The advisor in xiangqi
The advisor guards the general at close range in xiangqi. It moves one point diagonally and stays on five fixed points in the palace. English players also call this piece the guard.
Updated 10 September 2026
How the advisor moves
The advisor moves and captures one point diagonally. The advisor cannot move straight up, down, left, or right. The palace and the diagonal step together leave the advisor five points in total.
Staying in the palace
The five points open to the advisor form an X inside the palace. The advisor may never step outside the palace. That limit makes the advisor a close, steady guard for the general.
Tips for playing the advisor
Keep your advisors on the palace points that shield the general from a chariot or a cannon. Do not trade both advisors away too early in the game. A general with no advisors is much easier to attack.
Questions and answers
How does the advisor move in xiangqi?
The advisor moves one point diagonally and stays inside the palace. That limit leaves the advisor five fixed points near the general. The advisor can never leave those five points.
Can the advisor leave the palace to attack?
The advisor can never leave the palace, so it cannot attack far from the general. The limit applies for the whole game. The advisor defends and does not attack.
How many advisors does each side start with?
Each side starts with two advisors, one on each side of the general. They are 2 of the 16 starting pieces. Losing both advisors weakens the general's defence a great deal.