River

The area between fifth rank and sixth rank is called “river”, Diagram 2. The river
divides the Xiangqi board into two opposing sides. Elephant pieces are not allowed
to cross the river to opponent’s side. Pawns have an enhanced to move horizontally
after crossing the river.

Palace
On both sides is an area of two by two squares marked with a diagonal cross, these
areas are known as "palace", Diagram 2. Kings and advisors are placed inside the
palace. Both are not allowed to move outside of the palace.

Diagram 2

Files
There are total nine vertical lines on the board, Diagram3. The vertical line is named
File. Each vertical line represent by a number from one to nine. The number one is
the first vertical line from player’s right side, also call File 1. Number nine or File 9
is the last vertical line counting from right. Therefore, File 1 is also known as
opponent’s File 9. Each file is given a name. The details of the file name as described
below.

File 5: Central File

File 1 and File 9: Edge Files

File 2 and File 8: 2nd File, 8th File

File 3 and File 7: Elbow Files

File 4 and File 6: Rib Files

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