How do I teach someone to play xiangqi?
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
Start with an empty board and three pieces: chariot, horse, cannon. Those three do almost all the work, and a game with only them is a real game. Add the general and advisors next, then elephants and soldiers. Demonstrate the cannon rather than explaining it — it does not land verbally.
Why not explain everything first
Because a twenty-minute lecture loses people, and because the rules are much easier to absorb one at a time in a position where they matter. A learner who has just watched a cannon jump a screen to take their chariot has understood the rule permanently.
Let them lose quickly
Short games with clear endings teach more than long confusing ones. Do not play at full strength and do not take everything — set up positions where they can find a mate, and let them.
Related questions
What age can children start?
Around five or six, the same as chess.
Should I teach notation?
Not at first. It is unnecessary for playing and can come much later.
.