | LN | CT | GS | VD | WL | GG | VG | WL | VD | GS | CT | LN | GL | SR | SA | CN | O | H | PG | CG | PI | N | VE | SV |
| GC | SI | RN | RW | BG | RO | LT | LE | BO | WD | FP | RB | OK | PC | WA | FI | C | KM | PM | C | FI | WA | PC | OK | RB | FP | WD | BO | RI | TT | RO | BG | RW | RN | SI | GC |
| RV | WE | TD | FS | CO | RA | FO | MS | RP | RU | SS | GR | RT | BA | BD | WR | S | NK | DE | S | GU | YA | BA | RT | GR | SS | RU | RP | MS | FO | RA | CO | FS | TD | FG | RV |
| L | TS | RR | W | DM | ML | LO | BC | HR | FR | ED | CD | FT | Q | RS | LG | G | K | CP | G | RG | RS | Q | FT | WO | ED | FR | HR | BC | LO | MR | DM | W | RR | WT | L |

#### 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
    DM – Fire Demon
    DO – Donkey
    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:
* King, prince
* Great general
* Vice general
* Rook general, bishop general, violent dragon, flying crocodile

#### Individual pieces

Notation :
| ○ | Steps a limited number of squares along a straight line. |
| ☆ | Jumps to this square, bypassing any intervening piece. |
| ! | Igui (capture without moving). Counts as two steps. |
| ☆ | May jump directly to this square, or reach it through a multiple-step move. |
| │ | Ranges along a straight line, crossing any number of empty squares |
| ─ | Ranges along a straight line, crossing any number of empty squares |
| ╲ | Ranges along a straight line, crossing any number of empty squares |
| ╱ | Ranges along a straight line, crossing any number of empty squares |
| ╳ | May turn 90° at this square. |
| ┼ | May turn 90° at this square. |

##### 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

##### Swallow's wings (燕羽)

* Step: The Swallow's wings can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: WfFsR

##### Side-flyer (横飛)

* Step: The side-flyer can move one square in the four diagonal directions; or
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: FsR

##### Flying stag (飛鹿) and copper elephant (銅象)

* Step: The flying stag and copper elephant can move one square orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
* Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: KvR

##### Vermillion sparrow (朱雀)

* Step: The vermillion sparrow can move one square in the four orthogonal directions, or diagonally forward to the right or diagonally backward to the left.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the left or diagonally backward to the right.
* Notation: KflBbrB

##### Turtle-snake (玄武)

* Ranging: The turtle-snake can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward to the right or backward to the left.
* Step: It can move one square in any of the remaining directions.
* Notation: KfrBblB

##### Side boar (横猪)

* Step: The side boar can move one square orthogonally forward or backward; or in the four diagonal directions.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: KsR

##### Left chariot (左車)

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

##### Right chariot (右車)

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

##### Great tiger (大虎)

* Step: The great tiger can move one square orthogonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or backward.
* Notation: WbsR

##### Right tiger (右虎)

* Step: The right tiger can move one square diagonally right.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally left or diagonally left.
* Notation: FlQ

##### Left tiger (左虎)

* Step: The left tiger can move one square diagonally left.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally right or diagonally right.
* Notation: FrQ

##### Great bear (大熊)

* Step: The great bear can move one square orthogonally sideways or backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: WfQ

##### Running rabbit (走兎)

* Step: The running rabbit can move one square orthogonally or diagonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forward.
* Notation: bKfQ

##### Left army (左軍)

* Step: The left army can move one square orthogonally forward, backward, right or diagonally right.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line left, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: KlQ

##### Right army (右軍)

* Step: The right army can move one square orthogonally forward, backward, left or diagonally left.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line right, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: KrQ

##### Divine turtle (神亀)

* Step: The divine turtle 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 along either rear diagonal, or diagonally forward to the right.
* Notation: KfrBbB

##### Running wolf (走狼)

* Step: The running wolf can move one square orthogonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
* Notation: fWfBsR

##### Flying falcon (飛鷹)

* Step: The flying falcon can move one square orthogonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of squares in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: BfW

##### Burning chariot (炮車)

* Step: The burning chariot can move one square orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.
* Notation: WfBvR

##### Dragon king (龍王)

* Ranging: A dragon king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Step: It can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: RF

##### Dragon horse (龍馬)

* Ranging: A dragon horse can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
* Step: It can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: WB

