While exploring, you will meet NPCs who will introduce various mini-games in Where Winds Meet. One showcased game is a chess mini-game, where you compete against different NPCs to win. The tactics used in the chess mini-game resemble traditional chess, but there are key differences. This guide will explain how to play and win in chess in Where Winds Meet.
Chess Mini-Game Explained: Where Winds Meet
The main goal of the chess mini-game is not to let your general be overtaken by the opponent. Wang Dayan will introduce you to the chess mini-game after increasing your reputation with him and meeting him at Heaven’s Pier.
There are seven chess pieces, and each offers unique movements, as explained below.
- General – The main component that will help you win or lose the game. The General acts as the King in Western Chess, but can only use 1 square at a time and has to stay within the 3×3 grid on their side of the board. Cannot move diagonally, but can be moved up, down, right, or left.
- Advisor – Moves only diagonally and only moves one square at a time. Similar to the General, he has to stay within the Palace and cannot cross over. They also have a 3×3 grid that will restrict them.
- Chariot – Functions like a Rook, with the freedom to exit the Palace and move vertically or horizontally. The Chariot cannot jump over pieces blocking its path.
- Horse – The horse moves similarly to the Knight, in an L shape, but only one block each. It has to move straight first for 1 square, either left, right, up, or down, then 1 square diagonally. Like the Chariot, the Horse cannot move over objects blocking its straight starting paths.
- Elephant – Moves only 2 blocks diagonally. They can’t cross over to the other side of the board, and they can’t jump over obstacles blocking their second movement block.
- Cannon – The Cannon and Chariot offer similar movement, where they move in one direction across the board. But if they need to capture the opponent’s piece, they can jump over another piece to get it. It doesn’t matter if it is an ally or an enemy. Remember though, there has to be a single chess piece for the Cannon to cross over to capture.
- Soldier – The Pawns in the game can move forward for 1 square only. After crossing over to the other side, they are allowed to move 1 square forward or sideways, but never backwards.
How to Play Chess
Before you begin, you should know how your board setup works.
- Right in the center of the board is the River, which runs horizontally.
- Pieces like the Elephant cannot cross over, and some like the Soldier can change their movement after crossing.
- Jumping over chess pieces isn’t allowed here, unless it’s a Cannon trying to capture.
- Use this tactic to learn how to block enemies from walking into your side of the board.
Like classical chess, your goal here is to capture the opponent’s General by placing your piece near their perimeter to trap them. If you just manage to threaten capture of the General by getting close but not close enough, then this will be considered a Check, where the opponent gets a chance to decide the next move.
But, unlike Western chess, there is a way to win by using the General’s Facing rule. If both your generals face each other across the board, and there are no pawns stopping your or your opponent’s advances, then this is considered an automatic win for the player who traps the other.
How to Win
- Each round, you are given random pieces to use on your side of the board. Utilize the pieces that allow movement across the river to make it easier to capture the General.
- Avoid moving your General around, unless they are at risk of being captured. Rather, use the pieces that cannot cross over to guard the General.
- Also, keep guard on enemies that will cross over, and use your remaining pieces to get rid of them.
- Always keep track of your offensive pieces, the ones that can cross over to the other side. They will determine how you win the game.
- Avoid losing your offensive pieces to the opponent by making risky moves, and always plan your strategy in advance.
- If you do end up losing all your offensive pieces, then you need to work on your defense to protect your General.
All Chess Mini Game Locations
Qinghe Chess Locations
| NPC | Cost to Play Per Round | Victory Rewards | Affection Rewards |
| Wang Dayan | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | 1x Momentum Follower 1x Red Clay Tea Set |
| Qi Sheng | 30x Commerce Coin | 60x Commerce Coin | 1x Chariot Breaker 1x Kunshan Jade Seal |
| Yan Ying | 50x Commerce Coin | 100x Commerce Coin | 1x Emerging Loongs 1x Lady Xu’s Dagger |
| Ye Buxiu | Medium: 50x Commerce Coin Hard: 100x Commerce Coin Expert: 150x Commerce Coin | Medium: 100x Commerce Coin Hard: 200x Commerce Coin Expert: 300x Commerce Coin |
Kaifeng Chess Locations
| NPC | Cost to Play Per Round | Victory Rewards | Affection Rewards |
| Li Jiaojiao | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | |
| Jin Lanke | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | |
| Bai Yunsheng | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | |
| Ma Sizhong | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | |
| Wan Zhi’an | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | 1x Seven Poets 1x Red Clay Tea Set |
| Mao Tianyou | 10x Commerce Coin | 20x Commerce Coin | Determined Stride Kunshan Jade Seal Antique |
For more Where Winds Meet guides, check our guides on How To Get Giveaway Emote, Great Hero’s Three Trials, and Yin Yang Dial Puzzle Solution.
