How do I follow a xiangqi game record?
These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws and is regression-tested against the official 110-diagram repetition casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it against the engine before publishing.
Direct answer
Set up a board and play it through — game records are not designed to be read in the head. In Chinese records, Red's file numbers use Chinese numerals (一二三) and Black's use Arabic (1 2 3), which tells you at a glance whose move you are on.
The one thing that trips people up
Each side counts files from its own right, so the same physical file is 2 for Red and 8 for Black. The two numbers always sum to ten. Software converts for you; with a book and a board, it is a habit to build over a few games.
Captures and checks are not marked
There is no x and no + for check — + already means "advance". A record simply lists destinations and stops, with the result at the end. Following it on a board is therefore not optional.
Related questions
Can software replay records?
Yes, and most tools accept both Chinese and WXF notation.
Where do I find master games?
Chinese-language databases and league archives hold the bulk of them.
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