##### Free boar (奔猪)

* Step: The free boar can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.
* Notation: WfsRfB

##### Wind dragon (風龍)

* Step: The wind dragon can move one square diagonally backward to the left.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, diagonally forward or diagonally backward to the right.
* Notation: FfBbrBsR

##### Cloud dragon (雲龍)

* Step: The cloud dragon can move one square orthogonally forward or sideways.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: BWbR

##### Rain dragon (雨龍)

* Step: The rain dragon can move one square orthogonally or diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or backward; or diagonally backward.
* Notation: WbsRFbB

##### Fire ox (火牛) and violent wind (暴風)

* Step: The fire ox and violent wind can move one square orthogonally sideways.
* Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward, forward or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: vQW

##### Chinese river (淮川)

* Step: The Chinese river can move one square orthogonally forward or backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: WsQ

##### Vertical tiger (竪虎)

* Limited range: The vertical tiger can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: fRbR2

##### Wind snapping turtle (風鼈)

* Limited range: The wind snapping turtle can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: fB2vR

##### Running tile (走瓦), Running tiger (走虎) and running bear (走熊)

* Limited range: The running tile, running tiger and running bear can move one or two squares 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: vRsR2

##### Golden deer (金鹿)

* Ranging: The golden deer can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Notation: fBbB2

##### Silver rabbit (銀兎)

* Limited range: The silver rabbit can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.
* Notation: fB2bB

##### Walking heron (歩䳲)

* Limited range: The walking heron can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: sR2fB2vR

##### Young bird (𦬨鳥)

* Limited range: The young bird can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: sR2bBb2vR

##### Right dragon (右龍)

* Limited range: The right dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally right.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally left or diagonally left.
* Notation: rR2lQ

##### Left dragon (左龍)

* Limited range: The left dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally left.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally right or diagonally right.
* Notation: lR2rQ

##### Blue dragon (青龍)

* Ranging: The blue dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward to the right.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: sR2vRfrB

##### White tiger (白虎)

* Ranging: The white tiger can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways, or diagonally forward to the left.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: vR2sRflB

##### Divine tiger (神虎)

* Limited range: The divine tiger can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways, or diagonally forward to the left.
* Notation: bR2fsRflB

##### Divine dragon (神龍)

* Limited range: The divine dragon can move one or two squares orthogonally left.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, right, backward or diagonally forward to the right.
* Notation: lR2vrRfrB

##### Running stag (奔鹿)

* Limited range: The running stag can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or diagonally forward.
* Notation: bR2sRfB

##### Rear standard (後旗)

* Limited range: The rear standard can move one or two squares diagonally.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally
* Notation: B2R

##### Ceramic dove (鳩盤) and Elephant king (象王)

* Limited range: The ceramic dove and the elephant king can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions
* Notation: R2B

##### Woodland demon (林鬼), Free chicken (奔鶏), Horseman (騎兵) and Great horse (大駒)

* Limited range: The woodland demon, the free chicken, the horseman and the great horse can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
* Notation: sR2vRfB

##### Free dog (奔犬)

* Limited range: The free dog can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.
* Notation: sR2bB2vRfB

##### Running ox (走牛)

* Limited range: The running ox can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or diagonally forward.
* Notation: bB2fsRfB

##### Chariot soldier (車兵)

* Limited range: The chariot soldier can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, orthogonally backward or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: sR2vQ

##### Fire demon (火鬼) and Water buffalo (水牛)

* Limited range: The fire demon and water buffalo can move one or two squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: vR2sQ
The fire demon cannot burn other pieces as in tenjiku shogi.

##### Strong bear (強熊)

* Limited range: The strong bear can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: bR2fsQ

##### Liberated horse (風馬)

* Step: The liberated horse can move one square diagonally forward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: fFbR2fR

##### Vertical bear (竪熊) and Vertical soldier (竪兵)

* Step: The vertical bear and vertical soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: They can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: b2sR2fR

##### Tiger soldier (虎兵)

* Step: The tiger soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
* Notation: bWfR2fB

##### Earth dragon (地龍)

* Step: The earth dragon can move one square orthogonally forward or diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares in the four diagonal directions.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.
* Notation: fWfB2bB
The Japanese Wikipedia describes another set of movements for this piece.
* Step: The earth dragon can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally backward.
* Notation: fFbWfR2bB

