How do you set up a xiangqi board?
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
Back rank, outside in: chariot, horse, elephant, advisor, general, advisor, elephant, horse, chariot. Then the two cannons on the third rank, under the horses. Then five soldiers on the fourth rank, on alternating files, with a gap between each. Everything sits on intersections.
The two easy mistakes
- Cannons on the wrong rank. They go on the third rank from your edge, directly in front of the horses — not beside them.
- Soldiers packed together. Five soldiers on five alternating files (1, 3, 5, 7, 9), each with an empty point between. Those gaps are why the cannons have open lines from move one.
Checking it
Two quick checks: the generals should face each other down the central file with only the two central soldiers between them, and each cannon should have a clear line all the way across the board. If either is wrong, something is misplaced.
Related questions
Which side does the general go on?
The centre file of your own back rank, inside the palace. There is no left/right choice as with the chess queen.
Does it matter which way the board faces?
The river inscription should read correctly from the side, but nothing about play depends on orientation.
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