What happens if I repeat moves in 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
It depends on what you are doing while you repeat. If neither side is checking or chasing, a repetition is simply a draw. If you are the one checking or chasing, you are required to vary — and if you refuse, you lose. Repetition itself is not the offence; forcing it is.
The three cases
- Neither side forcing — draw.
- One side checking or chasing — that side must vary, or loses.
- Both sides forcing — generally a draw, with the casebook deciding the mixed cases.
A practical warning
If you are better and want to make progress, repeating once to gain time on the clock is fine. If you are worse and hoping to repeat your way out, check whether you are the one giving check — because in that case the rule is working against you, not for you.
Related questions
Is repeating to gain time allowed?
Yes, as long as you are not the one delivering perpetual check or chase.
Who decides in a tournament?
The arbiter, using the event's rules and the casebook.
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