Play xiangqi against the computer
Computer
You
Tap a red piece to start, or choose a side and level below and press Play.
Learn xiangqi
Xiangqi RulesThe board, how every piece moves, the flying general, perpetual check and how a game ends.
The PiecesWhat each piece is worth and how to use it: chariot, cannon, horse, elephant, advisor, soldier and general.
BeginnersWhere to start, the mistakes every new player makes, and how to improve quickly.
OpeningsThe common openings and the principles behind developing your pieces in xiangqi.
MiddlegameMaking a plan once the pieces are out: coordination, attacking a wing, keeping your position together.
Checkmate PatternsThe classic mating patterns of xiangqi that decide real games again and again.
EndgamesBasic endgames: what wins, what draws, and the positions that look winning but are not.
For Chess PlayersComing from international chess: what carries over, what does not, and the traps chess players fall into.
Xiangqi in VietnamHow cờ tướng is played in Vietnam: park games, notation, etiquette and the words you will hear.
Playing OnlineMatchmaking, time controls, playing friends and fair play when you play xiangqi online.
Latest articles
Xiangqi Time Controls Explained: 1+0, 3+2, 5+3, 10+5 or 15+10 — Which One Should You Play?
Xiangqi Rules for Beginners: The Board, the Pieces, the Goal and Everything You Need for Your First Game
Xiangqi Piece Values: How Much Each Piece Is Worth, How Values Change During the Game, and When to Ignore Them
Playing Xiangqi on Your Phone: Tapping Moves, Adding the Site to Your Home Screen and Staying Connected
Xiangqi in Vietnam: Sidewalk Games, Café Boards and the Crowd Around Every Table
Xiangqi for Chess Players: What Carries Over, What Doesn't, and How to Get Good Quickly
Quick answers
Do I need an account to play?
No. Pick Red or Black, choose a level and press Play — or just tap a red piece and the game starts. An unfinished game is kept on this device. Want to stop? Press Leave; it does not count as a loss.
How strong is the computer?
There are four levels. Beginner and Easy play loosely on purpose and sometimes leave pieces hanging so new players can practise spotting them. Medium looks three moves ahead. Hard searches much deeper and rarely gives anything away.
How do I move?
Tap one of your pieces and the points it can reach light up green; tap a point to move there. A green ring means you can capture. Every rule is enforced: the blocked horse leg, the elephant eye, the cannon screen and the flying general.
When does the game end?
When one side is checkmated or has no legal move — in xiangqi, having no move is a loss too. Repeating the same position three times, or both sides running out of attacking pieces, is scored as a draw here.
What does the move list mean?
Moves are written in WXF notation: piece letter, file number counted from each player's right, then + (forward), - (back) or = (sideways) and a number. C2=5 means the cannon on file 2 moves sideways to file 5.