Do I need an account to play xiangqi online here?
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
Not to play the computer. You can play the computer and read every page on this site without an account. Playing other people needs an account with a confirmed email address, which is free and also adds three things: a rating, saved games you can replay and analyse, and progress tracking through the lessons and puzzles.
What an account changes
- Rating. Rated games move it; casual games do not, which makes casual the right setting for trying an opening you do not know.
- History. Finished games are stored and replayable move by move, which is what makes reviewing your own losses possible.
- Leaderboard. Your chosen username appears publicly if you play rated games.
What is recorded
What is stored, why, and how to opt out is set out in the privacy notice, which is the authority on the subject. Usernames are public by design, because they appear on the leaderboard and in every game you play.
Related questions
Is it free?
Yes, entirely, with no advertising. There is no paid tier.
Can I delete my account?
Yes, from account settings. Your profile and username go; games already played remain in your opponents' histories, because those are their games too.
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