##### Silver chariot (銀車)

* Step: The silver chariot can move one square diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: bFfB2vR

##### Stone chariot (石車)

* Step: The stone chariot can move one square diagonally forward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: It can move any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: fFsR2vR

##### Side soldier (横兵)

* Step: The side soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: bWfR2sR

##### Gold chariot (金車)

* Step: The gold chariot can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: FsR2vR

##### Boar soldier (猪兵), leopard soldier (豹兵) and bear soldier (熊兵)

* Step: The boar soldier, leopard soldier and bear soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: They can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: bWsR2fQ

##### Free pup (奔狗), free ox (奔牛), free horse (奔馬) and free pig (奔豚)

* Step: The free pup, the free ox, the free horse and the free pig can move one square diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward; or diagonally forward.
* Notation: FsR2vRfB

##### Little standard (小旗)

* Step: The little standard can move one square diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RfB2bF

##### Copper chariot (銅車)

* Limited range: The copper chariot can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: fB3vR

##### Forest demon (森鬼)

* Limited range: The forest demon can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward or diagonally forward.
* Notation: fsR3fBbR

##### Great dragon (大龍)

* Limited range: The great dragon can move one to three squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: BvR3

##### Center standard (中旗) and front standard (前旗)

* Limited range: The center standard and front standard can move one to three squares in the four diagonal directions.
* Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above). Uniquely, when a center standard promotes to a front standard, it gains no new abilities.
* Notation: B3R

##### Great dove (大鳩)

* Limited range: The great dove can move one to three squares in the four orthogonal directions.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: R3B

##### Great standard (大旗)

* Limited range: The great standard can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RbB3fB

##### Vertical wolf (竪狼)

* Step: The vertical wolf can move one square orthogonally sideways.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: sWbR3fR

##### Side serpent (横蛇)

* Step: The side serpent can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: bWfR3sR

##### Cloud eagle (雲鷲)

* Step: The cloud eagle can move one square orthogonally sideways.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: sWfF3vWW

##### Goose wing (鴻翼)

* Step: The goose wing can move one square in the four diagonal directions.
* Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: FsW3vWW

##### Horse soldier (馬兵) and ox soldier (牛兵)

* Step: The horse soldier and ox soldier can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Ranging: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
* They have the same range of movement but promote differently (see above).
* Notation: bWsR3fQ

##### Spear general (鎗将)

* Limited range: The spear general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: bR2sR3fR

##### Burning general (炮将)

* Limited range: The burning general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: bR2sR3fQ

##### Beast bird (獣鳥) and captive bird (禽鳥)

* Limited range: The beast bird and captive bird can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: They can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: BbR2sR3fR

##### Longbow soldier (弩兵) and Great leopard (大豹)

* Step: The longbow soldier and the great leopard can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Limited range: It can move one, two or three squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: bWsR2fRfB3

##### Thunder runner (雷走)

* Limited range: The thunder runner can move one to four squares orthogonally sideways or backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: bsR4fQ

##### Fire dragon (火龍)

* Limited range: The fire dragon can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RbB2fB4

##### Water dragon (水龍)

* Limited range: The water dragon can move one or two squares diagonally forward.
* Limited range: It can move one to four squares diagonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RfB2bB4

##### Longbow general (弩将)

* Limited range: The longbow general can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, backward or diagonally forward.
* Notation: fBvRsR5

##### Right phoenix (右鵰)

* Limited range: The right phoenix can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: BsR5

##### Peaceful mountain (泰山)

* Limited range: The peaceful mountain can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: BfsR5

##### Free demon (奔鬼)

* Limited range: The free demon can move one to five squares orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally right.
* Notation: BbR5rR
The Japanese Wikipedia describes another set of movements for this piece.
* Limited range: The free demon can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions or orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: BvR5sR

##### Free dream-eater (奔獏)

* Ranging: The free dream-eater 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.
* Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: vQsR5

##### Free fire (奔火)

* Limited range: The free fire can move one to five squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: sQvR5

##### Running dragon (走龍)

* Limited range: The running dragon can move one to five squares orthogonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward, sideways or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: fsQbR5

##### Great shark (大鱗)

* Limited range: The shark can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RbB2fB5

