The Soldier
📋 What it is
A Soldier moves one point forward; after crossing the river it may ALSO move one point sideways (never backward).
🗣️ Coach says
The humble Soldier (pawn) plods one step forward. But cross the river and it gets promoted-in-place: now it can step sideways too, making it far more useful. Soldiers never move backward, so a river-crossed Soldier is a valuable little attacker near the enemy palace.
🧠 Memory hook
Forward only — until it crosses the river, then sideways too. Never backward.
😂 Giggle
Why did the two Generals refuse to look at each other?
Because the "flying general" rule says they can't face each other on an open column!
😲 Whoa!
A Xiangqi Soldier doesn't vanish and turn into a queen like a chess pawn — it just gains the sideways step, so even five Soldiers stay foot-soldiers, never royalty.
✅ Quick check: What new ability does a Soldier gain after it crosses the river?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
It may move one point sideways (left or right) in addition to forward — but still never backward.
Crossing the river adds sideways movement to the Soldier's forward step.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
March a Soldier to the river, cross it, and confirm it can now step sideways as well as forward.