The high chrome bricks specimens were prepared by firing at 1 350, 1 450 and 1 550 ℃ in carbon embedded condition and at 1 700 ℃ in air, respectively. Effects of firing atmospheres (carbon embedded and air) on bulk density, apparent porosity, cold crushing strength, and slag penetration resistance of high chrome bricks were researched in order to improve physical properties and corrosion resistance of high chrome bricks and to prolong the service life in slagging coal gasifier. The results show that with temperature rising, the apparent porosity of specimens decreases and the bulk density increases; the cold crushing strength of the specimens carbon embedded fired at 1 450 ℃ is the highest, reaching 214 MPa; carbon embedded condition is beneficial to reducing the sintering temperature and improving the microstructure; the specimens carbon embedded fired at 1 450 ℃ perform better slag penetration resistance than the specimens fired at 1 700 ℃ in air.