---
title: "The Minimum Equipment You Need to Start Playing Xiangqi · Xiangqi Master"
description: "Nothing physical is required to start: a browser is enough. For a physical game, a paper roll-up board and plastic discs cover everything you actually need."
url: https://xiangqimaster.com/blog/what-is-the-minimum-equipment-i-need-to-start-playing-xiangqi
updated: 2026-09-22
source: Xiangqi Master (https://xiangqimaster.com)
license: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
---

# What is the minimum equipment I need to start playing 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
>
> **Nothing, if you start online**, a browser is the whole kit. For physical play, the minimum is a **board** (paper or vinyl is fine) and a **set of 32 pieces**. A clock is optional for casual games and only becomes necessary once you are playing under a time control.

## Why physical equipment can be cheap without being worse

A paper roll-up board with plastic discs plays exactly as well as an expensive wooden folding set with hardwood pieces, and costs a small fraction of the price. See [board setup](https://xiangqimaster.com/rules/board-setup) for what a full set actually needs to include.

## What you genuinely do not need at the start

A clock, a scorebook, a rating, or fluency in Chinese characters. All of these matter eventually for some players and none of them are required to play a real, complete game today.

## Related questions

Do I need an internet connection to play?

Only for online or human opponents. Playing the computer can work offline once the page has loaded.

Is a physical set worth buying if I mostly play online?

Useful for teaching others in person or for park and club play, but not necessary if your play is entirely online.

## Related xiangqi resources

Play xiangqi

Free, in the browser, nothing to install

Play the computer

Four difficulty levels, no account needed

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.