Can you play xiangqi online for free?
These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws for movement, checkmate and both repetition rulings: a side that forces a repetition by perpetual check or perpetual chase loses rather than drawing. The chase half has not been validated against the official casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it before publishing.
Direct answer
Yes — and you can start without an account. You can play a computer opponent at several strengths straight away in a browser, with nothing to install. Playing a real person needs a free account with a confirmed email address, which also adds a rating, saved games and progress tracking.
Playing the computer first
If you have just learned the rules, play the computer at its lowest level a dozen times. It never gets impatient, it punishes hung pieces consistently, and there is no social cost to losing quickly — which you will, and should.
Illegal moves are refused with the reason, so the board itself teaches the rules you have not absorbed yet.
Moving on to people
Computers at low levels play unnatural moves. Once you can beat the easy levels, switch to human opponents: their mistakes look like the mistakes you will meet, and their attacks come from plans rather than from search.
Play some slow games. Fast games give you volume without decisions worth reviewing.
Related questions
Do I need to create an account?
Not to play the computer. Playing other people needs a free account with a confirmed email address, which also adds a rating, saved games and progress tracking.
Is there a xiangqi app?
This site's client runs in any browser, on phone or desktop, which is why there is nothing to install.
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