---
title: "How Xiangqi Ratings Work · Xiangqi Master"
description: "Most systems use an Elo-style calculation: you gain points for beating stronger players and lose more for losing to weaker ones."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/how-do-xiangqi-ratings-work
updated: 2026-09-22
source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com)
license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
---

# How do xiangqi ratings work?

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
>
> Almost all of them are **Elo-style**: your rating predicts your result against an opponent, and the difference between the prediction and the outcome moves it. Beat someone stronger and you gain a lot; lose to someone weaker and you lose a lot. Ratings from different sites are **not comparable**.

## Why cross-site comparison fails

A rating measures performance against *that pool*, calibrated to whatever starting value the site chose. A 1700 on a small site with strong players may be stronger than a 2000 on a large casual one. The only figure meaningful in the abstract is a national federation rating, and only within that federation.

## What moves it

Not opening study. Tactics and basic endgames decide almost every game below expert level, and reviewing your own losses is the highest-return habit. Rating follows from those and does not respond to reading.

## Related questions

What is a good rating?

Roughly: 1000–1200 new, 1400–1600 no longer hanging pieces, 1800–2000 strong club, 2200+ approaching master.

Should I play rated or casual?

Both — casual for experiments, rated for feedback. Avoid rated games when tired.

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