Workshop: Chinese Chess

Saturday, 10/11/2025
2:00 - 3:00
Ortega Meeting Room
Ortega

3223 Ortega Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
United States

415-355-5700

Chinese Chess, or Xiangqi (象棋), is one of the most popular board games in China and across Asia. Similar to Western chess, it is a strategic game with unique pieces, rules and a rich history spanning over 1,000 years. 

Workshop Goals:

  • Learn the basic rules and piece movements
  • Play short games independently
  • Recognize checkmates and threats
  • Build strategic thinking and planning skills
  • Experience a traditional aspect of Chinese culture

This program is open to all ages and skill levels. Everyone is welcome to come learn how to play Chinese Chess and explore opportunities to participate in tournaments and championships.

 

Special Opportunity for Youth (Under 18):

Attend this session to learn how you may be eligible for sponsorship to participate in upcoming youth Chinese Chess tournaments!

Opportunities include:

  • North America Youth Chinese Chess Championship
    Open to all players under 18. Represent your region in a professionally organized tournament and qualify for global competitions.
  • World Xiangqi Championship (U12 & U16 divisions)
  • Nanjing Chinese Chess Study Tour (Ages 14–18)

Sponsorship provided by the Northern California Xiangqi Association (北加州象棋協會).

 

Presenter Bios

Stephen Cho is multilingual chess educator and International Master in Chinese Chess with over 10 years of experience teaching students from elementary to adult levels. Strong background in mathematics, education and cultural programs. Proven record in international competitions and media engagement.

Chinese Chess/Chess TITLES & ACHIEVEMENTS

  • International Master, World Xiangqi Federation – Awarded 2020
  • Master of Xiangqi Federation – Top 14 finish, 17th World Xiangqi Championship, Canada 2019
  • 3rd Place, 2023 North America Cup Xiangqi Championship
  • 4th Place, 2018 North America Xiangqi Championship
  • 3rd Place, 2016 North America Xiangqi Championship
  • Live Host, 18th World Xiangqi Championship in Houston (Tencent, 2023)
  • Official Reporter, Xinhua News Agency (2023 World Championship Coverage)
  • U1400 Champion, 2025 Memorial Day Chess Tournament

 

象棋是中國以及亞洲地區最受歡迎的棋藝活動之一。它與西洋棋類似，是一種講究策略與邏輯思維的對弈遊戲，擁有獨特的棋子規則和超過一千年的歷史文化。

課程內容與目標：

  • 認識棋盤與基本規則
  • 學習各棋子的走法與功能
  • 能夠獨立完成簡單對局
  • 辨識將軍與防守威脅
  • 培養邏輯思考與戰略規劃能力
  • 體驗中國傳統文化的魅力

本課程歡迎所有年齡與程度的學員參加！
無論是初學者還是對象棋有興趣的朋友，都歡迎一同來學習與交流。

 

青少年專屬機會（18歲以下）

參加本課程的青少年有機會了解如何獲得由北加州象棋協會贊助參與象棋比賽與國際交流活動！

相關機會包括：

  • 北美青少年象棋錦標賽
  • 世界象棋錦標賽（U12 與 U16 組別）
  • 南京象棋文化研習之旅（適合14至18歲青少年）

Chinese American Interest

Connect to engaging discussions and performances related to the Chinese American community.

Gaming

Challenge yourself with our board games, video games and more.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.