--- title: "How to Resolve a Move Dispute Without an Arbiter ยท Xiangqi Master" description: "Reconstruct the position from the last point both players agree on, check the rule together rather than argue the outcome, and default to the more cautious reading." url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/how-do-i-resolve-a-move-dispute-without-an-arbiter updated: 2026-09-23 source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com) license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) --- # How do I resolve a dispute about a move in a casual game with no arbiter present? 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 > > **Reconstruct the position back to the last point you both agree on**, rather than arguing forward from disagreement. Then check the actual rule together, especially if it touches the flying general rule or repetition, rather than debating what feels fair, and default to the more cautious reading if the rule genuinely does not settle it. ## Going back to common ground Most disputes are really disagreements about what happened several moves ago, not about the rule itself. If you have a scoresheet or a digital record, use it; if not, walk the position back together to the last move neither of you disputes, and replay forward from there before deciding anything. ## Checking the rule instead of arguing the feeling Xiangqi's repetition rules in particular are precise enough that "it feels like it should be a draw" is not a reliable guide; see [perpetual check and chase](https://xiangqimaster.com/rules/perpetual-check-and-chase) for what actually governs it. In casual play without an arbiter, the fairest outcome is usually whichever reading both players can agree the written rule actually supports. ## Related questions What if we still cannot agree? Replay the game from the disputed point as a fresh position, or simply agree to a draw and move on; neither outcome is worth a lasting argument in a casual game. Should this ever be a reason to bring in a third party? If a club has an experienced player on hand, asking them to rule is a reasonable, low-stakes way to settle it quickly. ## Related xiangqi resources Perpetual check and chase Repetition is adjudicated, not automatically drawn The flying general Generals may never face each other down an open file Play xiangqi Free, in the browser, nothing to install ## Try it on a real board Reading an answer is one thing; playing it is another. Free, instant, and nothing to install.