The soldier in xiangqi
The soldier is the weakest piece at the start in xiangqi. It moves one point forward until it crosses the river, when it gains a sideways move. There is no promotion. English players often call this piece the pawn.
Updated 10 September 2026
How the soldier moves
The soldier moves and captures one point forward only. The soldier can never move backward, even to escape danger. Before it crosses the river, the soldier cannot move sideways either.
Crossing the river
Once a soldier crosses the river, it gains a sideways move. It can then move forward or sideways, one point at a time. It still can never move backward. A soldier that reaches the last rank can only move sideways.
No promotion
The soldier never promotes to a stronger piece. A pawn in Western chess can promote to a queen, but a xiangqi soldier keeps its simple move for the whole game. Xiangqi endgames therefore turn on checkmate, not on a new queen.
Tips for playing the soldier
Push soldiers across the river early to gain the sideways move. Soldiers that cross the river together can support each other's attacks. Near the end of a game, an advanced soldier can trap the enemy general.
Questions and answers
Can a soldier move backward in xiangqi?
A soldier can never move backward in xiangqi, even to escape capture. The limit applies for the whole game. Each soldier's advance is therefore a one-way commitment.
What changes for a soldier after it crosses the river?
After it crosses the river, a soldier gains a sideways move. It can then move forward or sideways, one point at a time. The soldier still can never move backward.
Does a soldier promote like a pawn in chess?
A soldier never promotes in xiangqi, unlike a pawn in Western chess. It keeps the same simple move for the entire game. Its value comes from position, not promotion.