If you’ve been getting clapped by Wang Dayan in his chess match mini-games on Where Winds Meet or losing for reasons that make absolutely no sense, don’t worry, you’re not alone. I lost multiple times before I realized the game wasn’t rigged like that time when I was looking for what the Lunar Goddess really wants… I just didn’t understand the rules or the objectives. So here’s a quick, friendly guide to help you stop losing randomly, protect your coward General, and win your match like a chess master in Wuxia.
How Wang Dayan’s Chess Works (and Why You Keep Losing)
When the match starts, you’re given a random set of pieces. Sometimes you’ll get lucky with strong attackers. Sometimes RNG hands you three emotional-support Elephants. That’s normal.
But no matter what pieces you get, your #1 priority is always your General.
Protect Your General At All Costs
Your General:
- Can only move inside his box
- Cannot directly face the enemy General
If both Generals line up with no piece between them, congrats, instant defeat.
No dramatic cutscene. No second chances.
Just boom, your General turns into stone and you lose.
This rule explains 99% of the “WHY DID I JUST LOSE?!” moments.
NOTE: There’s a clip below which shows you how to win the Wang Dayan’s Chess Match from start to finish!
Using Defensive Pieces (Your Elephants Are Your Best Friends)
You’ll sometimes get pieces that can’t cross the River, like the Elephant.
These pieces are meant for defense, not offense.
Think of them as your General’s bodyguards.
Park them in strategic spots and let them block lanes so your fragile General doesn’t get sniped.
In my run, I dropped my Elephant in a lane I didn’t want to babysit anymore, instantly solved.
Setting Up Your Attack
Once your General is safe and tucked away like the scared little monarch he is, it’s time to go on the offensive.
Pieces like Horses and offensive units can cross the River and pressure the enemy General.
Your job is to:
- Move your Horses to safe tiles
- Start pushing them forward
- Look for openings where the enemy lines up badly
- Punish them immediately
Sometimes, the enemy will literally set themselves up for disaster.
If their piece walks into your attack path?
Bam. Take that.
Moving Your General Carefully
There will be moments when you need to reposition your General.
That’s fine, just make sure:
- He stays inside
- He NEVER lines up with the enemy General
- He’s covered by defensive pieces (Elephant, Guards, etc.)
Once he’s safe again, you’re free to keep pushing your attack.
Closing In for the Win
As long as your General is safe and your Horses are marching up, the rest is just trapping the enemy General.
Move your pieces in slowly.
Don’t rush.
Don’t panic.
Watch their movement mistakes.
Set your trap…
…and that’s a clean win.
Wrap-Up
Wang Dayan’s chess can look confusing at first, especially when you’re losing for reasons that feel unfair. But once you understand the General rule, defensive pieces, and how to push your attack safely, the whole thing becomes way easier, and honestly pretty fun.
Up next, if you’re interested in learning more about the Wuxia world of Where Winds Meet, I recommend that you check out my guide on how to climb on top of the Peace Bell Tower in Moonveil Peak. Doing so allows you to obtain a trophy!
