Flexible Chinese Chess (F-Xiangqi)

[M Winther]

In Flexible Chinese Chess (F-Xiangqi) the rules are the same as in
orthodox Xiangqi except that the horses are initially placed outside
the board. Any empty square on the first rank can serve as initial
square, creating great opening flexibility without departing from
standard opening strategy. The horses can be introduced via any empty
square on the first rank and move immediately, effectively a
double-move. Pieces can be introduced at any time, provided that a
move exists that originates from the first rank. For instance, if the
red elephant has already moved away, a horse can be introduced via c1,
thus reaching the square d3, for instance (provided that it is empty).
Another way of formulating the rule is that the horses are potentially
present on the empty first rank squares. Flexible Chinese Chess is
intended as an alternative to standard Chinese Chess, radically
increasing the ramification of openings. By waiting a few moves before
introducing an external piece, a player can hide his intentions.

A Zillions program and more information is here:
http://hem.passagen.se/melki9/flexiblexiangqi.htm

Mats