Xiangqi
Xiangqi is a 25-minute board game for 2. Move seven kinds of pieces across a 9×10 board and checkmate the opposing general. Free in your browser, no sign-up.
Play over time
Xiangqi in 30 seconds
- Set upPlace 16 pieces for Red and Black in their fixed positions; Red moves first.
- Take turnsMove one piece at a time. Each kind has its own movement and limits.
- CheckYou must answer a threat to the general, and the two generals may not face each other on an open file.
- WinCheckmate the opposing general or leave your opponent with no legal move.
At a glance
| Item | This game |
|---|---|
| Players | 2 players |
| Play time | About 25 min |
| Type | Board |
| Ranked play | No |
| Practice against the CPU | Yes |
| Price | Free (no account needed) |
| Rights holder | A public-domain classic game |
| Last updated | 2026-09-19 |
How to play Xiangqi online with friends
- Tap "Play with friends"A party is created with a 6-character code. No account is needed.
- Send a link or QR codeShare it on LINE, or just read the code aloud.
- Everyone opens it in a browserOnce 2 players have joined, the host taps "Start".
Rule highlights
Setup, play, winning, and house rules
Setup
- 2 players. On your own, play against the computer.
- Each side places 16 pieces on the intersections of a board with 9 files and 10 ranks. Red moves first.
- The two sides write some pieces differently: Red uses 帥 仕 相 炮 兵 and Black uses 將 士 象 砲 卒 for the general, advisor, elephant, cannon and soldier (車 chariot and 馬 horse are the same).
How to play
- A chariot slides along ranks and files. A horse moves one step orthogonally and then one diagonally. A cannon slides like a chariot when it is not capturing.
- To capture, a cannon must jump exactly one intervening piece. A horse cannot move in a direction when the first orthogonal step is occupied.
- A general moves one step orthogonally inside the palace; an advisor moves one step diagonally inside it; an elephant moves two points diagonally, cannot jump an occupied midpoint, and cannot cross the river.
- A soldier moves one step forward. After crossing the river it may also move one step sideways, but never backward.
- You may not leave your general open to capture or leave the two generals facing each other on an open file.
Winning
- Check the opposing general so that no legal reply exists to win by checkmate.
- You also win when the opponent has no legal move, even if the general is not in check.
- On this site, the third occurrence of the same position is a draw. A player may also resign.
House rules
| Name | Description | Default | Changeable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show legal moves | Selecting a piece marks every legal destination on the board. | On | Can be changed |
| Swap first player on rematch | Play again switches who controls Red and moves first. | On | Can be changed |
| Move limit | End a long game as a draw after this many moves. Choose none to disable the limit. | 300 moves | Can be changed |
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FAQ
How many can play?
2 players. On your own, play against the computer.
How is this different from chess?
Captured pieces never return. Cannon screens, blocked horse legs, the river and the palace are distinctive Xiangqi rules.
Where did the artwork come from?
The board and round character pieces were newly drawn for this site in HTML, CSS and SVG.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. No app is needed — just open it in a browser. You can join the same party as people on a PC or tablet.
Can two people play?
Yes. This game supports 2 or more players.
Can we play without being online at the same time?
Yes. Choose “Turn-based (told each turn)” and you can make one move whenever you like. We tell you when it is your turn. A table ends automatically, with no winner or loser, after 45 days without a move.
Rights holder and physical edition
This is a public-domain classic game. The rules follow the standard reference rules.
Related games
Same type (Board)
Same player count
Last updated 2026-09-19 · Run by Qdan, Inc.