How to play Janggi

Janggi game key art — Korean chess on a hanok alley bench

Korean chess on a hanok alley bench

Illustrated how-to

  1. How to play Janggi, step 1 — Tap a piece to pick it
    Step 1

    Tap a piece to pick it

    Its moves light up — tap one or drag the piece there

  2. How to play Janggi, step 2 — Check with no escape is mate
    Step 2

    Check with no escape is mate

    Checkmate the rival general to win at once. Generals and guards stay in the palace; cannons jump one piece

  3. How to play Janggi, step 3 — Out of moves? Points decide
    Step 3

    Out of moves? Points decide

    Chariot 13 · cannon 7 · horse 5 · elephant 3 · guard 3 · soldier 2, Han +1.5. Move within 30 seconds

Full rules

  • Tap one of your pieces and its moves light up. Tap a target or drag the piece there.
  • The board has 9 files × 10 ranks and pieces sit on the intersections. The general and guards stay in the palace; the cannon moves by jumping exactly one piece.
  • Put the rival general in check with no escape — checkmate, you win! When the moves run out, the higher score wins (Han gets a 1.5-point bonus).
  • If the generals face each other and nobody blocks, it is bikjang — the points decide.
  • 30 seconds per move (45 in puzzles)! Run out and you lose.
  • Puzzles: deliver checkmate within the given number of moves.
  • Watch an ad to undo your last move and the reply.

↩️ Help you get from ads

Take back a bad move

Watch an ad to undo your last move and your rival’s reply, then play again — even right after running out of time or getting mated

FAQ

Is Janggi free to play?
Yes. You can play for free in your web browser with no install. When you win, data (MB) is added to your wallet.
Can I play Janggi on my phone?
Yes. You can play in the web browser on a phone, tablet or PC.
Does Janggi have a time limit?
Yes, each round has a time limit.
How long does a round of Janggi take?
About About 3 min on average.

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