How do xiangqi tournaments 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
Most use a Swiss system: several rounds, players paired against others on similar scores, with colours alternated so everyone gets a fair share of Red. There is a clock, an arbiter, and touch-move. Larger events may use knockout or round-robin formats for finals.
Colour allocation matters here
Because Red moves first and that is worth a little, pairing rules try to balance how often each player gets it. Over a long event the effect washes out; over a short one it can matter, which is why organisers take it seriously.
Know the repetition rules
This is the one place xiangqi arbitration differs meaningfully from chess. Perpetual check loses and perpetual chase is adjudicated, so a position that a chess player would assume is a draw may be a loss. Read the event's rules on this before playing.
Related questions
Do I need a federation rating to enter?
Usually not for open events. Some titled events require one.
How long is a tournament game?
Often two to three hours with a full time control.
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