What is the difference between check and checkmate 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
Check is a threat; checkmate is a threat with no answer. Check means the general could be captured next move and must be dealt with immediately, by capturing the attacker, blocking the line, or moving to safety. Checkmate is exactly that same threat when none of those three options is available, and it ends the game on the spot.
Why the distinction matters in practice
A check is survivable and often just a tempo-gaining move; a checkmate is final. Confusing "a strong check" with "mate" leads to premature resignations, while missing that a check actually has no reply leads to playing on past the end of the game. Always run through the three replies explicitly before assuming either.
The full list of ways a game actually ends
Checkmate, plus stalemate, which is also a loss in xiangqi rather than a draw, plus resignation, timeout and repetition adjudication. See how you win at xiangqi for the complete list.
Related questions
Do you have to announce check?
No, it is optional and not done in tournament play; the opponent is responsible for noticing it.
Can a position have check without any legal move existing at all?
Yes, that combination is exactly what checkmate is.
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