I started playing Xiangqi (or Chinese Chess) in May 2009. Learning this game is relatively simple for anyone who can already play Western Chess.
Rather than explain the rules here I have listed some useful links. Xiangqi has many things in common with Western Chess (indeed they are both reckoned by some to be descended from an early Indian form of chess).
The biggest obstacle for non-Chinese who wish to learn Xiangqi is the symbols used for each piece. This is complicated by the fact that the symbols for black pieces are often different from the symbols for red pieces. However, I found that after a few days I was completely familiar with them. After several weeks of playing I was no longer constantly blundering and leaving pieces en prise, and was exploring openings with confidence.
Playing Xiangqi in Sheffield
There is a games night at Access Space, Sidney Street (7pm till 10pm on Tuesdays) and if you come along you should be able to get a game of Xiangqi. At the games night there is an excellent curry for all who attend. But as far as I know there are no proper Xiangqi clubs in Sheffield. Anyone interested in helping me organise one please email me at steve@deedah.org.
Useful links
- Wikipedia - good place to find the basic rules and history of the game.
- Club Xiangqi - the standard of play here is high. It's an excellent place to practise and learn.
- World Xiangqi Federation - there are quite a lot of resources here, including books on Xiangqi in pdf format.