--- title: "What Is Correspondence Xiangqi? ยท Xiangqi Master" description: "Correspondence or turn-based xiangqi gives each player a day or more per move, letting you analyse carefully instead of playing in real time." url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/what-is-correspondence-xiangqi updated: 2026-09-23 source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com) license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) --- # 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. ## Related xiangqi resources Play xiangqi Free, in the browser, nothing to install How to improve What to study, in what order Xiangqi questions answered Every question on this site, in one index ## Try it on a real board Reading an answer is one thing; playing it is another. Free, instant, and nothing to install.