Must you get out of check immediately in xiangqi?
These answers restate the rules implemented by our open-source engine, which follows the WXF laws for movement, checkmate and both repetition rulings: a side that forces a repetition by perpetual check or perpetual chase loses rather than drawing. The chase half has not been validated against the official casebook. Where an answer refers to a specific position, that position lives on the linked reference page, where the build verifies it before publishing.
Direct answer
Yes, on the very next move. You must capture the checking piece, block the line, or move the general to a safe point. Any move that leaves your general attacked — including a move that exposes it to the enemy general — is illegal and simply cannot be played.
When blocking does not work
- Against a horse — blocking the line is meaningless; you must block the horse's leg, capture it, or move.
- Against a cannon — adding a piece to the line gives it a second screen, which switches the check off. Removing the existing screen does the same.
- Against a double check — one block or capture usually stops only one checker, so the general usually has to move. The exception is a point on both lines: if a chariot checks and a cannon behind it uses that chariot as its screen, one piece put between the chariot and the general blocks both.
Perpetual check is not a way out
Answering check forever by giving check back does not produce a draw. Under the repetition laws, the player delivering perpetual check is required to vary and loses if they will not.
Related questions
Can I ignore check if I have mate in one?
No. The rules are absolute: you must answer the check, whatever else is available.
Is a double check possible?
Yes, usually from a discovered attack. The general usually has to move; another move answers only if it blocks both lines at once, such as a piece put between a chariot and the general when a cannon behind uses that chariot as its screen.
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