What should I look for in a xiangqi app or site?
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
Three things matter. Does it implement the repetition rules properly — many simplify perpetual check to a draw, which is the chess rule and will mislead you. Does it offer western piece symbols if you are still learning the characters. And are there real opponents near your level at the times you play.
The repetition question is the important one
If a site treats perpetual check as a draw, you will practise a resource that loses in tournament play. That is worse than not practising it, because you are learning a habit you will have to unlearn under pressure.
Nice to have
Move takeback for casual games, an analysis board, stored game history you can review, and puzzles. Stored history matters more than it sounds — reviewing your own losses is the single highest-return activity, and you cannot do it if the games are gone.
Related questions
Does this site follow the WXF rules?
Yes, including both repetition rulings: a perpetual checker and a perpetual chaser both lose here rather than drawing. The chase half is not yet validated against the official casebook. See editorial standards.
Do I need to install anything?
Not here. It runs in a browser on phone or desktop.
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