What is correspondence (turn-based) xiangqi and how does it 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
Correspondence xiangqi (also called turn-based play) gives each side a generous window, often a full day or more, to make each move, rather than requiring both players online at once. You make a move, the game waits, and your opponent replies whenever they are able to.
Why players use it
It suits people who want to think deeply without clock pressure, or who cannot commit to a continuous sitting because of time zones or a busy schedule. You can typically have several correspondence games running at once, checking in on each a few times a day rather than devoting a solid block of time to any single one.
What is usually restricted
Most serious correspondence platforms ban engine assistance the same way rated real-time games do, even though the slower pace makes it more tempting; using outside analysis is still cheating under the same standards. Some casual or purely social correspondence settings are more relaxed about this, so check the specific platform's rules before assuming either way.
Related questions
Is correspondence xiangqi rated the same way as fast games?
Platforms that offer it usually run a separate rating pool, since the pace changes what a result actually reflects.
Can I use a physical board to help think through a correspondence game?
Generally yes, since that is your own analysis rather than outside assistance; using another program or person to choose the move is what is restricted.
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