##### Crossbow general (弓将)

* Limited range: The crossbow general can move one or two squares orthogonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Limited range: It can move one to five squares diagonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: bR2sR3fRfB5

##### Playful cockatoo (遊䳇)

* Limited range: The playful cockatoo can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
* Limited range: It can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: bB2fB3sR5vR

##### Knight (桂馬)

* Jump: A knight jumps at an angle intermediate between orthogonal and diagonal, amounting to one square forward plus one square diagonally forward, in a single motion. That is, it has a choice of two forward destinations.
* The knight ignores intervening pieces on the way to its destination, though its destination square must of course be either empty, or occupied by an opponent's piece (in which case the opponent's piece is captured), just as with any other moving piece.
* Notation: ffN

##### Flying dragon (飛龍)

* Jump: The flying dragon can jump to the second square in the four diagonal directions.
* Because it cannot move orthogonally or to every diagonal square, a flying dragon can only reach one eighth of the squares on the board.
* Notation: A

##### Kirin (麒麟)

* Step: A kirin can move one square orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally sideways.
* Notation: FsD

##### Phoenix (鳳凰)

* Step: The phoenix can move one square in the four orthogonal directions.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: WA

##### Flying cat (飛猫)

* Step: The flying cat can move one square orthogonally backward or diagonally backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or sideways, or diagonally forward.
* Notation: bWbFfsHfG

##### Running horse (走馬)

* Step: The running horse can move one square orthogonally backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally or diagonally forward.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square diagonally backwards.
* Notation: bWbAfQ

##### Mountain falcon (山鷹)

* Limited range: The mountain falcon can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally forward.
* Notation: fDbB2fBvR. If this piece can move orthogonally sideways, notation can be represented as fDbB2RfB
    Note: This is the depiction of the diagram in Japanese wiki. However, the text makes no mention of an ability to move orthogonally sideways.

##### Little turtle (小亀)

* Limited range: The little turtle can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward or backward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or in the four diagonal directions.
* Notation: vQsR2vD

##### Great stag (大鹿)

* Limited range: The great stag can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RfAbB2

##### Left mountain eagle (左山鷲)

* Limited range: The left mountain eagle can move one or two squares diagonally backward to the right.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square along either left diagonal.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally left, diagonally forward to the right, or in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RlAfBblBbrB2

##### Right mountain eagle (右山鷲)

* Limited range: The right mountain eagle can move one or two squares diagonally backward to the left.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square along either right diagonal.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally right, diagonally forward to the left, or in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: RlAblB2fBbrB

##### Kirin-master (麟師) and Great turtle (大亀)

* Limited range: The kirin-master and great turtle can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: They can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally or orthogonally forward or backward.
* Jump: They can jump to the third square orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: vQvHsR3

##### Phoenix-master (鳳師)

* Limited range: The phoenix-master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally or orthogonally forward or backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the third square diagonally forward.
* Notation: vQfGsR3

##### Great master (大師)

* Limited range: The great master can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the third square forward, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line forward, orthogonally or diagonally, or orthogonally backward.
* Notation: fGfHbB5sR5fBvR

##### Horned falcon (角鷹)

* Ranging: The horned falcon can move as a queen.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward.
* Notation: QfD

##### Soaring eagle (飛鷲)

* Jump: The soaring eagle can jump to the second square diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: QfA

##### Roaring dog (吼犬)

* Limited range: The roaring dog can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the third square diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward or in the four orthogonal directions.
* Notation: HRbB3fB

##### Lion-dog (狛犬)

* Jump: The lion-dog can jump to the third square in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: QHG

##### Great dream-eater (大獏)

* Jump: The great dream-eater can jump to the third square orthogonally sideways.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Notation: QsH

##### Heavenly horse (天馬)

* Jump: The heavenly horse jumps at an angle intermediate between orthogonal and diagonal, amounting to one square forward plus one square diagonally forward, in a single motion; or one square backward plus one square diagonally backward, in a single motion.
* It ignores intervening pieces while jumping to its destination, though its destination square must of course be either empty, or occupied by an opponent's piece (in which case the opponent's piece is captured), just as with any other moving piece.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward.
* Notation: vNfR

##### Spirit turtle (霊亀)

* Jump: The spirit turtle can jump to the third square in the four orthogonal directions.
* Range: It can move as a queen.
* Notation: QH

