How do I play xiangqi online with a friend?
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
On this site, open a private room and send its link to your friend. When they join, you play each other directly instead of being paired from the lobby. You both need a free account with a confirmed email address. Two people sharing one device is not supported, so each player needs their own phone or computer.
Step by step
Create an account and confirm your email, then ask your friend to do the same. From the play page, open a private room and copy its link. Send it by any messaging app. Your friend opens the link in their browser, on phone or desktop, and the game begins. There is nothing to install for either of you.
If your friend is new to the game
Let them try the computer first: it needs no account, has four strength levels and can give hints, which is a gentler first taste than losing to a friend in ten moves. The interactive lessons cover the moves. Then play each other. See how to teach someone xiangqi for what to show first.
Sitting at the same table
If you are together in person, a physical board is the simplest option, and a board is easy to make; see drawing your own board. The site does not support passing one device back and forth. You could each use your own device with a private room, even across the table.
Related questions
Is it free?
Yes. Accounts, playing people, the computer, lessons, puzzles and the analysis board are all free.
Can we look at the game together afterwards?
Games are saved and can be reviewed, and positions can be explored on the analysis board.
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