Chinese Chess - The Cannon / artillery

I started playing Chinese chess when I was about 6 years old, but I don't think I've ever beaten my dad until I was in my 30s. This is a family game that runs in my veins. My grandpa and I played all the way until he passed away. I play this game with passion and I would like to share this passion with all of you.

In this lesson I will share with you how to play the cannon in Chinese chess. These lessons are meant to be for absolute beginners. Not only do I explain how to move the pieces, I also go into how to pronounce the names in Chinese and in this particular case, the make up of the Chinese character for cannon, so you gain an understanding about Chinese language, which will in turn help you memorise the pieces on the chess board.

Cannon is a very unique piece - you don't see a similar piece in standard chess. Not only can it move around like a rook (unlimited steps vertically and horizontally), it can also jump over pieces to take opponent's pieces. It is perhaps the second most powerful piece on the board.