##### Treasure turtle (宝亀)

* Jump: The treasure turtle can jump to the second square in the four orthogonal directions.
* Range: It can move as a queen.
* Notation: QD

##### Wooden dove (鳩槃)

* Limited range: The wooden dove can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, but has the option of jumping in these directions instead of ranging.
* Jump plus limited range: It can jump to the third square in the four diagonal directions, and then (optionally) move one or two squares in the same direction.
* Notation: R2BG(G-B2)

##### Center master (中師)

* Limited range: The center master can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square and then (optionally) move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward, or diagonally forward.
* Notation: sR3bB3vDfAbRfB(fA-B)(vD-R)

##### Roc-master (鵬師)

* Limited range: The roc-master can move one to five squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Jump/ Ranging: It can jump to the third square and then (optionally) move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
* Ranging: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: fGbB5sR5vR(fG-fB)

##### Free eagle (奔鷲)

* Jump/ranging: The free eagle can jump to the second or third square, and then (optionally) move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions or diagonally backward.
* Jump/ranging: It can jump to the second to fourth square, and then (optionally) move any number of free squares in a straight line diagonally forward.
* It need not jump before moving or move after jumping.
* Notation: QDAHG(4,4)(D-R)(A-B)(H-R)(G-B)((4,4)-B)

##### Free bird (奔翅)

* Limited range: The free bird can move one to three squares diagonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions.
* Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces diagonally forward, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
* Notation: RbB3(f(mpB)3-B)
| | | | 3 | │ | 3 | | | |

##### Great falcon (大鷹)

* Range: The great falcon can move any number of squares in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square orthogonally forward before (optionally) moving on in that direction.
* Notation: QvD(vD-R)

##### Teaching king (教王)

* Jump and range: The teaching king can jump up to three pieces along a straight line in any diagonal or orthogonal direction, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
* Notation: HG(H-R)(G-B)
| | | | 3 | 3 | 3 | | | |
| ─ | ─ | ─ | 3 | ☖ | 3 | ─ | ─ | ─ |
| | | | 3 | 3 | 3 | | | |

##### Mountain crane (山鶻)

* Range: The mountain crane can move as a queen.
* Jump: It can jump to the third square and (optionally) continue in that direction.
* Notation: QHG(H-R)(G-B)

##### Great eagle (大鷲)

* Range: The great eagle can move as a queen.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally, and (optionally) continue moving in that direction.
* Notation: QDA(D-R)(A-B)

##### Great elephant (大象)

* Limited range: The great elephant can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
* Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces in a straight line diagonally backward or in one of the four orthogonal directions, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
* Notation: fB3(pR-R)(b(mpB)3-B)
| | | | ○ | 3 | ○ | | | |
| ─ | ─ | ─ | 3 | ☖ | 3 | ─ | ─ | ─ |
| | | | 3 | 3 | 3 | | | |

##### Golden bird (金翅)

* Limited range: The golden bird can move one to three squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally forward or backward.
* Jump and range: It can jump up to three pieces diagonally forward, and then optionally continue any number of free squares in that direction.
* Notation: bF3sW3vW(f(mpFF)3-FF)
| | | 3 | │ | 3 | | |

##### Ancient dragon (元龍)

* Range: The ancient dragon can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions.
* Ranging jump: It can jump over any number of squares orthogonally forward or backward.
* Notation: B(v(mppR)-R)

##### Rain demon (霖鬼)

* Limited range: The rain demon can move one or two squares orthogonally sideways or diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares orthogonally forward.
* Range: It can move any number of free squares in a straight line orthogonally backward.
* Range jump: It can jump any number of squares along either forward diagonal.
* Notation: fR3sR2bR(f(mppB)-B)

##### Rook general (飛将)

* Range capture: The rook general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any orthogonal direction, so long as they don't contain a royal (king or prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
* Notation: ((cRcdR)-R), ignoring capturing restrictions

##### Bishop general (角将)

* Range capture: The bishop general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any diagonal direction, so long as they don't contain a royal (king or prince) or another range capturing piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
* Notation: ((cBcdB)-B), ignoring capturing restrictions

##### Great general (大将)

* Range capture: The great general can fly over any number of squares along a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally, as long as they don't contain a royal (king or prince) or another great general. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
* Notation: ((cQcdQ)-Q), ignoring capturing restrictions

