The elephant in xiangqi
The elephant defends its own side of the board in xiangqi. It moves exactly two points diagonally and can never cross the river. A piece on the midpoint, the elephant's eye, also stops the move.
Updated 10 September 2026
How the elephant moves
The elephant moves and captures exactly two points diagonally. This two-point step is longer than the advisor's single diagonal step. Each elephant reaches only seven points, all on its own side of the board. English players sometimes call this piece the bishop.
Blocking the elephant's eye
A piece sitting on the midpoint of the elephant's two-point step blocks that move. Players call this midpoint the elephant's eye. The Chinese term is 塞象眼, blocking the elephant's eye.
The elephant and the river
The elephant can never cross the river, so it stays on its own half of the board. The rule applies to the red elephant and the black elephant alike. The river limit makes the elephant a defender, not an attacker.
Tips for playing the elephant
Keep at least one elephant near your general to guard against enemy cannons. Watch for enemy pieces that aim to block your elephant's eye. A missing elephant can leave weak points open on your own side.
Questions and answers
Can the elephant cross the river in xiangqi?
The elephant can never cross the river in xiangqi. The rule applies to every elephant on the board. It keeps each elephant on its own defensive half.
What blocks an elephant's move?
A piece on the midpoint of the elephant's step blocks that move. Players call this midpoint the elephant's eye. The elephant cannot use that step while the eye stays blocked.
How many points can an elephant reach on the board?
Each elephant can reach only seven points on its own side of the board. The two-point diagonal step and the river limit together produce that number. The seven points form a fixed pattern, so the two elephants often defend each other.