##### Violent dragon (猛龍)

* Limited range: The violent dragon can move one or two squares in the four orthogonal directions.
* Range capture: It can fly over any number of pieces along one of the four diagonal directions, as long as they don't include a royal (king or prince) or another range-jumping piece. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
* Notation: W2((cBcdB)-B), ignoring capturing restrictions

##### Flying crocodile (飛鰐)

* Limited range: The flying crocodile can move one or two squares diagonally backward.
* Limited range: It can move one to three squares diagonally forward.
* Range capture: It can jump any number of pieces in one of the four orthogonal directions, as long as these do not include a royal (king or prince) or another range-capturing piece. Any piece it jumps over is removed from the board.
* Notation: bB2fB3((cRcdR)-R), ignoring capturing restrictions

##### Vice general (副将)

* Jump: The vice general can jump to the second square in the four orthogonal directions. This is a standard jump.
* Range capture: It can fly over any number of squares along one of the four diagonal directions, as long as they don't contain a royal (king or prince), great general, or another vice general. All pieces it flies over are removed from the game.
* Notation: D((cBcdB)-B), ignoring capturing restrictions

##### Hook-mover (鉤行)

* Hook move: The hook-mover can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four orthogonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.
* Notation: R(R-sR)

##### Long-nosed goblin (tengu) (天狗)

* Hook move: The long-nosed goblin can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.
* Notation: B(B-sB)
Unlike in other shogi variants, in taikyoku the tengu cannot move orthogonally, and therefore can only reach half of the squares on the board. This is the move of the capricorn, and may be an error.

##### Capricorn (摩羯)

* Hook move: The capricorn can move any number of free squares in a straight line in the four diagonal directions, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a perpendicular direction.
* Notation: B(B-sB). If the capricorn can also move one square orthogonally, the notation can be represented as WB(B-sB)
    The description of the Tengu implies the capricorn also can move one square orthogonally. If it isn't the case, it can only reach half of the squares on the board.

##### Peacock (孔雀)

* Hook move: The peacock can move any number of free squares in a straight line along one of the two forward diagonals, then (optionally) turn 90° and move any number of free squares in a straight line in a perpendicular diagonal direction.
* Limited range: It can move one or two squares in one of the two rearward diagonals.
* Notation: bB2fB(fB-sB)

##### Heavenly tetrarch king (四天王)

* Range: The heavenly tetrarch king can move any number of free squares in a straight line in any direction, orthogonally or diagonally.
* Jump: It can jump to the second square before (optionally) moving on in that direction.
* It can capture a piece on an adjacent square without moving (igui).
* Notation: QDA(D-R)(A-B)(cK-bK)

##### Lion (獅子)

* Area move/double capture: The lion can step one square in any direction up to twice in a turn. It can change directions after its first step, and is not restricted to following one of the eight orthogonal or diagonal directions. That is, it can also step to one of the in-between squares that a knight jumps to in Western chess.
** Unlike the hook-movers, it can continue after a capture on the first step, potentially capturing two pieces on each turn.
** By moving back to its starting square, it can effectively capture a piece on an adjacent square without moving. This is called 居喰い igui "stationary feeding".
** A similar move without capturing leaves the board unchanged, which is a way to pass a turn.
* Jump: The lion can jump anywhere within two squares. This is equivalent to jumping in any of the eight diagonal or orthogonal directions, or making any of the jumps of a knight in Western chess.
* Notation: KDAN(cK-bK)
    Note: The restrictions when capturing a lion in chu shogi do not apply in taikyoku shogi.

##### Furious fiend (奮迅)

* Area move/double capture or jump: The furious fiend can move as a lion; or
* Limited range: It can move three squares in any direction, orthogonal or diagonal. (A normal move: it can only capture once and cannot jump when doing this.)
* Notation: Q3DAN(cK-bK)

##### Buddhist spirit (法性)

* Area move/double capture: The Buddhist spirit can move as a lion, or
* Range: It can move as a queen.
* Notation: QDAN(cK-bK)

##### Lion hawk (獅鷹)

* Area move/double capture/ranging: The lion hawk can move as a lion or as a bishop.
* Jump/ranging: It can leap to the second square in any diagonal direction before making a bishop move in that same direction.
* Notation: WBDAN(cK-bK)(A-B)